Abu Dhabi Layover: Desert Safari & Conrad Etihad Towers

With only 24 hours in Abu Dhabi, experience both adventure and relaxation with a desert safari tour and a luxurious stay. Riding a camel and seeing sand dunes were high on my priority list for my first visit to the desert, but I was also ready to recharge after many hours of travel and a day in Cairo preceding my late night arrival to Abu Dhabi.

Why do a Layover in Abu Dhabi

There’s something for everyone in Abu Dhabi, which makes it the perfect place to recharge on a layover. Abu Dhabi is the largest and wealthiest of the seven Emirates, despite it not being as well known as its glitzy neighbor Dubai. The main airport in Abu Dhabi is Zayed International airport and it serves as Etihad Airway’s main hub along with servicing many other airlines.

If you book your travel through Etihad, you may even qualify for a free hotel stay on your stopover. Due to Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, you’ll likely find yourself connecting here on your way farther east. This guide covers what I did on an Abu Dhabi layover, tips for visiting, and highlights other activities that are easily accessible.

View of Abu Dhabi at Night, coming in for landing on Etihad

Arriving in Abu Dhabi

I arrived in Abu Dhabi from Cairo at around midnight, and flew in Etihad’s business class on their A320. Coming from seeing the ancient pyramids and winding maze like alleys of Cairo; stepping foot in Abu Dhabi was like entering another planet.

When landing in Abu Dhabi, the city is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Carefully planned streets sprawl as far as you can see with orderly lights guiding its residents. The modern airport is welcoming and the transit visa on arrival process for Americans makes entering the country without hassle.

Taxis are readily available at the airport and is the easiest way to get to your accommodation in the city. The taxis cost around 80-100 AUD (around $20).

If you prefer to stay at a hotel by the airport then there is the Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Airport and the AUHotel. Be sure to check before arriving if you’ll need to apply for a transit visa or if you are one from one of the many countries that can get a free visa on arrival. 

Lobby of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, King Room

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers

I stayed at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, which I highly recommend. There is no better feeling than checking in to a luxurious hotel when you are exhausted, and it became elation for me when I was upgraded and able to get late checkout until 4 pm. When you stay at the Conrad Etihad towers it includes access to its pool, beach, and the Observation Deck at 300. Waiting in my room for me was also a welcome fruit basket, which was nice to have since I arrived very late and had an early wake up call for my activity the next day. 

Half Day Desert Safari Tour

Today was time to venture into the Abu Dhabi’s desert with this safari tour from Viator. It started with pickup from my hotel by a luxury vehicle and then we proceeded to pick up the other guests and meet up with the other cars.

The fun started with feeding camels, then dune bashing in the car, sandboarding, and ending with a camel ride. There was also time for a refreshment before heading back to Abu Dhabi. This half day tour ran right on schedule and was such a fun way to experience the area. Watch my video for a quick rundown of what it was really like to do this tour.

Camel Ride on Half Day Desert Safari Morning tour in Abu Dhabi

More Abu Dhabi Activities

The morning desert tour lined up perfectly with my layover schedule, but definitely check out the evening desert safari tours if they work with your flights. Evening desert tours also typically include dinner and a show, as well as more optional activities.

Alternatively, if you have already been on similar desert excursions or are a fan of architecture then go check out the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Royal Palace. I didn’t have time to stop by, but in driving past they looked very impressive and I would love to return to see them. Even if you are only in Abu Dhabi for a few hours, you can leave the airport on the free shuttle bus to the mosque, just be sure to have your free mosque timed ticket booked.

If you are a thrill seeker then head to Yas Island which has Ferrari World, Sea World, Warner Brothers, and Yas Water World. 

For those who prefer museums, you can’t miss the Louvre Abu Dhabi with it’s stunning building and varied exhibitions.

View at Sunrise of Abu Dhabi from room at the Conrad Etihad Towers

Visiting Abu Dhabi Tips

Keep in mind the time of day that you organize your activities. The best times are in the morning and evening to avoid the midday heat. Especially since you’ll need to dress modestly when sightseeing around Abu Dhabi. Loose clothing in natural fibers like cotton and linen is going to be your best friend here. Specific dress and head covering is only required if entering the mosque. 

My outfit for the half day desert safari tour in Abu Dhabi

Afternoon by the Conrad Pool and Observation Deck

After the morning safari tour, it was getting up to those famous Abu Dhabi high temperatures, and I was already full of desert sand, so I headed down for lunch on the beach at the Conrad Etihad Towers. I went for an aperol spritz and a burger, then took a dip in the pools.

There is a huge shaded pool that stayed cooler as well as other pools in the sun. After going back to my room to refresh, I checked out the Observation Deck at 300 for the panoramic views over Abu Dhabi. 

Pool at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers

At 4 pm, I checked out and headed to the airport. My 24 hour layover in Abu Dhabi  didn’t end there though. I cover my experience at Zayed International Airport and the lounge in my review of Etihad’s Business Class service to Singapore. All my flights on this trip around the world were booked on a single award with Aeroplan, see the itinerary and learn how you can do it in this guide to making the most of aeroplan points with layovers.