Private & personalized tours - just for you!

Experience the best of
Abu Dhabi with Withlocals

Going to Abu Dhabi and wondering what to do? No need to worry, there's plenty of things to do in Abu Dhabi with a local. Join your favorite host and discover the best the city has to offer from an exclusive selection of unique experiences.

Tours in Abu Dhabi

Real People. Real Stories.
Really Good Travel.

Feel like a local, not a tourist
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
More you, less checklist
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Travel that feels good
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.

Top 3 things to do in Abu Dhabi

Make your stay in Abu Dhabi complete with these things to do

1
With Jose Gomez & Sandy Nat
The Best of Abu Dhabi Private Layover Tour
641 reviews
6 hours | city highlight tours | Abu Dhabi
Did you know you can go to explore Abu Dhabi during your layover in Dubai? Yes! This 100% personalized layover tour takes you to explore the capital and its wonders. Why wait at the airport when there's so much to see out there! Visit from Yas Island, Ferrari world, a dates market, and more!
€115per person
Explore
2
Choose your favorite local
Explore the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque with a Local Guide
524 reviews
2 hours | skip the line tours | Abu Dhabi
Unveil the mysteries of the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque and get the most out of your visit on this enriching tour! Get to know everything about this magnificent attraction with the insights provided by a local expert.
€46.69per person
Explore
3
Choose your favorite local
Withlocals Your Way! - Abu Dhabi City Tour
524 reviews
4 hours | city highlight tours | Abu Dhabi
Did you know that the Abu Dhabi tour of your dreams exists? Yes, and it’s 100% personalized and created by your local host around your interests. Customize and see only the places that spark your interest. From classic landmarks to neighborhood walks - your wishes are our command!
€99.27per person
Explore

Travelers love our locals

Reviews from guests about our tours and locals

5.0
Amazing tour
"I had my tour with Annamarie and she was fantastic. She picked up and dropped off at the airport. She was incredibly nice and so informative about the places we toured and the City in general. She has a great sense of humour and very easy to talk with. I highly recommend Annamarie for any tour. She was awesome"
MarkAbout local Anamaria Abu Dhabi, May 1, 2025

5.0
Reem was GREAT!
"If you want to visit Abu Dhabi and you are looking for a (very) GOOD tour guide, we can highly recommend Reem. The contact with her is smooth. She responds quickly. Very pleasant. We really had a great morning with her. We first visited the Formula1 circuit, afterwards we went to the beautiful mosque and before turning back to the cruise ship we visited one of the dates factory. She provided us with a lot of information about the city, city life, her life, religion, the dates and answered a lot of questions. During the visit to the mosque we were also provided with a lot of information, very nice. We LOVED being out with her. Reem, thanks again, we wish you and your family all the best!"
AudreyAbout local ReemAbu Dhabi, March 11, 2025

5.0
Lovely experience
"Our day with Reem was very lovely. We learned a lot about local food and traditions. She was patient and adapted the tour according our wishes. Our young son enjoyed it as well. Reem has a lovely personality and I can absolutely recommend her."
ChantalAbout local ReemAbu Dhabi, January 26, 2025

5.0
Guide like a true friend
"Khaled is a very good guide that i truly feel he treat my family like a long time friend. He showed us the attractions as planned while not rush us into finish anything, he made the day as flexible as possible which we really appreciate. We had fun with the attractions and had some good local bites, we enjoyed his knowledge on the city and his good company for the day."
LiangAbout local Khaled Abu Dhabi, January 4, 2025

5.0
Amazing morning
"Reem was such a delight, I learnt so much and having her for a guide through the Grand Mosque was most educational and I learnt a lot more about the UAE. Thanks Reem. "
PenelopeAbout local ReemAbu Dhabi, November 6, 2024

5.0
Great time very Entertaining
"I had a lovely time on the tour. Sandy was terrific and attentive to all of my needs I would highly recommend sandy He was terrific "
MikeAbout local Jose Gomez & Sandy NatAbu Dhabi, October 14, 2024

5.0
Soooo welcome
"Khaled was soo caring... Made me feel at home, took me to the mosque the mandarin hotel the date market and even for dinner. I felt very cared for and he is very knowledgeable... Also because I was travelling alone he gave a discount, the other tour guides I asked were still charging me full price! Without any doubt he is the best and I recommend him "
CristinaAbout local Khaled Abu Dhabi, April 19, 2024

5.0
Super!
"These guys were ready to accommodate changes and whims. They are super nice and made our experience a very nice one "
AnaAbout local Jose Gomez & Sandy NatAbu Dhabi, December 24, 2023

5.0
Fantastic tour
"We had a fantastic tour. Sandy was engaging, informative, and attentive. We would definitely recommend Sandy and Jose to anyone in Dubai and will be booking with them on return visits. "
MirceaAbout local Jose Gomez & Sandy NatAbu Dhabi, February 15, 2023

5.0
Abudhabi Night Visit
"We were a group of 8 people arriving in Abu Dhabi at 9pm for an overnight layover. Sandy and his team were ready for us at arrivals on time. He made a booking for us at the Grand mosque and he really made a huge effort to ensure that we could visit this place which is only open till 10 PM. He showed us around and made the visit at the Mosque an experience to treasure for life. After the mosque they also tried to show us as much as possible of Abu Dhabi at night including the Ferrari track and Dates Market. The whole trip was about 5hours. For our group this was a brilliant start to our trip to Istanbul. I believe Sandy also does trips to Dubai. This is on my bucket list for a next trip. I would highly recommend Sandy and his team for any of these exercusions. Trust to meet up with them again in the near future."
NicoAbout local Jose Gomez & Sandy NatAbu Dhabi, January 31, 2023

Explore Abu Dhabi with our incredible locals

Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Abu Dhabi with locals

Jose Gomez & Sandy Nat
Travel / food specialists
642 reviews
English
Khaled
Experience learning about Abu Dhabi’s landmarks, culture and restaurants
12 reviews
العربية・English
Muhammad
Abu Dhabi & Dubai Tour Guide Service
0 reviews
العربية・English・Hindi
Adnan Akbar
I'm Adnan, I have a passion to present my unique experience in my country. I was born and grew up in the United Arab Emirates. I started tour guiding driven by the passion to have my guests experience and understand the unique Emirati heritage, life, and local culture. However, I always like to share special details about the local lifestyle, culture, and specific traditions that make your visit feel unique. It gives me great pleasure to share stories with people and see their smiling faces. I am guiding as a passion and happy to show you the flavor of my country.
58 reviews
English
Anamaria
Memory Maker
5 reviews
English・Italiano・Română
Agnieszka
Licenced Tour Guide
11 reviews
English・Polski
Jamshed
Bringing Arabian tales to life
3 reviews
English・Hindi
Reem
Immerse Locally
20 reviews
العربية・English

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Our locals will give you the best experiences that Abu Dhabi has to offer

With Jose Gomez & Sandy Nat
The Best of Abu Dhabi Private Layover Tour
5.0
641 reviews
6 hours • city highlight tours
from €115 per person
Choose your local
Explore the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque with a Local Guide
5.0
524 reviews
2 hours • skip the line tours
from €46.69 per person
Choose your local
Withlocals Your Way! - Abu Dhabi City Tour
5.0
524 reviews
4 hours • city highlight tours
from €99.27 per person
Choose your local
Full Coverage Abu Dhabi City Tour
5.0
521 reviews
4 hours • city highlight tours
from €117 per person
Choose your local
Culinary Kickstart Tour: Abu Dhabi
4.9
37 reviews
2.5 hours • food tours
from €56.62 per person
With Agnieszka
Abu Dhabi Sundowners Tour with a Local
5.0
11 reviews
3 hours • night tours
from €45.88 per person
With Agnieszka
Magical Evening Abu Dhabi Tour
5.0
11 reviews
4 hours • night tours
from €105 per person

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Find experiences by category

Discover experiences based on your interest

Enjoy the Best of the Abu Dhabi
Like a Local

Top things to do in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is considered both the actual capital and cultural/historical capital of the Emirates with beautiful palm trees, lots of luxury, numerous cultural experiences, great food, and tons of fun! One of the richest cities in the world, this is a place you will want to add to any Middle Eastern trip.

Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Perhaps one of the most breathtaking mosques you will ever see and certainly the most expensive in the world, this beautiful white-domed structure will leave you stunned. It is magnificent in every way. Inside, you will find stunning sights including the world’s largest loomed carpet and real gold chandeliers. The architecture combines ancient and contemporary Islamic styles.
The best way to see any mosque in the UAE, especially if you are not Muslim is to go with a local. Your host will guide you in what is expected when visiting a mosque, for example entrances are different for men and women. Your host will also share incredible stories about the mosque’s history and Islamic rituals. Go with one of our local hosts and you won’t regret this unforgettable experience!
Stroll along the beautiful Corniche
The Corniche or “waterfront” in Abu Dhabi is known for its breathtaking views of the city, panoramic views of the sea and miles upon miles of gorgeous white soft sand. It’s a sight not to be missed in Abu Dhabi! Grab your host at sunset and go for a long stroll along the shore’s promenade where you can meet other locals enjoying the views, looking at the fountains, having a meal, playing in the parks along the way, or stopping for tea and shisha (hubbly bubbly). If you’re up for it, rent a bike with your host and cover the entire length of the Corniche! Or you can spend the whole day relaxing at the beach!
Enjoy the local dish of Al Machboos
Emirati food is delicious and hearty featuring mounds of rice and meat filled with flavorful spices. And the best way to have it is in an Emirati home; the food is the definition of homey comfort food! Have one of our hosts make you the local favorite dish Al Machboos, a hearty delicacy of meat (lamb or chicken) and rice. Food coma!
Your host will surely offer to stuff you even more with dates and tea afterwards, since the Emirates is home to some of the best dates the world has to offer with a vast range of varieties. A culinary experience you will love!
Get lost in the markets of Al Mina neighborhood
Al Mina is an amazing neighborhood with a variety of colorful markets, from the carpet souk (market) selling authentic Persian rugs by sellers from Iran, to the Fruit and Vegetable market where you can find everything from Jordanian watermelons to Turkish potatoes. Not to mention 45 varieties of dates!
Let your local host give you a tour of the Al Mina markets showing you how to bargain and get the best deals for whatever you are looking for! After a long day of market wandering and shopping, head to the Mina Fish Market and pick out your choice of fish to have it grilled or made into a curry on the spot and then head outside to sit on the harbor and enjoy your meal with you host!
Lose yourself in the White Fort
The White Fort, which is known as Qasr al-Hosn in Abu Dhabi is commonly known as the place where this city began. Abu Dhabi’s ruling family, the Al Nahyans lived in the fort until 1966. The clean white walls of the fort sparkle in the desert sun; it’s a beautiful sight!
The fort is a great place to discover how the UAE came into being, the history of Abu Dhabi, and how the discovery of oil changed everything for this small but formidable country, allowing it to build itself from Desert to riches. Going to Qasr al-Hosn with a local host ensures you have the full story about this country’s fascinating and controversial history and not just the touristy sanitized version! This is one our top things to do in the UAE!
Indulge in the luxury of the Emirates Palace
Edible gold? A cake made with real gold? What?! Yes! Only in Abu Dhabi’s seven star luxurious hotel where almost everything is made of gold can you find cakes made of gold. How could you miss this sight? Go with your host to the Emirates Palace who will dive into the controversial history behind this fantastical structure.
Maybe even try a gold cake? Even the cappuccino is sprinkled with 24-carat gold flakes! The hotel cost billions to build. Enjoy this outrageously luxurious hotel with your local host and you will have an unforgettable experience!
Spend a day of wet & wild fun at Yas Waterworld
Looking for a day of pure fun? Both locals and tourists alike love spending their day at Yas Waterworld; an extremely fun and enjoyable waterpark with all sorts of rides and food stands suitable for all ages. Its super fun! Bring your bathing suit and feel yourself let go while sliding down one of the many water slides!
Then meet up with your host who will be happy to show you the rest of Yas Island, including where Formula 1 competes every year. Maybe you will want to detour to Ferrari world and explore its adventures? Perhaps a stroll around the Yas marina? Your host will tailor your entire experience to your desires!
Travel forward in time in a Future City
Want to experience what future urban living using clean energy might look like? Interested in observing the world’s most sustainable eco-city? Your host would love to show you around Masdar City, it is a city built completely on clean energy using solar power, no cars are allowed except those that are battery operated (which you can ride!) and the city’s design makes it automatically cooler than the rest of Abu Dhabi.
Masdar City is meant to be a model for future cities and it is not typically found in tourist guides since it is still in its development phases and mostly used as a hub for research. Go with your local host who will show you the fascinating ins and outs of this futuristic city!
Party like a local at Al Maya Island
No visit to this tiny Emirate would be complete without attending a BEACH PARTY! Al Maya Island Beach Party is a hidden gem and local favorite pool party. Go with your host who will guide you to the hidden island by boat—the only way to reach it. And then your host will be happy to show you around the island where you can take in the beautiful white sand and deep blue waters.
Later head for an afternoon and evening of sun, fun, food, and dancing at one of the best pool parties in town. Dance the night away, take a swim in the pool or just relax on one of the many sun loungers around!
Enjoy an evening of shisha
Smoking shisha or hubbly bubbly is a local pastime enjoyed by many locals. Shisha is a water pipe that comes in many different flavors. Shisha cafes are spread all over Abu Dhabi and all over the country. It is a widely enjoyed Middle Eastern activity. There are many fabulous shisha cafes in Abu Dhabi, go with a host who will take you shisha hopping to enjoy all the best shisha cafes in town.
From TcheTche with its dozens of flavors and delicious food, to the cafes next to Abu Dhabi Marina Mall along the water, or the Special Coffee Shop along the Corniche, as locals call it “especial.” Check them all out and try one of the water pipes yourself or if you want to skip the shisha, you can still enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, delicious tea, desserts, and food at all these cafes. Your host will be happy to tailor your evening to your preferences!

Memories make the best gifts

Share the joy of travel! With a Withlocals gift card, your friends and family can explore unique experiences they’ll treasure forever.

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Why is Withlocals the best place to buy a tour?

Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.

Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.

Real People. Real Stories.Really Good Travel.

Feel like a local, not a tourist

More you, less checklist

Travel that feels good

Top 3 things to do in Abu Dhabi

The Best of Abu Dhabi Private Layover Tour

Explore the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque with a Local Guide

Withlocals Your Way! - Abu Dhabi City Tour

Travelers love our locals

Amazing tour

Reem was GREAT!

Lovely experience

Guide like a true friend

Amazing morning

Great time very Entertaining

Soooo welcome

Super!

Fantastic tour

Abudhabi Night Visit

Explore Abu Dhabi with our incredible locals

Jose Gomez & Sandy Nat

Khaled

Muhammad

Adnan Akbar

Anamaria

Agnieszka

Jamshed

Reem

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

The Best of Abu Dhabi Private Layover Tour

Explore the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque with a Local Guide

Withlocals Your Way! - Abu Dhabi City Tour

Full Coverage Abu Dhabi City Tour

Culinary Kickstart Tour: Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Sundowners Tour with a Local

Magical Evening Abu Dhabi Tour

Find experiences by category

Enjoy the Best of the Abu DhabiLike a Local

Top things to do in Abu Dhabi

Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Stroll along the beautiful Corniche

Enjoy the local dish of Al Machboos

Get lost in the markets of Al Mina neighborhood

Lose yourself in the White Fort

Indulge in the luxury of the Emirates Palace

Spend a day of wet & wild fun at Yas Waterworld

Travel forward in time in a Future City

Party like a local at Al Maya Island

Enjoy an evening of shisha

Memories make the best gifts

Why is Withlocals the best place to buy a tour?

Private & Personal

Tailored to your wishes

Chat before you book

Travel that supports locals

Feel good about where your money goes

Trusted by millions

Secure & flexible booking