Dubai & Abu Dhabi One Day Travel Review: Dune Bashing, Museum of the Future, and Fried Chicken Delights
In this quick travel review, I’ll take you through an exciting one-day trip covering two of the UAE’s most iconic cities: Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From the futuristic skyline to golden deserts and mouthwatering Arabic cuisine, here’s everything that made this journey unforgettable — including a spicy stop at Al Baik!
Top Impressions from the Trip
- Safe and secure: Walking around at night in Dubai and Abu Dhabi felt extremely safe. Whether you're in a shopping district or near a metro station, the streets are well-lit and clean.
- Honest and transparent locals: Booking a day trip or buying souvenirs was straightforward — no hidden fees or unexpected upselling.
- Friendly and fluent in English: Locals were warm, helpful, and more than happy to offer recommendations — often switching to fluent English to assist tourists.
Dubai: A Modern Metropolis
Dubai felt like stepping into Singapore — but 10 years in the future. The city's infrastructure is world-class, the skyline is dotted with architectural marvels, and public transportation is smooth and efficient. Whether you're visiting the Museum of the Future, strolling down Dubai Marina, or joining a desert dune bashing and sandboarding tour, every moment is Insta-worthy.
Abu Dhabi: A City Under Construction, But Full of Promise
Abu Dhabi gave off strong "Singapore in the making" vibes — particularly during the Marina Bay Sands construction phase. Massive developments are ongoing, and it’s clear this city is destined for global stardom. Whether visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or passing future landmarks in progress, you can already feel its powerful cultural energy.
Top Places to Visit in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Even on a one-day trip, you can pack in some of the UAE’s most iconic attractions. Here are top spots in both cities that are absolutely worth your time:
🌆 Must-See Attractions in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa: The tallest building in the world — don’t miss the “At The Top” observation deck on level 124/125.
- Museum of the Future: A futuristic landmark with immersive tech and AI experiences. Book tickets online in advance.
- Dubai Mall & Dubai Fountain: Shop, eat, and watch the world’s largest choreographed fountain show (evening shows every 30 minutes).
- Dubai Marina: Beautiful at sunset — walk along the promenade or take a dhow cruise.
- Desert Safari: Go dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, and enjoy a BBQ dinner with cultural performances.
- Al Fahidi Historical District: Explore Dubai’s heritage through art galleries, tea houses, and traditional wind-tower architecture.
🏙️ Highlights in Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A breathtaking architectural wonder and spiritual center with white marble domes and intricate floral patterns.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi: A world-class museum with stunning architecture and global art exhibitions.
- Qasr Al Watan: The Presidential Palace open to the public — rich in design, history, and culture.
- Etihad Towers Observation Deck: Enjoy panoramic views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline from the 74th floor.
- Yas Island: Home to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World — great for families and theme park lovers.
📝 Note: If you only have one day, prioritize 1–2 places per city based on your interests (e.g., architecture, museums, shopping, or desert adventure).
Arabic Food & Al Baik
No UAE experience is complete without sampling the rich flavors of Arabic cuisine. From creamy hummus and falafel to tender lamb kebabs and saffron-infused rice, the food here is both comforting and full of depth.
But if there’s one fast-food chain that travelers (and locals) rave about, it's Al Baik — a Saudi-born fried chicken brand that has taken the UAE by storm. Originally founded in Jeddah in the 1970s, Al Baik is famous for its crispy, spicy fried chicken, garlic sauce, and incredibly affordable prices.
Why do people love Al Baik?
- Signature spicy marinade: Unlike typical fried chicken, Al Baik’s recipe uses a flavorful, Middle Eastern spice mix that’s both tangy and fiery.
- Legendary garlic sauce: Creamy, garlicky, and addictive — this dip alone has fans lining up.
- Affordable and fast: Great value for money, especially in tourist hotspots where other meals can be expensive.
- Crispy and juicy: Each bite offers the perfect crunch on the outside and tender, well-marinated meat on the inside.
Where to find Al Baik in the UAE:
- Dubai Mall – Lower Ground Food Court (often has long lines!)
- Dubai Hills Mall – Popular with locals and expats
- Mall of the Emirates – Great spot for a post-shopping meal
- Ajman City Centre – For those outside Dubai
- Expo City Dubai – Al Baik also operated here during Expo 2020 and may return for events
Is Al Baik worth trying?
Absolutely! Al Baik’s spicy, crispy fried chicken lives up to the hype and is a great grab-and-go meal during your day of sightseeing.
📝 Pro tip: Go early or expect a wait — especially at the Dubai Mall branch. But trust me, it’s absolutely worth it.
Transportation Tips for Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Getting around in the UAE is surprisingly easy — especially in Dubai, which has one of the most modern and tourist-friendly transportation systems in the region. Here’s what you need to know to travel smart:
🚇 Dubai Metro
- Fast, clean, air-conditioned, and driverless — the Dubai Metro is the most convenient way to explore the city.
- There are two main lines: Red Line (connects the airport, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Marina) and Green Line (serves historic areas like Deira and Bur Dubai).
- Operating hours: 5 AM – 12 AM (weekdays), 5 AM – 1 AM (weekends)
- Cost per ride: AED 3 – 7.5 depending on the number of zones traveled (~$0.80 – $2.00 USD)
💳 Nol Card: Dubai’s Smart Travel Card
- Nol Red Ticket: Ideal for tourists — can be loaded with single, return, or day pass trips.
- Nol Silver Card: AED 25 to purchase (includes AED 19 credit) — can be used on metro, buses, trams, and water taxis.
- 1-Day Unlimited Pass: AED 20 (covers unlimited travel across all modes for the day)
🚕 Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps
- Taxis: Readily available, metered, and relatively affordable. Base fare starts at AED 12 (~$3.30 USD).
- Careem & Uber: Widely used in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Careem often offers better local rates and regional payment options.
- Use ride apps for airport transfers, evening rides, or trips to places not covered by the metro (like desert safari pickups).
🚌 Traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
- By public bus: E100 (from Al Ghubaiba) or E101 (from Ibn Battuta) to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Travel time ~2 hours. Ticket: AED 25 (~$7 USD).
- By private car or shared transfer: Book in advance via apps or tour providers. Costs vary but expect ~AED 300–400 ($80–$110 round trip).
- Car rentals: A good option if you plan to explore off-the-beaten-path areas, but note that parking can be expensive and traffic is dense during peak hours.
🚦Pro tip: If you're staying multiple days in Dubai, getting a Nol Silver Card can save time and money — and it's valid across buses, trams, and water transport too.
FAQ: Dubai & Abu Dhabi One-Day Trip
Is it possible to visit both Dubai and Abu Dhabi in one day?
Yes, if you start early and plan well. It's about 1.5–2 hours between cities. You can visit major attractions in each city, especially with a pre-booked driver or guided tour.
What are the must-try activities in a one-day UAE trip?
Top picks include dune bashing in the desert, visiting the Museum of the Future in Dubai, and seeing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Don’t forget to try Al Baik fried chicken too!
Final Verdict: Whether you're in Dubai for its futuristic vibes or in Abu Dhabi for its emerging landmarks, a one-day trip can still leave a lifetime of memories — especially with sandboarding thrills and spicy fried chicken in the mix!
Thai Version
ความประทับใจ
- ปลอดภัยมาก เที่ยวแบบปล่อยใจได้เลย เดินที่ถนนตอนกลางคืนก็ปลอดภัย
- คนซื่อสัตย์ เวลาซื้อของหรือแพคเกจวันเดย์ทริป ตรงไปตรงมา ไม่มีการเก็บเงินเพิ่ม
- คนน่ารัก ต้อนรับทักท่องเที่ยวสุดคนท้องถิ่นชวนคุย แนะนำร้านอาหาร และที่สำคัญพูดภาษาอังกฤษคล่อง สื่อสารง่าย
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