The Presidential Palace sits on the Abu Dhabi shore close to Emirates Palace, a large palace complex with domes set in wide grounds by the water. From the ground you see its gates and walls. From a helicopter you see the full layout, with the buildings, the grounds and the sea side by side. It is a named sight on all four flights on the Abu Dhabi hub.
The Abu Dhabi Corniche 17-Minute Private Helicopter Tour is a good way to see it with your own group. The helicopter is private for up to 6 guests, and the price is from US$959 per helicopter for 17 minutes in the air. The route follows the Corniche skyline past Marina Mall and the Rixos hotel, Emirates Palace and the Presidential Palace, then the Heritage Village and the flagpole, before heading to Hudayriyat Island, Sheikh Zayed Sports City and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The Abu Dhabi Corniche 17-Minute Shared Helicopter Tour flies the same route in a shared helicopter, from US$192 per person, with up to 6 guests. The palace is also on the two 30-minute flights: the Abu Dhabi 30-Minute Shared Helicopter Tour, from US$273 per person, and the Abu Dhabi 30-Minute Private Helicopter Tour, from US$1,362 per helicopter for up to 6. Those follow the Corniche past the Presidential Palace and the gardens of Emirates Palace, then head out over the Arabian Gulf to Hudayriyat Island, past Capital Gate to the Grand Mosque, and on to the mangroves around Reem Island.
Every flight starts and finishes at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal heliport at Zayed Port (Mina Zayed). The palace comes after the Corniche skyline, in the part of the route where the two palaces sit close together on the shore. Headsets are included, and the pilot gives live commentary in English, so you know which palace is which. Large windows give everyone a view of the grounds and the water below.
The palace is a sight from the air only; the flight keeps moving, and there is no set time over it. On the private flight only your group is on board, and the price covers the whole helicopter; if the group weighs more than 420 kg (920 lb) combined, you need an additional helicopter. Cancel up to 24 hours before your flight for a full refund. If the weather or visibility is poor, you can reschedule free of charge or take a full refund.
Arrive at the heliport 45 minutes before your flight, and bring an original, valid passport or Emirates ID for every guest. There is no hotel pickup, so make your own way to Zayed Port. Food, drinks, selfie sticks, smoking and vaping are not allowed on board. On the shared flights the limit is 110 kg (242 lb) per passenger. Children must be at least 2 years old, and the flights are not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women. To see the Presidential Palace with only your group on board, book the 17-minute private tour.
See Presidential Palace 直升机上空 over Abu Dhabi. Book the Abu Dhabi Corniche 17-Minute Private Helicopter Tour.