Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi should definitely be on your list of “must see” sights, if visiting United Arab Emirates. You will be taken aback by its beauty and grandeur.
Abu Dhabi is a Muslim country, with deep rooted beliefs and customs. So how do you visit the Mosque of Sheikh Zayed with respect?
This post outlines everything you need to know for your visit, including the correct dress code and how to book your entrance ticket. Trust me, you will be mesmerized by this grand mosque in Abu Dhabi!
- INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE
- WHERE IS SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE IN ABU DHABI?
- HOW TO GET TO SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE
- DAY TOURS TO THE GRAND MOSQUE ABU DHABI
- WHAT IS THE SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE TICKET PRICE
- WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE
- SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE TIMINGS FOR VISIT
- WHAT IS THE ETIQUETTE OF ENTERING THE MOSQUE
- WHAT IS SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE DRESS CODE
- HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND AT THE MOSQUE
- CAN YOU TAKE A CULTURAL TOUR
- WHAT WILL YOU SEE AT ABU DHABI GRAND MOSQUE?
- ARE YOU ALLOWED TO TAKE PHOTOS INSIDE THE MOSQUE
- HOW CAN YOU TAKE GREAT PHOTOS OF GRAND SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE?
- WHERE CAN YOU BUY FOOD AND DRINKS
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, and took 11 years to build.
- The grand mosque of Abu Dhabi was the brain child of UAE’s first president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He passed away before the mosque’s completion. The mausoleum is located beside the mosque on the north side.
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the most significant buildings of Islamic architecture can hold 40,000 worshippers and 15,000 visitors.
- The Mosque’s design, inspired by craftsmen around the world, involved 38 contracting companies and more than 3,000 workers. British, Italian and Emirati architects have created a masterpiece.
- Materials used in construction include marble, ceramic, crystal and gemstones extracted from many different countries.
- The vision was to build a center which highlights the Tolerance of Islamic culture, Cross-Cultural communication and Coexistence between nations.
WHERE IS SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE IN ABU DHABI?
Zayed Grand Mosque is situated between the three main bridges connecting Abu Dhabi City to the main land (Maqta, Mussafah and Sheikh Zayed bridges).
As you enter the island from the main land, the striking and grandiose white marble mosque, can be clearly seen from any of the 3 main bridges.
HOW TO GET TO SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE
Here are the different options to get to the mosque:
1. Abu Dhabi to Sheikh Zayed Mosque – By Car/Taxi/Bus
From The Corniche, it is a 20 minute drive / 21 kms to the mosque, and there is designated parking in the southern car parks, which are located next to the entrances to the mosque. These are free of charge.
From here (south gate car park) you are directed to the East side of the Mosque, which is also the starting point of the free tours that are available.
Taking a taxi is very easy and reasonably priced. Simply flag one down at the roadside, or use the Abu Dhabi Taxi app. A one-way trip should cost around 45 AED. There are designated taxi points at the mosque, and it is easy to get a taxi back to Abu Dhabi at night.
If you want to take the bus, this again is easy to do from Al Wahda Bus Terminal. Plan your journey here.
2. Dubai to Sheikh Zayed Mosque – By Car/Taxi/Bus
From Dubai, it is about a 90 minute drive / 140 kms to the mosque, and as already stated, parking in the southern car parks is free.
Coming by taxi takes about 90 minutes and you can be dropped off & picked up from outside the mosque. This is a great option if there are a few of you to split the fare. It will cost around 270-285 AED each way. (Check currency converter here)
There are 2 bus services from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
First is Dubai RTA Bus E100 leaving Al Ghubaiba Bus Terminal (main terminal and nearer city centre).
Second is Dubai RTA Bus E101 leaving Ibn Battuta Bus Terminal.
Both services arrive at Al Wahda Bus Terminal, Abu Dhabi and cost approximately AED25 each way. Check timings at Roads & Transport Authority. Jump in a taxi from here to the mosque.
DAY TOURS TO THE GRAND MOSQUE ABU DHABI
If you would rather visit the mosque on a tour, either from Dubai or from Abu Dhabi, here are some suggestions:
WHAT IS THE SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE TICKET PRICE
You can visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque for free. Plus, you can also join a complimentary free guided tour too!
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE
To avoid the heat of the day, the best time to visit the mosque, is early morning or late afternoon/evening. We visited in the morning and it was already very hot outside.
Also, if you want to take some great photos, the lighting will be great around sunset, when the mosque is surrounded be a colorful hue. Wait until the lights are turned on too, as Sheikh Zayed Mosque at night is stunning!
SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE TIMINGS FOR VISIT
- Normal visiting hours are Saturday to Thursday from 9AM-10PM (Last admission at 9.30pm)
- On Friday Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open from 09:00am to 12:00pm (Last admission at 11:30 am) and reopens from 3:00 pm. to 10:00 pm (Last admission at 09:30 pm)
If you are visiting during the Holy month of Ramadan, opening times for visitors are different. Check correct timings here.
WHAT IS THE ETIQUETTE OF ENTERING THE MOSQUE
Like any religious building, the mosque is sacred among Muslims and a place of prayer. Visitors must be mindful and observe respectful levels of etiquette during their visit.
- Women need to keep their heads covered at all times.
- Do NOT under any circumstances touch the Quran.
- Walk around the mosque in a quiet manner.
- Avoid any boundaries when taking photos. Do not photo muslim women or anyone praying.
- Displays of affection, including kissing and touching between men and women are forbidden.
- There are strict dress codes which must be adhered to for you to visit the mosque. Show respect by arriving dressed accordingly.
- Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque.
- No food or drink (even water)can be consumed on the grounds.
- Mobile phones must be switched off.
- No smoking is permitted on the grounds of the mosque.
WHAT IS SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE DRESS CODE
Mosques are a religious and sacred place for all Muslims. All visitors should abide by specific ethics and rules and show their full respect.
Follow the instructions indicated below from the official Sheikh Zayed Mosque site. These specific rules must be adhered to, or you will not be able to enter or stay at the mosque.
Basically long loose-fitting ankle length trousers for men and women. Plus long skirts for women and a headscarf.
- Women need to wear loose clothing which covers your arms, wrists, ankles and head.
- Women can purchase an Abaya (robe) for AED 50 from one of the service desks before entry.
Hire of an Abaya is currently unavailable. There are changing facilities and lockers available. Alternatively, you could purchase your own from Amazon before your trip. Just take a thin scarf with you to cover your head.
Then you will be allowed entry to the mosque.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND AT THE MOSQUE
I would suggest 1-2 hours for your visit, if you are taking a guided tour and wanting to stroll around on your own as well.
CAN YOU TAKE A CULTURAL TOUR
Yes, the Mosque offers free guided cultural tours in both English and Arabic, and children are welcome. These are led by an official cultural tour specialist affiliated to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.
If you want to learn about Islamic culture and the architectural elements of the mosque, then you will enjoy the tour.
TOUR DETAILS
The starting point for tours is from the mosque’s eastern side (the main entrance), and just ask a member of staff if you are unsure.
Complimentary Tours run for about 45-60 minutes, and you must arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. If you arrive outside of the tour times, you are free to walk through the mosque on your own, take photos and visit the library.
The bonus of a guided tour, is your chance to ask respectful questions regarding Islamic and Emirati culture.
WHAT WILL YOU SEE AT ABU DHABI GRAND MOSQUE?
The mosque’s construction, was designed to “unite the world” and utilises materials and artisans from numerous countries worldwide.
It is a harmonious masterpiece in design, style and architecture, and evokes acute feelings of calm and serenity.
External surfaces of the mosque are clad with white marble, white being a symbol of purity and piety and is a striking characteristic.
The courtyard with it’s 4 minarets, akin to towers, provide a visual focal point.
The marble mosaic on the floor (the world’s largest) is intricate and stunning, providing an inkling of what you can expect from the main prayer hall.
The columns, of which there are over 1,000, are covered with white marble and decorated with a delicate floral design.
The columns, arranged in pairs are topped with gold plated capitals which are carved into an intrinsic palm tree shape, culminating in a captivating scene.
Of the 82 white marble clad domes, the main hall houses the largest.
The mosque has 2 small prayer rooms but the huge draw is the Main Prayer Hall which houses numerous outstanding design elements.
The design of the central space in the main hall is a genius of architecture.
Pure bliss!!
MOSQUE CARPETS
The main prayer hall includes the largest carpet in the world recorded by the Guinness Book Of Records.
Standing and gazing down at the intricate Islamic medallion design, it’s mind blowing to imagine that it was hand crafted by a staggering number of artisans, approx. 1,200.
With an enormous 2,268,000,000 number of knots, the carpet had to be transported in 9 pieces and reassembled inside the hall.
MOSQUE CHANDELIERS
Looking upwards, in the main prayer hall, you will see a staggeringly beautiful chandelier hanging from the centre. It weighs in at a hefty 12 tonnes and is made from stainless steel, brass and gold.
With a diameter of 10 metres and a height of 15 metres this is a dazzling and magnificient chandelier.
Flashes of coloured light from thousands of swarovski crystals, are projected through the glass panels. In other areas of the main hall you will see two smaller chandeliers of the same design.
There are a total of 7 chandeliers inside the mosque, all made by Faustig of Munich, Germany.
The remaining four are of similar design and hung in the foyer entrances surrounding the mosque, are blue in colour and although considerably lighter in weight are just as alluring.
MOSQUE DOMES
The largest of the 82 varying sized white marble cladded domes, is located in the centre of the main prayer hall.
The interior is adorned with verses from the Quran, and feature traditional artwork.
Elongated windows allow shafts of natural light into the hall. Other domes can be seen at other entrances.
LUNAR ILLUMINATION
A uniquely designed lighting system, reflects the phases of the moon, and must be an arresting sight in the evening when the mosque is lit up.
ARE YOU ALLOWED TO TAKE PHOTOS INSIDE THE MOSQUE
At present there are clearly marked designated photo areas around the mosque for you to stop and take photos.
TOP TIP: If you take one of the free tours, you are given access to areas which are normally closed off to the public. So snap away to your heart’s content!
HOW CAN YOU TAKE GREAT PHOTOS OF GRAND SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE?
There will be plenty of opportunities to catch a great shot, whatever time of day that you visit the mosque. Follow these top tips:
- I would arrive early in order to take crowd-free photos of the exterior, then join the first free tour of the day.
- For exterior shots, head across the road to Wahat Al Karama. The location of this memorial offers stunning views of the mosque’s domes and minarets. Get here via a free shuttle bus from the mosque (every 30mins) or walk via a pedestrian bridge (~15mins)
The Memorial Plaza contains a spectacular shallow pool that provides a breathtaking reflection of both the Memorial and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
WHERE CAN YOU BUY FOOD AND DRINKS
Located at the northern entrance to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque complex, is a Coffee Club cafe. Serving drinks, breakfast, lunch and all day dining, it makes a great place to stop and rest.
Open / Weekdays 7.30am-10pm | Thurs & Fri 07.30am-10pm
There are toilets located at the cafe as well as the mosque.
I hope this post inspires and helps you plan your own visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. If you have any questions or tips, please share them in the comments below. Read more posts on Abu Dhabi here.
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Hi I am planning a trip to Dubai I will be staying in downtown Dubai, thank you
Have a wonderful trip, I am sure you will love Dubai!