Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
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The Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Arabic مسجد الشيخ زايد Masdschid asch-Schaich Zayid) is one of the largest and most impressive examples of modern mosques. It is a landmark of the United Arab Emirates and a must-see for anyone visiting Abu Dhabi. The mosque can be visited for free and offers insights into the Islamic culture and architecture. City tours through Abu Dhabi or organized day trips from Dubai usually include a stop at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Therefore, book a tour to learn more about the mosque on-site.
By Miriam Dewam
By Miriam DewamSelect a date to find available tickets, tours & activities:
Tours & City Sightseeing
Discover the highlights of Abu Dhabi and gain fascinating insights into the Islamic architecture on a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque Guided Tour
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From Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace, and Etihad Tower
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Abu Dhabi: Half-Day Guided City Tour
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Abu Dhabi: 4-Hour City Tour with Sheikh Zayed Mosque
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8 tips for visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A thousand and one night | Photo: Unsplash, Alessa Ciraulo
1
Cooler temperatures in the morning and eveningTo avoid the crowds and the rising temperatures, you should plan your visit for the early morning hours or the late evening. If you want to experience the mosque in all its glory, you should visit it before sunset. At night, you can observe the wonderful play of colors of the lights!
The interior decorations | Photo: Unsplash, dara
2
Register online in advance to save timeEvery visitor must register online in advance to be able to visit the mosque. Although there are machines on site, these are located at the other end of the entrance. To avoid long walking and waiting times, you should register online in advance.
3
Dress appropriatelyMake sure that your body is covered from the wrist to the ankle. Men must wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts. Women should wear floor-length dresses or wide, long trousers with a long-sleeved, high-collared top made of opaque material. Remember to also bring a headscarf. Adherence to the dress code is strictly monitored both at the entrance and on the premises. Violations will not be tolerated, you may even be denied entry!
4
Buy something appropriate if necessaryIf you are refused entry due to the strict dress code, you will find what you need in the souvenir shops in front of the entrance. However, keep in mind that the items are usually expensive. If you are looking for an item to cover your wrists, you can ask for cost-effective UV protection arm sleeves.
Delicate decorations on the columns | Photo: Unsplash, Kai Wang
5
Follow the rules of conductAlthough the mosque is open to tourists, it is also popular with worshippers; therefore, the flow of visitors is not limited to tourists. Even then, the attraction remains open for tourism purposes, but it is important to approach the praying with the necessary respect and to conduct the visit calmly.
The mosque was decorated in the finest detail | Photo: Unsplash, Haut Risque
6
Learn more on a tourTo better understand the significance and history of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a city tour of Abu Dhabi or an organized day trip from Dubai to the mosque with a knowledgeable tour guide is recommended. A side trip to the Louvre Abu Dhabi is also worthwhile! If you're looking for an adrenaline kick, you'll find it at the Ferrari World.
7
Join a free walking tourThe 30 to 45-minute guided tours are offered daily in English and Arabic. The number of tours varies depending on the day of the week, with Fridays offering fewer tours. To ensure you can participate in a tour, you should arrive about 15 minutes before the tour starts.
8
Use the complimentary shuttle serviceOn the extensive grounds of the mosque, golf carts with drivers between the security check and the mosque are available. If you want to use them, you should plan some waiting time as they are very popular. Please note that there are designated waiting areas.
The impressive mosque | Photo: Unsplash, Katerina Kerdi
A masterpiece of Islamic architecture
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture. It is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and, with a capacity for up to 40,000 worshippers, among the largest globally. The mosque is a symbol of tolerance and openness and is also open to non-Muslim visitors.The construction phase
The construction of the mosque was completed in just 11 years, with costs amounting to approximately 545 million US dollars. The massive structure was officially opened in the month of Ramadan (September/October) 2007. With an area of 22,412m² (241,240.76 sq ft) and a capacity of up to 40,000 worshippers, the mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. It is surrounded by a vast garden featuring 124 fountains and 41,000 trees.
Cultures united in the structure
The mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and unites elements from different cultures and eras. It was built by an international team of craftsmen and showcases classic Mamluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid architectural styles. Inside, classical Middle Eastern arches and geometric shapes harmonize with modern, innovative design.
The impressive chandelier | Photo: Unsplash, Hana El Zohiry
The Namesake
The mosque was named after the first president of the United Arab Emirates, Scheich Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who also commissioned it. He wanted the mosque to be a place of tolerance and openness to people of all religions and cultures. His mortal remains are now buried in the inner courtyard of the mosque.
When the mosque shines in blue | Photo: Unsplash, Andrea Cipriano
Only precious materials
Thirty different types of precious white marble were required for the dream of 1001 nights due to the enormous surface area. A total of almost 22,500m² (5.55 acres - equivalent to 3 football fields) were used. The details of the mosque are also impressive, with fine flower patterns engraved into the walls and adorned with mother-of-pearl. The interior of the mosque is decorated in Arabic style with fine mosaics, marble tiles and calligraphy.
Impressive dimensions
The centerpiece of the mosque is the main dome with a diameter of 32.2m (105.6 ft), adorned with gold leaf. The dome is surrounded by 40 smaller domes, which are also decorated with gold leaf. Most impressive, however, is the largest of the seven chandeliers, which has a diameter of 10m (32.8 ft), a height of 15m (49.2 ft), and a weight of 9.5t (9.35 tn.l.), making it the largest in the world.
The play of light
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is equipped with almost 19,000 lighting fixtures, around 600 of which are on the exterior. Additionally, there are 22 light towers around the mosque which shine onto the façade. This elaborate lighting allows the building to shine in color. During a full moon, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque glows in a radiant white. As the moon wanes, it turns bluer until it becomes white again as the moon waxes. During this time, it goes through 14 shades of blue and white, which are so subtle that they are barely perceptible to most people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque accessible for people with disabilities?
The mosque is fully wheelchair accessible. Read more.
Are there parking facilities?
Parking is free of charge in the southern parking lots. Please note that the main entrance Al Salam is in the opposite direction of the mosque. Read more.
Is it allowed to bring food into the mosque?
It is forbidden to bring in food, regardless of whether it is still packaged or already opened. Such strict regulations are necessary to protect the furnishings (especially the delicate marble and carpets). Bottles of water are usually available in the prayer rooms. Read more.
Is there a souvenir shop?
There are numerous but expensive souvenir stores at the entrance. Read more.
Is it allowed to take photos and videos during the visit?
Videos and photos may be taken for personal purposes. Read more.
General information
opening hours
address
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
website
tickets
how to get there
Written byMiriam DewamMiriam is keen on traveling and has a passion for photography, which she can enhance through her cross-media studies. She uses her knowledge as well as first hand experience from diverse travels to help other travellers as a content creator at TicketLens.
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