How to Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

How to Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Are you planning to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque? The mosque is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi, so you should add it to your UAE Itinerary.

It is easily accessible during a layover in Abu Dhabi or a day trip from Dubai.

In our post, you will find how to get to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the best time to visit, including practical information and tips.

Avoid the crowds and make the most of your trip to Abu Dhabi with our ultimate guide to visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

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Where is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, just a 1.5-hour drive from Dubai.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Facts

It is one of the most important buildings in Islamic architecture and the largest mosque in the UAE. The mosque was completed in 2007 and took 11 years to build.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (the first President of the UAE) had the vision that the mosque, when completed, would convey the message of peace, tolerance, and the diversity of nations.

Unfortunately, he passed away before the mosque was completed. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan died on 2 November 2004, and his tomb is near the mosque.

There are 96 beautiful columns in the main prayer room, all of them decorated with mother of pearl and white marble. They used beautiful marble from Macedonia because the white color is a symbol of peace and purity.

The mosque can hold 40,000 worshippers and 15,000 visitors.

Did you know that the main prayer hall has the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world?

There are seven crystal chandeliers imported from Germany! Each chandelier contains 24-carat gold and Swarovski crystals.

One is the third largest chandelier in the world, with a weight of 12 tons.

Another beautiful white marble building → Taj Mahal

Best Time to Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between December and March, which is the winter season in the UAE. During these months, the weather is not too hot and humid, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The average temperature during this period is around 20°C.

The hottest months in Abu Dhabi are June, July, and August. The temperature can reach up to 40°C. So avoid the burning sun and plan your visit for the morning hours or late afternoon/evening!

As it is one of the most popular attractions in Abu Dhabi and is free to visit, we recommend arriving when the gates open (9 AM).

Are you looking for an unforgettable experience in Abu Dhabi? Then, visit the mosque in the evening lights.

Recommended post → How to Spend One Day in Abu Dhabi

How to Get to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The best way to get to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is to take a taxi, join a guided tour, or rent a car. If you arrive by car, you can park for free.

For the best experience, book an Abu Dhabi tour, which includes visits to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and the Etihad Towers.

From Abu Dhabi

Save money and travel by bus within Abu Dhabi! Buy a Hafilat Card for 10 AED (3 USD), recharge it, and use it to discover Abu Dhabi.

Between the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the mosque, bus number 94 runs regularly.

From Dubai

The distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is only 1.5 hours by car, so you can easily take a day trip from Dubai.

If you’re short of time to explore Abu Dhabi on your own, book an Abu Dhabi full-day sightseeing tour from Dubai that includes the most popular attractions.

Keep reading → How to Get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Opening Hours

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM from Saturday to Thursday.

Are you planning to visit the mosque on Friday? It is good to know that the mosque is open on Fridays from 9 AM to noon and reopens from 3 PM to 10 PM.

Last admission at 30 minutes before closing time (11:30 AM and 9:30 PM).

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Entrance Fee

There is no entrance fee! However, you should book your visit in advance and get a free access pass (QR code) online HERE.

TIP
You can join a free guided tour and learn more about the mosque and UAE history.

What should I Wear During my Visit?

The dress code is strict in the mosque, especially for women. If you’re not appropriately clothed, you won’t be allowed to enter the mosque!

Therefore you must wear conservative, loose-fitting clothing (ankle-length trousers or skirts and a long-sleeved shirt). You should also cover your hair with a headscarf (Shayla, sarong).

They used to provide free abayas at the entrance, like the mosques in Kuala Lumpur. But it is no longer possible! So you must buy an abaya in the shops near the entrance or bring a suitable dress!

Men are not allowed to wear shorts unless they are below the knee.

The best option is to wear a long dress with long sleeves (like the one Dittus is wearing in the picture below).

Tips for Visiting

• The golden hours are the best time to take photos, and you can avoid the burning heat.
• Drones are not allowed around the mosque!
• Spend at least 1-2 hours at the mosque and explore the beautiful details of the building.
• Respect the rules, so avoid intimacy, such as holding hands, hugging, or kissing in the mosque!
• Enjoy the magnificent view from the Wahat Al Karama Memorial. (It is located right across the highway, opposite the mosque.)

Where to Stay in the UAE

Although Abu Dhabi is a popular destination, accommodation options are available for all budgets. You can choose from budget hotels to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts.

Alternatively, stay in Dubai and take a day trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

TIP
In high season, we recommend you book your accommodation in advance!

Best hotels in Dubai

• Luxury: Atlantis, The Palm
• Mid-Range: Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
• Budget: Novotel Jumeirah Village Triangle

Best hotels in Abu Dhabi

• Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
• Mid-Range: Marriott Hotel Downtown, Abu Dhabi
• Budget: Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi

We hope you find our guide to visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque useful and will inspire you to visit Abu Dhabi. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Train/Transfer – Bookaway

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