Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A breathtaking architectural marvel, one of the world's largest mosques, showcasing intricate Islamic design and serene beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour glow
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Best Time
Golden hour glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking architectural marvel, one of the world's largest mosques, showcasing intricate Islamic design and serene beauty.
"An absolutely stunning and breathtaking experience, a true architectural masterpiece."
🎯 Free Guided Tours Available
Join a free guided tour for deeper insights into the mosque's culture, religion, and history.
👗 Modest Attire is Mandatory
Ensure clothing covers elbows and ankles. Women need a headscarf. Abayas can be rented/bought.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Courtyard
Main entrance area
Vast white marble expanse with intricate floral inlays and reflective pools, offering stunning symmetry.
World's Largest Hand-Knotted Carpet
Main prayer hall
An awe-inspiring masterpiece of vibrant floral patterns, covering the entire prayer hall floor.
Intricate Chandelier Art
Main prayer hall
Massive, ornate chandeliers resembling upturned palm trees, adorned with crystals and gold.
Reflective Pools
Courtyards and surrounding areas
Mirror-like pools reflecting the mosque's stunning architecture, perfect for photographers.
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code is Key
Book Your Free Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Guided Tours Available
Join a free guided tour for deeper insights into the mosque's culture, religion, and history.
👗 Modest Attire is Mandatory
Ensure clothing covers elbows and ankles. Women need a headscarf. Abayas can be rented/bought. +1
🎟️ Book Free Entry Online
Pre-booking your free entry slot online saves time and guarantees entry. +1
📸 Respectful Photography
Be mindful of others and avoid poses that are too intimate or distracting.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Guided Tours Available
Join a free guided tour for deeper insights into the mosque's culture, religion, and history.
👗 Modest Attire is Mandatory
Ensure clothing covers elbows and ankles. Women need a headscarf. Abayas can be rented/bought. +1
🎟️ Book Free Entry Online
Pre-booking your free entry slot online saves time and guarantees entry. +1
📸 Respectful Photography
Be mindful of others and avoid poses that are too intimate or distracting.
👟 Remove Shoes Before Entry
Shoes must be removed before entering prayer halls and certain areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as an architectural masterpiece, highlighting its breathtaking beauty, intricate details, and serene atmosphere. The sheer scale and immaculate upkeep are frequently mentioned as highlights, making it an unforgettable spiritual and visual experience for all. While the strict dress code is noted, most find it a small price to pay for the privilege of visiting such a magnificent landmark.
"THE LARGEST MOSQUE IN THE WORLD SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE. This is one of the biggest attractions of Abu Dhabi, it's a must visit place when u visit Dubai UAE. This MOSQUE is open to non-muslims, here people should wear decent clothes and ladies should cover their head.
It's constructed from White Marble and the carvings around it is just mind-blowing to see it. The architecture of the MOSQUE is very beautiful, it's really commendable how neat and clean they have maintained this huge MOSQUE hat's off to their effort in maintaining it. The white marble with gold carvings around the pillar and the entire structure, beautiful arches placed artistically is just mesmerizing to see.
The place is very peaceful you can feel it when you visit here. In some parts of the MOSQUE there is blue water pools along side of the huge number of beautifully carved pillars placed at equal distance. Words truly fall short to describe the beauty of this place, you need to come and feel it.
It's DIVINE experience visiting this MOSQUE. Here there is prayer hall where World's Largest Hand Weaven Carpet Is placed was awestruck to see that.
Hat's off to the Abu Dhabi and UAE for maintaining such a huge structure built with white marble, it looks and feels like as good as new but it's built decades ago.
When we visit this MOSQUE got to see the UAE fighter jets flying around which was fantastic to see here.
I say it's must visit place for people coming to Dubai."
tanush bhavana
"A Grand and Unforgettable Experience.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s incredibly beautiful, grand, and massive — a true architectural masterpiece. The white marble, detailed carvings, elegant domes, and sparkling chandeliers create a peaceful yet majestic atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.
Whether you visit during the day or at night, the mosque is absolutely stunning. It’s open to all and very well organized, with respectful guidance.
A must-see in Abu Dhabi — truly one of the most magnificent mosques in the world."
Neeti Kanwar
"Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an experience that stays with you. The scale and beauty are extraordinary—pure white marble, delicate floral inlays, and the symmetry of the domes all create a sense of harmony. But beyond the architecture, there’s a deep feeling of peace and reflection as you walk through the courtyards and prayer halls. At sunset, the light makes the mosque glow, and it feels almost otherworldly. Truly one of the most inspiring landmarks I’ve ever visited"
vasco araujo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from Dubai to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi takes approximately 2.5 hours one-way. You can hire a taxi, use ride-sharing apps, or join a tour that includes transportation.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the mosque. It's recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during busy periods.
Absolutely. Taxis are readily available in Abu Dhabi and can take you directly to the mosque. It's a convenient option for reaching the site.
While public buses do serve the area, they can be time-consuming. For most tourists, taxis or ride-sharing services are more practical for reaching the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Its precise location is easily found on most GPS devices and mapping applications.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, entry to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is completely free. However, you may need to book a time slot online in advance to manage visitor numbers. +2
While you can sometimes get tickets on arrival, booking online for free is highly recommended to avoid potentially long queues. +1
The mosque is generally open from Saturday to Thursday, 9 AM to 10 PM, and on Fridays from 4:30 PM to 10 PM. It's always best to check the official website for any seasonal changes or holiday hours.
Yes, the mosque is open to visitors of all faiths. It's a place for cultural and religious appreciation, and non-Muslims are welcome to explore its beauty.
Yes, a strict dress code is enforced. Women must wear loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing covering their arms and legs, along with a headscarf. Men should wear long trousers and shirts. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Women need to wear long, loose clothing that covers their arms and legs, and a headscarf. Men should wear long trousers and a shirt. Abayas and headscarves are available for rent or purchase if needed. +1
Photography is generally allowed, but be respectful. Avoid intrusive shots, posing provocatively, or using flash in sensitive areas.
Yes, there are luggage storage facilities available near the entrance. It's free to use, making it convenient for visitors carrying bags.
While quiet reflection is encouraged, formal meditation with physical movements might attract attention. It's best to sit calmly and respectfully.
Yes, free guided tours are offered at regular intervals. They provide valuable historical and cultural context, highly recommended by visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants inside the main mosque area. However, there are cafes and dining options available in the nearby mall, which you pass through to enter the mosque.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the mosque. There are water fountains available, and you can purchase refreshments at the mall.
The mall connected to the mosque offers various food outlets. Additionally, there are many restaurants and cafes in Abu Dhabi city that you can visit before or after your mosque tour.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers beautiful golden hour light, while evenings provide stunning illuminated views. Early mornings are also great for fewer crowds and softer light.
Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash in prayer halls and be respectful of worshippers. Poses that are too intimate or distracting are discouraged.
The grand courtyard with its reflective pools, the intricate details of the marble work, the chandeliers, and the exterior architecture at different times of day are all highly photogenic. 
Drone usage is strictly prohibited within the mosque premises and surrounding areas for security and privacy reasons.
While personal photography is allowed, professional photoshoots might require special permits. It's best to check with the mosque administration for specific guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider joining a free guided tour, as the guides often make the information engaging for all ages. While running and loud noises are discouraged, the sheer scale of the mosque usually captivates younger visitors. There are also facilities like restrooms and water fountains available. Remember to bring snacks and drinks for the journey, as outside food is not permitted inside the mosque itself.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim to visit during golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for the most dramatic lighting, or in the evening when the mosque is beautifully illuminated. Be mindful of the dress code, as it applies to everyone, and respect the prayer times and the privacy of worshippers when taking photos. 🕌 Cultural Explorers
Remember to dress respectfully and be open to learning about the traditions and values represented by this magnificent structure. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels
The mosque features 82 domes of varying sizes, the largest of which is the central dome, resembling an inverted tulip. Its four minarets stand at 107 meters tall, each adorned with intricate geometric patterns. The sheer scale and detail are breathtaking. From the world's largest marble mosaic floors to the distinctive domes topped with gold leaf spires, every element is a work of art. The iconic chandeliers, resembling upturned palm trees, are a unique symbol of the region.
The mosque's design is intended to represent global unity, incorporating diverse artistic influences and materials. Visitors are often struck by the immense courtyards and the reflective pools that mirror the mosque's grandeur, creating a serene and visually stunning experience.
+1 The meticulous attention to detail, from the carved pillars to the delicate floral inlays, makes it a truly awe-inspiring structure that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Navigating the Dress Code
Men are required to wear long trousers and a t-shirt or shirt that covers their shoulders. Shorts or any clothing that reveals the knees are not permitted.
If you don't have appropriate attire, you can rent or purchase an abaya (a long, flowing robe) and a headscarf from the mall located before the mosque entrance. This is a common solution for visitors who are unprepared.
The Experience of Visiting
The mosque is open to people of all faiths, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate Islamic culture and art.
While the experience is overwhelmingly positive, some visitors note the strictness of the dress code and the need for respectful behavior.
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