Summary
Abu Dhabi may not be as well known as Dubai when it comes to tourism hotspots, however, one cannot overlook the profound beauty and significance of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This landmark attracts millions of tourists each year and is a must-see during your travels.
This travel guide provides comprehensive information on everything you need to know before visiting this stunning architectural wonder!
History Of The Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque was constructed between 1996 and 2007, named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates. This magnificent mosque holds the title of the largest mosque in the UAE, and ranks among the largest mosques globally, with a construction cost of approximately 2 billion dirhams (about $545 million USD).
Artisans from various countries, including Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom worked on this project, contributing to its breathtaking beauty.
If you haven’t seen it in person, you’re truly missing out on an impressive sight.
Visiting The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Accessing the mosque is straightforward and easy. There is a brief security and X-ray procedure at the entrance, but it’s quite manageable. After security, free golf buggy rides are available for those who wish to avoid the walk to the mosque, which is highly recommended on hot days.
Additionally, consider joining a free one-hour guided tour to enrich your experience as you explore the mosque.
Hours & Fees
- Hours (Sat-Thurs): 9 AM – 10 PM
- Hours (Friday): 4:30 PM – 10 PM
- Entrance Fees: Free
Dress Code
As an operational Muslim mosque, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque enforces a strict dress code, particularly for women.
- Men: Must cover their knees and shoulders.
- Women: Must wear long sleeves, long trousers, and a headscarf.
If you find yourself underdressed, complimentary clothing is available. While I wore knee-length shorts, another individual in our group had to wear a traditional white robe due to his knees being uncovered.
Shoes must be removed upon entry, and the spotless white marble floor remains cool, ensuring a comfortable experience for your feet.
Inside The Mosque
Once you wander through the mosque grounds and courtyard, you may enter the main building without any charge. The interior is adorned with intricate designs, but a few elements stand out prominently.
Among these are the world’s largest Persian carpet, weighing 35 tons and spanning 60,000 square feet (5,600 m²), and a massive chandelier, the third largest globally, imported from Munich, Germany, and embellished with thousands of Swarovski crystals.
How To Get To The Mosque
• From Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is conveniently located in Abu Dhabi, a short distance from the city center. Taking a taxi using Uber or Careem is the most efficient mode of transport; the ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
• From Dubai
The journey from Dubai is longer—around 130 kilometers (80 miles) or roughly 1.5 hours. Although you can take a taxi (Uber or Careem), it typically costs a minimum of 185 AED ($50 USD) for a one-way fare. An alternate option is to join a shared bus tour from Dubai, as discussed in the next section.
Most tourists will likely stay in Dubai and then travel to Abu Dhabi due to the wealth of attractions found in Dubai.
Driving conditions in the UAE are generally pleasant, and roads are well-maintained, so another option is to rent a car for the trip. However, in some cases, joining a shared tour may be more economical.
Day Tours To Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
I arranged my visit to Abu Dhabi from Dubai through an online tour on Klook, which offers a full-day city tour of Abu Dhabi by shared bus, including free hotel pickup and drop-off.
This tour was highly satisfactory, with Sheikh Zayed Mosque being a primary stop. We had ample time to explore the mosque grounds, alongside other notable attractions in Abu Dhabi.
While it’s a shared tour, experiencing the mosque amidst crowds is expected, so I found this to be a non-issue. The tour has a full 8-hour itinerary, providing excellent value for solo travelers.
Best Time To Visit
The ideal times to visit the mosque are during the morning or evening, as temperatures are cooler and crowds are thinner. During summer, the midday temperatures can soar to a sweltering 42°C (108°F).
Additionally, visiting in the evening allows you to witness the mosque beautifully lit up after dark, creating a unique and memorable photo opportunity.
Best Tours In The United Arab Emirates
Where I Stayed
During my trip, I stayed at the budget-friendly Al Khoory Inn in Dubai for only $24 USD per night. The immaculately clean double room offered excellent facilities, including efficient air conditioning, at a great location. Prices can fluctuate, so it’s beneficial to keep an eye out for good offers.
Due to an ailment I contracted during my flight from Bangladesh, I spent considerable time recuperating in this welcoming environment.
Though the UAE may not be the most economical destination for travel, my stay here proved to be an excellent bargain!
