For an unparalleled experience that merges architectural brilliance with spiritual reflection, no visit to the United Arab Emirates is complete without exploring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Situated just a 90-minute drive from Dubai, this awe-inspiring mosque ranks among the largest in the world, covering 30 acres and accommodating up to 40,000 worshippers. Beyond a mere photo opportunity, experiencing Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a profoundly moving journey that will resonate long after your visit.

A Brief History

Completed in December 2007, this magnificent structure was dedicated to the first ruler of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose tomb lies within its grounds. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque required 11 years to build and came at an astonishing cost of 2 billion dirhams ($545 million). The result is a stunning icon of gleaming white marble, adorned with 24-karat gold and intricate stonework featuring semi-precious materials like lapis lazuli, amethyst, red agate, and mother of pearl.

Boasting 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and one of the largest chandeliers globally, this mosque features a 33-foot, 12-ton spectacle shining in the main prayer hall. Beneath this breathtaking light fixture lies the largest hand-knotted carpet on Earth, crafted by 1,200 artisans over two years.

Despite its opulence, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not excessive; rather, it serves as a peaceful sanctuary for reflection, characterized by tranquil reflection pools and an expansive central sahan (courtyard) surrounded by elegant colonnaded walkways.

Best Time to Visit

The mosque’s marble structure is visually stunning at any hour; however, it transforms into a magical sight at sunset. To enhance your experience, time your visit to align with the evening call to prayer, as the melodic chant resonates throughout the courtyard and worshippers fill the main prayer hall. As twilight descends, witness the mosque’s facade illuminated in a breathtaking light display that reflects the moon’s phases, transforming the white marble into a mesmerizing palette of lilac and blue.

Dress Code

Given its significance as a place of Muslim worship, modest attire is essential when visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This entails avoiding short, transparent, or tight clothing. Both men and women must don loose-fitting trousers or skirts that reach the ankles, with arms covered.

Women are also required to wear a headscarf at all times. Even if you think you’ve adhered to the dress code by bringing your scarf, you likely will be invited to the entrance changing rooms to receive an abaya, a long hooded robe to wear over your own clothes.

Moreover, bear in mind that the mosque is a shoe-free zone; visitors must leave their footwear at communal racks located indoors.

Don’t Leave Without…

A visit to the washrooms is a must. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features some of the most impressive facilities you might encounter. Since ablution (ritual washing of feet and hands) is integral to Islamic worship, the underground washrooms present astonishing settings of marble and semi-precious stones.

Food and Drink

Visitors are not permitted to bring food or drink inside the mosque premises; however, you will find a branch of The Coffee Club at the North Gate entrance, close to the souvenir shop, where you can rejuvenate before or after your visit.

Opening Hours

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomes the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday to Thursday (with the last entrance at 9:30 p.m.). On Friday mornings, the mosque is accessible to worshippers only, with public admission beginning at 4:30 p.m. During Ramadan, the mosque is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (closed Fridays). As prayer timings change daily, it is prudent to check the timetable when planning your visit.

Complimentary one-hour guided tours are available daily, providing insights into the mosque’s architectural elements and an introduction to Islamic civilization. Tours are scheduled at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 5 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday; at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday; and at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Getting There

If you’re situated in Dubai, consider joining a one-day bus tour to Abu Dhabi, which includes a stop at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with convenient pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. Alternatively, for a more personalized option, take a taxi for the 90-minute journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, costing around 250 dirhams each way. While in the area, visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi, just a 20-minute drive from the mosque, is highly recommended.