Ultimate Guide to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE : Must-Know Tips and Highlights (2024)

Here’s your ultimate guide to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the United Arab Emirates.

A journey of serenity and grandeur, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must-visit place in the United Arab Emirates. This iconic place of worship is a popular religious site and a testament to the rich culture and Islamic love in the UAE. The marble domes rising towards the heavens, the intricate calligraphy on the walls, and one-of-a-kind artifacts make Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque the most popular of them all. This architectural masterpiece is a hub of intricate stories.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, beyond its aesthetics, is a symbol of unity and tolerance. While it is a popular place of Islamic beliefs, it welcomes visitors from all walks of life. It isn’t just a religious landmark but a place where traditions meet innovation and the past merges into the present merge. If you are planning to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, read the article below for ultimate guidance.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque : History and Background

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has a rich and fascinating history. Built in honor of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first President of the United Arab Emirates, this architectural marvel was completed in 2007. However, it traces its origin back to the late 20th century when Sheikh Zayed envisioned a landmark to represent and reflect the cultural and religious diversity of the UAE. The construction work of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque began in the late 1990s, involving artisans and materials from all across the world. Soon enough after it was completed, it became one of the most iconic landmarks in the UAE, attracting global tourism.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque : Architecture and Design

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s architecture and design are awe-inspiring. This magnificent Islamic structure is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Standing as an architectural brilliance, the mosque reflects a blend of different architectural styles, including Mamluk, Ottoman, Fatimid, and more Islamic fusions. It boasts a stunning white marble exterior with 82 domes and four minarets. The mosque’s intricate floral and geometric patterns, created through the use of white marble and semi-precious stones, create an atmosphere of tranquility and grandeur.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque : Notable Features and Highlights

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a treasure trove of notable features and highlights. Every single element here contributes to its allure.

Here are some of the most remarkable aspects of this grand architectural marvel that you shouldn’t miss.

1. Check out the Breathtaking Chandeliers: The mosque is adorned with seven exquisite chandeliers. The largest one is designed by German Faustig and adorned with millions of Swarovski crystals. One of the world’s most massive, it resembles an upturned palm tree with 24-carat gold plates and Swarovski crystals, with nearly 40 million units of green, red, and yellow-colored crystal balls casting a mesmerizing play of light.
2. See the World’s Largest Hand-Woven Carpet: Woven in 9 parts, the mosque is home to a colossal hand-woven carpet covering an area of 5,700 square meters. The experience of standing on its edges and admiring the intricate design and craftsmanship is truly remarkable.
3. Walk near the Reflective Pools: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is surrounded by reflective pools that enhance its visual appeal, adding to its stunning mirror image. It also adds to its serene ambience.
4. Checkout Marble Masterpiece: The entire Mosque is built using pristine white marble and intricate floral and geometric designs. Crafted from semi-precious stones, every single feature here has a symbolic and spiritual significance in Islamic art and culture. The blend of artistry and opulence is worth observing.
5. Calligraphy Art: Showcasing the mastery of Arabic calligraphers, the interiors of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are adorned with intricate calligraphy from the Quran. Some of the most notable calligraphy styles here include Naskh, Diwani, and Thuluth. And as the inscriptions softly illuminate at night, it creates a captivating and serene environment.
6. Islamic traditions: Last but the most important highlight of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are the Islamic traditions. Observing visitors in traditional Arabic attire, removing one’s shoes before entering the prayer hall, etc, adds to the beauty of this place.

How To Dress When Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a sacred place, a landmark of Islamic beliefs. A visit here isn’t a regular one to any other UAE landmark. Instead, every visitor needs to follow some specific rules/patterns in order to respect cultural and religious customs. For instance:

For Men:

• Wear long trousers that cover your legs.
• Opt for a long-sleeved shirt or a traditional kandura (white robe) if you have one.
• Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or any clothing that exposes too much skin.

For Women:

• Dress modestly with a long, loose-fitting dress or skirt that covers your ankles. Abayas (long robes) are available for rent at the mosque entrance if needed. You can also purchase one from anywhere in the UAE at a reasonable price.
• Wear a headscarf to cover your hair as a sign of respect. If you don’t have one, you can borrow one at the mosque since covering hair at a mosque (for women) is extremely important.
• Avoid tight-fitting, transparent, or revealing clothing.

General Guidelines for All Visitors:

• Remove your shoes before entering the mosque. There are designated areas for shoe removal.
• Refrain from wearing clothing with offensive language or symbols.
• Do not bring any items with religious or political statements, as these are not allowed.
• Remember that the mosque staff may provide you with appropriate clothing items if your attire is not in line with the guidelines.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Guided Tours and Activities

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque operates a range of in-house guided tours. Here’s all that you can expect from the same:

• The guided tours (in English and Arabic) take you deep into the heart of the mosque, offering glimpses of its most treasured features.
• For tours, no advance reservation is required; just arrive at the mosque around 15 minutes before the scheduled tour to secure your spot. The guided tours usually run for 30 minutes to an hour.
• The 30-minute free guided tours are available every hour from noon to 8 pm on Sundays to Thursdays. Tours are also available on Fridays and Saturdays but with less frequency.
• Taking a guided tour is ideal for a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of the mosque. It takes participants closer to the architectural insights while promoting intercultural understanding. Since guided tours are free, they are accessible to visitors of all kinds.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Visitor Information

Location: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi. It is conveniently accessible from various parts of the city.

Address: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, 5th St, Abu Dhabi.

Opening Hours:

Saturday to Thursday: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm

Friday: 04:30 pm to 10:00 pm

However, the mosque may have restricted access during Islamic prayer times.

How To Get There?

Reaching the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is a breeze. The mosque sits at the entrance to Abu Dhabi Island, between Musaffah Bridge and Maqta Bridge. It is well-marked and accessible, and here are some easy travel options for the same:

Take a taxi to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi since it is a convenient and straightforward option. Taxis can drop you right at the entrance to the mosque and are affordable. In fact, there are designated taxi stands close to the mosque for your return journey.

If you prefer to drive, the mosque offers on-site parking for visitors.

Buses can be a less common option; however, the one you can opt for. A lot of public buses reach the mosque, though it is time-consuming and less flexible compared to taxis or self-driving. When the option for a bus, reach the central bus station in your location and then catch a bus to the mosque.

How Long To Stay There?

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has so much to see that half a day here will flow away in a breeze. If you are on a tight schedule, plan a 1 to 2-hour visit, which is sufficient for exploring the grounds, taking photos, and enjoying the overall ambiance. However, if you have ample time, plan a long 4 to 6-hour trip, explore the mosque at a leisurely pace, and participate in multiple guided tours. You can even attend cultural programs or exhibitions.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Photography and Etiquettes

Photographing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a delightful experience, but here are some photography etiquettes you must know about:

• Do not take photos during prayer times, especially of the ones offering prayers. During Namaz hours, maintaining a quiet and respectful atmosphere is essential.
• When taking photos inside the mosque, be aware of worshippers and their privacy. Avoid photographing individuals without their permission. Also, do not take pictures of Arabic women (and even men).
• Tripods are generally not allowed inside the mosque to prevent obstruction and ensure the safety of the delicate floor.
• Some areas in the mosque may be off-limits for photography; thus, read the instructions carefully.
• Capture the mosque’s breathtaking exterior from various angles. The white marble and stunning architecture make for striking photos.
• The best time to capture photos here is during the early morning or late afternoon hours, with the best lighting and less heat.
• When sharing photos online or with others, please be respectful and considerate of the mosque’s cultural and religious significance.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Important Tips

• When visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, avoid mid-afternoon and Namaaz hours. Also, if you want to avoid the rush, do not visit during the Ramadan month.
• Dress modestly, covering all your skin (except your face, palms and feet) regardless of your gender.
• Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor inside the mosque.
• Remove your shoes before entering the mosque.
• The UAE can be quite hot, so be sure to stay hydrated.
• Be open to learning and understanding the local culture.
• Do not mess with the Arabic people, and respect Islamic culture regardless of your religious and cultural beliefs.
• The mosque is wheelchair accessible, with staff ready to assist.