Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The massive, white Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the central place of worship for citizens of the United Arab Emirates. It’s the country’s largest mosque and can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers at once. The main prayer hall alone holds 7,000 people.The mosque’s interior highlights include white marble columns with mother-of-pearl engravings and embedded semi-precious stones. It also boasts expansive Iranian carpets and intricate crystal chandeliers.
The basics
The Grand Mosque is one of the UAE’s most famous attractions. Entrance is free and complimentary guided tours run throughout the day, including an evening sunset tour. The mosque also features on most city sightseeing tours, whether you want to explore on a full-day or half-day excursion.
Many city tours also visit other notable points of interest such as the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Yas Island, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. It’s also possible to see the mosque, along with other Abu Dhabi highlights, on an action-packed day trip from Dubai.
Things to know before you go
The mosque is a must-see for first-time visitors to Abu Dhabi.
Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your legs and arms; women must wear a headscarf.
Don't forget to bring sunglasses, as the white marble reflects sunlight.
The mosque is wheelchair accessible and provides wheelchairs free of charge.
How to get there
The Grand Mosque sits on Abu Dhabi’s eastern edge, between the three main bridges connecting the city to the mainland. The easiest way to get there is by taxi, but multiple city buses stop nearby as well.
When to get there
The mosque is open daily, except on Fridays which are reserved for worship. Due to the heat, it’s best to visit early in the morning or in the late evening. Golden hour, just before sunset, is the best time to capture photos of the magnificent structure.
The Grand Mosque by the numbers
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. It’s home to the world’s largest carpet, the world’s largest marble mosaic, and one of the world’s largest chandeliers—a 24-carat gold gilded piece measuring 39 feet (10 meters) in diameter. It also boasts 82 domes and more than 1,000 columns.
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