Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi’s showstopping Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the first sights that greets travelers crossing over from the mainland. It’s nothing short of spectacular: a gleaming expanse of white marble adorned with 82 domes, four sky-high minarets, and lashings of gold. There’s space for more than 40,000 worshippers—twice the crowd at a sold-out Madison Square Gardens concert—making it the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates.
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.
Ways to explore
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is free to visit and open to all, but it’s worth booking your ticket, audio guide, or free 45-minute tour in advance. Exploring with a guide will highlight the mosque’s rich Islamic architecture, which features marble mosaics, Iznik tilework, dazzling 24-carat gold chandeliers, a gigantic, handcrafted carpet, and a series of ornamental gardens and reflective pools
Many Abu Dhabi city tours and day trips from Dubai include a visit to the Grand Mosque, often in combination with other attractions such as the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Yas Island, Ferrari World, or Abu Dhabi Heritage Village.
Accessibility
The mosque is fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Electric shuttles transfer visitors from the parking lot to the mosque, and free wheelchairs are available for loan.
Age limits
The mosque is open to all ages; however, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
What to pack
Reusable water bottle, camera, sunglasses (the white marble facade can be quite dazzling)
What to wear
Loose-fitting clothing that reaches your wrists and ankles; women must cover their hair (headscarves are provided).
Not allowed
All food and drinks, including water; kissing, hugging, or displays of affection; tight, sleeveless, or transparent clothing (for men and women); taking photos and videos, except at the designated photo points; clothing or logos that include profanity
Amenities
Visitor center, shopping mall, restaurants, gift shops, restrooms, cloakroom, multimedia guides in 14 languages, free parking
Address
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque sits on Abu Dhabi’s eastern edge, between the three main bridges connecting the city to the mainland. The easiest way to visit is as part of a guided tour, but you can also get there by taxi, car, or bus. Guided tours start from the east side of the mosque.
Driving
To reach Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from downtown Abu Dhabi, it’s about a 9-mile (14-kilometer) drive that takes around 15 minutes: head southeast along Al Khaleej Al Arabi St or Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St. From Dubai, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive south along the E11 highway. There are two large parking lots on the north and south sides of the mosque.
Public transportation
Several buses and shuttle buses stop at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Best times to visit
It’s recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the evening, due to the intense heat. Golden hour, just before sunset, is an atmospheric time for photographs, but it’s also worth passing by after dark to admire the mosque’s magnificent illuminations.
Best days to visit
The mosque is open to visitors daily. Guided tours take place during the morning, afternoon, and evening. It’s best to avoid Fridays, when there are reduced opening hours for non-worshippers.
Best months to visit
The best time to explore Abu Dhabi is between November and March, when the cooler weather is ideal for sightseeing.
Special events
While the muslim festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are important events at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, it’s a time reserved for worshippers.
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