Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

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, and many city tours also visit other notable points of interest such as the Corniche, Yas Island, Ferrari World, and the Heritage Village. It’s also possible to see the mosque, along with other Abu Dhabi highlights, on an action-packed day trip from Dubai.

• 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.

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.

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.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is 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.

Yes, tourists of all faiths can visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The mosque is open 9am–10pm daily, excluding Fridays when opening hours are typically 9am–12pm and 3pm–10pm. Admission is free, and you can explore independently, join a free guided in-house tour, or visit on organized tours that include round-trip transfers.

The time needed to tour the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque varies. If you’re visiting independently, plan for about two hours, including the 15–20 minutes it takes to pass through the entrance visitor center. Most in-house tours last from 45–60 minutes, but many visitors add time to stroll around afterward.

No, prebooking isn’t compulsory for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Admission is free, and time-slot tickets are usually available at the entrance. However, it’s easy to prebook via the mosque website to avoid lines and secure your ideal time, or to join an organized Abu Dhabi tour that includes tickets.

Yes, visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is worth it. The 2007-built, white-marble mosque is one of the world’s most spectacular places of worship. It's topped with four minarets and 80 domes and has courtyards and halls designed to dazzle with Swarovski chandeliers, rich carvings, and jewel-encrusted pillars.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has a strict dress code, which you must follow for entry. Women must cover their heads and wear long-sleeves and long outfits or long pants, while men must wear long pants and sleeved tops. Women can buy abayas–long robes–at the entrance.

Yes, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a Muslim place of worship, so if you’re Muslim, you can join the prayers held here, including Friday sermons. If you’re not Muslim, you are welcome to visit the mosque and quietly observe any prayers taking place, but you're not expected to join in.