Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 2024-2026
The largest mosque in the UAE is something extraordinary
Best time: all year round
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is Abu Dhabi's premier place of worship and a major architectural landmark. It took nearly a decade to complete and spans 12 hectares (30 acres) and measures 290 by 420 meters (950 by 1,380 feet). During major holidays and Eid prayers, the mosque welcomes up to 41,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest and most significant mosques in the world.
Interior & Chandelier
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, measuring 5,627 square meters and weighing 12 tons. Crafted by 1,200 weavers, it took nearly two years to complete, with 2.2 billion hand-tied knots. The mosque’s architecture blends influences from Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan. It also boasts the largest marble mosaic courtyard (17,000 square meters) and the third-largest chandelier in the world, made with Swarovski crystals.
Getting There
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is strategically located between the three main bridges connecting Abu Dhabi to the mainland: the Maqta, Mussafah, and Sheikh Zayed bridges. Visitors can enter the mosque through Al Salam Gate 6. For convenience, Abu Dhabi's Department of Transport provides a public bus service with a station near the mosque.
Visiting Hours & Parking
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm, with the last entry allowed at 9:30 pm. On Fridays, the mosque operates from 9 am to 12 pm and then reopens from 3 pm to 10 pm. Visitors can easily find parking in the southern lots, indicated by signs near the mosque's entrances.
Guided Tours
The mosque offers free guided tours for individuals and groups led by official cultural tour specialists. These tours, lasting 30 to 45 minutes, provide insights into the mosque's architecture and Islamic culture. Visitors are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the tour starts. For a more exclusive experience, the Sura Evening Cultural Tours allow visitors to explore the mosque at night, from 10 pm to 8 am, offering a unique opportunity to admire its beauty without the usual crowds.
What to Wear
When visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, it's important to follow the dress code. Both men and women should wear long, loose-fitting, ankle-length clothing. Women are required to cover their heads with a scarf. T
Activities
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers a unique outdoor activity with its jogging track, allowing visitors to practice sports while surrounded by the mosque's stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. This provides a one-of-a-kind setting for exercise, blending cultural beauty with physical activity. Additionally, the mosque's Souq provides a complete shopping and dining experience, featuring 51 outlets with diverse offerings, meeting international standards to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
History
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque project was initiated by the late President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is buried next to the mosque. Designed by architect Yousef Abdelky, the mosque was completed in 2007. In its opening year, the mosque was recognized as the world’s second favorite landmark by TripAdvisor travelers, a testament to its immense cultural and architectural significance.
