History of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most iconic landmarks in Abu Dhabi, was constructed between 1996 and 2007 and named in honor of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates.
As the largest mosque in the UAE and one of the biggest in the world, it stands as a symbol of unity, cultural diversity, and architectural excellence. The project came with a staggering price tag of 2 billion dirhams (approximately $545 million USD), reflecting the incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Artisans and materials were sourced from across the globe — including Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom — blending styles and traditions into a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The result is a breathtaking mosque that combines grandeur with spiritual serenity.
Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Exploring the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a smooth and well-organized experience. Upon arrival, you’ll pass through a quick security and X-ray check, which is usually fast and hassle-free.
Once inside, you can choose to walk to the main entrance or hop on the free golf buggy shuttles — a lifesaver during Abu Dhabi’s hotter days. To enhance your visit, the mosque also offers a complimentary one-hour guided tour, where knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about its history, design, and cultural significance.
🕒 Hours & Entrance Fees
- Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Admission: Free for all visitors
👗 Dress Code & Visitor Guidelines
As an active place of worship, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque maintains a strict dress code, particularly for women:
- Men: Must cover knees and shoulders
- Women: Must wear long sleeves, long trousers or skirts, and a headscarf
If your outfit doesn’t meet the requirements, modest clothing is provided free of charge at the entrance. For example, men may be given a white robe (kandura), while women receive a black abaya and scarf.
Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque halls, but don’t worry — the cool, spotless white marble floors make walking barefoot a surprisingly comfortable experience.
Inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Once you’ve explored the mosque’s sprawling grounds and elegant courtyard, step inside the main prayer hall, which is also free to enter.
The interior is truly breathtaking, filled with intricate designs, detailed mosaics, and elegant Islamic architecture. A few highlights are absolutely unmissable:
- The World’s Largest Persian Carpet: This enormous hand-woven masterpiece weighs 35 tons and covers 60,000 square feet (5,600 m²), making it the largest carpet ever made. Walking on it feels like stepping into a work of art.
- The Majestic Chandelier: Hanging from the ceiling is the mosque’s third-largest chandelier in the world, imported from Munich, Germany, and adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals. Its size and brilliance are enough to leave any visitor in awe.
Every corner of the mosque is designed to impress, making it one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see for travelers interested in architecture, art, and culture.
How to Get to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
From Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is conveniently located just a short drive from Abu Dhabi’s city center. The easiest way to reach it is by taxi or ride-hailing services like Uber or Careem, which usually take 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
From Dubai
If you’re visiting from Dubai, the journey is longer — approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) or around 1.5 hours by car.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing: Taking an Uber or Careem will cost about 185 AED ($50 USD) one way, making it a pricier option.
- Shared Bus Tours: A more budget-friendly alternative is to join a shared bus tour from Dubai, which often includes hotel pickup, guided commentary, and sometimes other Abu Dhabi highlights.
- Driving Yourself: Roads in the UAE are excellent and driving is generally easy, so renting a car is another option if you prefer flexibility.
Most travelers choose to stay in Dubai and take a day trip to Abu Dhabi, as Dubai offers more tourist amenities and is a convenient base for exploring the UAE.
Best Time to Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The ideal time to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is either in the morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler and crowds are smaller.
- Summer Considerations: During the summer months, temperatures in the UAE can soar to 42°C (108°F) around midday, making early morning or late afternoon visits far more comfortable.
- Evening Visits: Visiting in the evening has an added bonus — the mosque is beautifully illuminated after dark, providing a stunning backdrop for photography and a serene atmosphere for exploring.
Visiting at these times ensures a more comfortable and visually impressive experience, whether you’re touring the grounds or admiring the mosque’s intricate interiors.
Where I Stayed in Dubai
During my UAE trip, I stayed at the 2-star Al Khoory Inn in Dubai. For $24 USD per night, I got a spotlessly clean double room with cold air conditioning, solid facilities, and a convenient location. Prices can fluctuate, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for a good deal.
The hotel turned out to be a comfortable haven during my trip — especially since I was recovering from a bout of travel sickness picked up on my flight from Bangladesh.
While the UAE isn’t the cheapest country to travel, Al Khoory Inn offered excellent value, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
