Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque – a guide to the spiritual heart of the Emirates

Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque step-by-step tour

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a religious symbol of the United Arab Emirates, combines Middle Eastern traditions with modern craftsmanship. The design was created to represent diversity and tolerance.

How to visit the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi? Your visit will begin with an entrance through an underground complex. The route then leads to a vast marble courtyard surrounded by a colonnade, with pools at its centre. The next stage is a tour of the main prayer hall, where you can admire the world's largest hand-woven carpet and chandeliers, after which the route ends in passages and smaller rooms. Remember that this is a place of active worship, so you must observe the dress code and remain silent.

What else can you see in the capital of the UAE? Take a look at the guide Abu Dhabi - what to see.

Architecture and symbolism

This monumental temple, the showcase and spiritual heart of the country, was built on the orders of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates. Although its construction took over a decade and was completed in 2007, Sheikh Zayed's vision of creating an open place of worship and education continues to be realised today. The building is open to visitors regardless of their religion.

The symbolism of the building is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, but it also has a global dimension. The Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi was intended to be a place that connects East and West, as can be seen in the use of materials from around the world (stone from Italy, India and New Zealand). The white marble columns are decorated with floral motifs and calligraphy. The dominant white colour symbolises purity and peace.

If you are also planning to visit the attractions of Dubai, this place in Abu Dhabi is the perfect historical complement.

The largest mosques and design

This dazzling building is one of the largest mosques in the world. Its construction, which took over a decade, consumed huge amounts of white marble from Macedonia, gold and semi-precious stones such as amethyst and jasper, used for floral decorations. Islamic architecture in Abu Dhabi in this edition impresses with 82 onion-shaped domes supported by over 1,000 columns. The main prayer hall features the world's largest hand-woven carpet, measuring over 5,600 square metres, and seven chandeliers made in Germany, including one of the largest in the world. The mosque is a key element of Abu Dhabi's cultural attractions, demonstrating above all the beauty and precision of craftsmanship.

And if you want to learn more about the unique architecture in Abu Dhabi, we invite you to read our current guide.

Interesting facts about the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an unforgettable experience, allowing you to admire the beautiful interiors and exterior architecture. There are also shops and restaurants around the mosque, offering traditional food and souvenirs. Visitors must adhere to a dress code, including Arabic attire for women and long trousers for men.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque holds many records. It is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, with a capacity of over 40,000 worshippers.

Here are some impressive facts that highlight the scale of the building:

• Record-breaking dome: The temple boasts the largest mosque dome in the world. It measures 32.8 metres in diameter and rises to an impressive height of 85 metres.
• The largest carpet: The main prayer hall features the world's largest hand-woven carpet. This true work of art weighs 35 tonnes and covers an area of 5,627 square metres.
• Mausoleum: The mosque also serves as a mausoleum. It is the resting place of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates, who initiated the construction of this temple.

Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque - dress code

A visit to this monumental temple requires adherence to certain rules, which stem directly from its sacred nature. The dress code is strictly enforced, as the temple combines the status of a place of worship with an open space for visitors.

The key issue is to dress appropriately, as the mosque strictly adheres to the dress code in UAE mosques. So how should one dress for the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi? Men must wear long trousers covering their ankles and have their shoulders covered. Women are required to cover their hair, shoulders and legs down to their ankles. Loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing that does not expose the neckline is required. Do women have to cover their hair in the Grand Mosque? Yes, this is an absolute requirement. Fortunately, if your attire is found to be inappropriate, the staff will provide traditional abayas (for women) and kanduras (for men) at the entrance checkpoint.

In addition to clothing, visitors must respect the regulations for tourists in mosques. This means that silence and respect must be maintained at all times. Eating, smoking and public displays of affection (e.g. hugging or holding hands) are not permitted, as they could be perceived as inappropriate. Always remember that this is a place of worship.

Visiting a huge temple may not necessarily be interesting for the youngest, so if you are travelling to the Emirates with children, check out attractions for children in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque - admission tickets and opening hours

Proper planning of your visit will ensure that your tour is smooth and enjoyable. Below you will find all the necessary information regarding access and logistics to help you make the most of your time.

The basic information for those planning a trip is the cost of admission. Do you need to buy tickets to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi? Visiting the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is completely free, which is great news for all visitors. Although tickets are not required, each visitor must pass through security and collect a digital admission card at the underground visitor centre.

Planning your visit time is crucial. What are the opening hours of the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi? The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Saturday to Thursday. Please note that the temple has special rules of operation on Fridays and during religious holidays. It is always best to check the current hours on the official website before visiting.

Parking and getting to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in the centre of Abu Dhabi, close to the main tourist attractions. Therefore, getting to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is easy and convenient, no matter where you are coming from. You can get there by taxi or city bus, lines 32, 34, 44 and 54. Parking at the mosque is free, but online registration and presentation of a QR code at the entrance are required.

How to get to the Grand Mosque from the centre of Abu Dhabi? The most convenient means of transport is a taxi or a ride-hailing app such as Uber/Careem. The mosque is conveniently located close to major transport routes, making it quick to reach. If you decide to travel by your own or rented car, there is a large, free car park and the route to the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque is very well signposted.

When planning your trip from Dubai, the easiest way to get there is by intercity bus (lines E101 or E100), then change to a taxi or city bus in Abu Dhabi. The mosque itself is conveniently located near major transport routes, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the Emirate.

Once you arrive, it is worth knowing how long it takes to visit the Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi. A full step-by-step tour, including viewing the vast courtyard, the main prayer halls, and the underground exhibition complex, usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. Properly planned time will allow you to enjoy your visit without rushing.

Summary and additional tips

The key to a successful visit is to respect the rules of the temple and wear appropriate clothing. If you are wondering how long it takes to visit the Grand Mosque, the full experience takes about an hour and a half, but it is worth reserving extra time to contemplate the beauty of this place or buy souvenirs nearby.

Remember that when planning your visit, you can combine a visit to the Grand Mosque with other attractions in the Emirates. To ensure a comfortable stay, especially if you plan to visit different emirates, book comfortable accommodation in Dubai. For more practical information, detailed guides and tips on travelling in the UAE, visit Two Continents.

Questions and answers - FAQ

• Can I take photos in the Grand Mosque?

Yes, you can take photos, but please be respectful and avoid posing in a way that could be considered inappropriate.

• What are the opening hours of the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi?

The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Saturday to Thursday.

• Is the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi open on Fridays?

Yes, but it is only open in the afternoon (from 4:30 p.m.) as morning prayers are held in the morning.