10 Things to Know Before Visiting the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the top sights to see in the United Arab Emirates. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque dress code, visiting hours, tickets and tours.

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10 Things to Know Before Visiting the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

As a frequent visitor to the United Arab Emirates, I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque several times over the past decade. The glistening white marble and the bright gold accents create an air of awe and opulence; the crystal covered chandelier and mosaic tiles are a visual expression of just how important this mosque is.

As one of the best things to see in Abu Dhabi, a trip to Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is non-negotiable. And, since it is also an easy day trip from Dubai, there is simply no excuse not to stop here!

I’ve noticed some major changes since visiting this mosque for my first time years ago until now. The rules and regulations have changed greatly. So, I thought it best to write an updated post on everything you need to know before visiting Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque.

Keep on scrolling for all the info!

1. The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque Dress Code

The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque has a very strict dress code, particularly for women. Don’t let this dissuade you from going. Rather, treat it as a sign of respect to follow these rules as a tourist!

Dress code for women at the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque:

• Arms and legs must be completely covered. Short sleeves and even 3/4 length sleeves will not be permitted. Short or mid-length skirts and pants will not be permitted. This is strictly enforced! Only hands, feet and face may show.
• Hair must be completely covered. If you have long hair like me, it must stay hidden under a scarf or hijab.
• In the past, it was possible to rent an abaya (loose dress which covers your body) and a head covering on site. However, after reopening in 2020, that is no longer the case. Now, visitors improperly dressed are forced to purchase their own near the entrance. Prices begin at 45 AED or roughly $12 USD.

Pro Tip: Read more about visiting Abu Dhabi as a Woman here.

Dress code for men at the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque:

• Men must wear long sleeved shirts at least to the elbows and long pants. Shorts are not allowed.
• In the past, it was also possible to rent a kandura (loose dress which covers your body) on site. However, after reopening in 2020, that is no longer the case. Now, visitors improperly dressed are forced to purchase their own near the entrance.

Most importantly, note that there is no free option nowadays to borrow the proper dress. You must come dressed correctly or be prepared to purchase clothing.

The staff at the entrance have the final say on whether or not you are properly dressed. They do check each and every persons wardrobe as you enter. Please comply as this is a religious monument and very important place in the UAE!

Need more inspiration for your visit to the UAE? My Dubai & Abu Dhabi Travel Guide is jam-packed with attractions and tips for both areas.

Dress code for children at the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque:

• Young children do not have a specific dress code and may wear their normal play-clothes.
• From early puberty and beyond, children are expected to follow the same dress code as the adults. This is also strictly enforced, although no specific age is given.

Shoes inside the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque:

If you don’t want to walk around inside the Grand Hall of the mosque itself in bare feet you will want to make sure you bring your nicest socks!

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2. Is There an Entrance Fee?

The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque does not have an entry fee! It is entirely free to visit.

At the moment, reservations must be made in advance here.

3. Location

The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is in the city of Abu Dhabi. It is roughly 15 minutes from the Abu Dhabi airport (AUH).

For reference, it is 1.25 hours from Dubai International Airport.

4. How to Visit

You are lucky – there are multiple ways to visit the Grand Mosque!

Most people visit while on a tour. Tours depart both from Abu Dhabi and from Dubai, and often include an Abu Dhabi City Tour as well.

Alternately, if you rent a car, you can visit on your own time. Note that the parking garage is now located underneath the mosque. You will walk through a small shopping mall 9where the abayas are for sale) and take a series of escalators and trams to get to the official entrance.

And, lastly, you can also visit on your own by booking a taxi or an Uber. Yes, you can hire and Uber in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai!

A note for the solo females out there. While the vast majority of people I have met over the years in the UAE are extremely friendly, do take my advice about taxi safety. This conservative country is not completely used to solo female travelers just yet and you don’t want to give off the wrong idea!

You May Also Like: Is It Safe to Visit Dubai as a Solo Female?

5. How Long to Spend at Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque?

Allow between 30 minutes t 1.5 hours here, depending on how long you want to spend taking photos.

Speaking of photos, another huge change that I noticed here nowadays is the visiting structure. Not so long ago, visitors could walk and wander around, looking at the marble details and doubling back to get a closer look.

Presently, the walking route is very organized. Ropes block off the exact path to follow, and the path meanders both inside and outside on a pre-determined route. You are not able to double back to catch a second glimpse. This does seem to keep visits a bit shorter and streamlined.

As a photographer, I was disappointed that everything is so limited nowadays – especially since I experienced it before these changes. However, as one of the most visited places in the UAE, I guess I can’t blame them for wanting to create some order.

6. When To Visit?

You can visit the mosque all year round.

These are the current visiting hours at the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque:

• Saturday to Thursday – 09:00 am to 10:00 pm (Last admission at 09:30 pm) 
• Friday – 09:00am to 12:00pm (Last admission at 11:30 am) and 3:00 pm. to 10:00 pm (Last admission at 09:30 pm)

7. Can I Take a Tour?

Yes! As mentioned above, you can take the stress and planning out of your visit by booking a door to door tour to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, including transportation.

Here are the options I recommend:

8. What is the Photo Policy?

Photography and videography is allowed during tourist visiting hours. Be respectful and do not photograph anyone, especialy women, without their express permission.

I already made mention of the roped-off pathways that guide visitors through a pre-determined route at the mosque. This does make it a bit tougher to get the creative and beautiful shots I had wished for. I can understand why they now have this, but be aware.

9. Why is the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque Famous?

This is the largest mosque in the entire country, as well as the third largest in the world. It can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers at once!

It also holds a Guinness World Record for the largest hand-woven carpet, shown above. The glittering chandelier inside is one of the largest in a mosque, too.

Everything is ornate here. Opulent, and dripping in gold leaf. From the calligraphy on the wall, depicting verses from the Quran, to the intricate detailing on each and every stone pillar. This mosque is stunning.

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10. Where to Go Next?

As beautiful as this mosque is, it only scratches the surface of the many fun things to do in Abu Dhabi.

My absolute favorite place in all of the UAE is the Liwa Desert. This endless stretch of orange sand covers much of the Arabian peninsula. It is vast and ancient!

You should also check out the Dubai Miracle Garden, which showcases a colorful animatronic garden of thousands of flowers and sculptures. Or, check out the Dubai Frame for panoramic views of Old and New Dubai.

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I hope this guide to visiting the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque helps you plan an enjoyable trip! It is truly a must-see attraction when visiting the UAE.

Do you have any questions about the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque dress code, hours, or rules? Drop them below!

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