📅 Saturday – Thursday

Opening: 9:00 AM
Closing: 10:00 PM
Last Entry: 9:30 PM
✓ Full day access

🕌 Friday (Split Hours)

Morning: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Closed: 12 PM – 3 PM
⚠️ Friday prayers

🌙 Ramadan Hours

Sat-Thu: 10 AM – 6 PM & 9 PM – 1 AM
Friday: 3 PM – 6 PM & 9:30 PM – 1 AM
📅 ~March 2025

👩 Women

• ✅ Long, loose-fitting dress (ankle-length)
• ✅ Long sleeves (to wrists)
• ✅ Headscarf covering hair completely
• ❌ No tight or transparent clothing
• ❌ No excessive makeup/jewelry
• 🎁 Free abaya provided

👨 Men

• ✅ Long trousers (ankle-length)
• ✅ Shirts with sleeves
• ✅ Casual or formal attire
• ❌ No shorts
• ❌ No sleeveless shirts
• ❌ No inappropriate slogans

🚌 From Abu Dhabi Central

Route 094: Direct to Grand Mosque
Duration: ~40 minutes
Fare: AED 2
Frequency: Every 20-30 min
Stop: Saif Ghobash St / Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

🚍 Other Bus Routes

Route 032: From Al Wahda
Route 044: From Marina Mall
Route 054: From Mussafah
Route 104: From Yas Island
Route 160: From Al Reem Island

🚌 From Dubai

Step 1: Take E100/E101 from Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta
Step 2: Alight at Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal
Step 3: Take Route 094 to Mosque
Total Duration: ~2.5 hours
Fare: AED 25-30 total

• Size: 5,627 m² (60,570 sq ft)
• Weight: 35 tons
• Knots: 2.2 billion hand-tied
• Artisans: 1,300 Iranian craftsmen
• Duration: 2 years to complete
• Material: New Zealand & Iranian wool

• Diameter: 10 meters (33 ft)
• Height: 15 meters (50 ft)
• Weight: 12 tons
• Crystals: Millions of Swarovski
• Plating: 24-carat gold-gilded
• Design: Upturned palm tree motif

• Main Dome: 85m high, 32.8m diameter
• Interior: Moroccan art decorations
• Exterior: Pure white SIVEC marble
• Style: Persian/Moorish fusion
• Lighting: Lunar phase system at night

• Total: 1,192 columns
• Interior Hall: 96 columns
• Material: Macedonian SIVEC marble
• Inlays: Amethyst, lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl
• Design: Date palm inspiration

🎫 Entry & Tours

• ✅ Free entry for all visitors
• ✅ Free guided tours available
• ✅ Multiple languages offered
• ✅ Self-guided tours welcome
• 📱 Audio guides available

📸 Photography Rules

• ✅ Photography allowed
• ✅ Videos allowed
• ❌ No flash in prayer hall
• ❌ No drone photography
• 📷 Tripods: Ask permission

♿ Facilities & Accessibility

• ♿ Wheelchair accessible
• 👶 Baby-changing rooms
• 🚻 Clean restrooms
• 🧕 Free abayas available
• 🔒 Shoe storage provided

⏱️ Recommended Duration

• ⏱️ Quick visit: 1-1.5 hours
• 📸 Photography visit: 2-3 hours
• 🎓 With guided tour: 2-2.5 hours
• 🌅 Sunset visit: 2-3 hours

🏛️ Qasr Al Watan

Distance: 3 km (10 min drive)
Highlights: Presidential Palace, library, exhibitions
Entry: AED 65 (adults)

🎖️ Wahat Al Karama

Distance: 1 km (5 min walk)
Highlights: UAE martyrs memorial, reflecting pool
Entry: Free

🎢 Yas Island

Distance: 25 km (20 min drive)
Highlights: Ferrari World, Warner Bros., Yas Mall
Bus: Route 104

🌊 Corniche Beach

Distance: 8 km (15 min drive)
Highlights: 8 km waterfront, parks, cycling
Entry: Free

Is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque free to visit?

Yes! Entry to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is completely free for all visitors, regardless of nationality or religion. Free guided tours are also available.

Can non-Muslims visit the mosque?

Yes, the mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths. It’s designed as a cultural bridge promoting tolerance and understanding. Just follow the dress code and visiting hours.

What should women wear to Sheikh Zayed Mosque?

Women should wear loose, ankle-length clothing with long sleeves and a headscarf. However, free abayas and headscarves are provided at the entrance if needed.

How do I get to Sheikh Zayed Mosque from Dubai?

Take the E100 or E101 bus from Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal. Then take Route 094 to the mosque. Total journey: ~2.5 hours, AED 25-30.

Is photography allowed inside the mosque?

Yes! Photography and videography are allowed throughout the mosque. However, flash photography is prohibited in the main prayer hall, and drones are not permitted.

When is the mosque closed to tourists?

The main prayer hall is closed to tourists during Friday prayers (12 PM – 3 PM). The mosque is also closed on UAE public holidays. During Ramadan, hours are adjusted.

What is special about Sheikh Zayed Mosque?

The mosque holds multiple world records: the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet (5,627 m²), one of the world’s largest chandeliers (12 tons), and can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. It’s the UAE’s largest mosque.

Is there parking at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

Yes, free parking is available for visitors. The parking lot is located near the visitor entrance with ample spaces for both cars and buses.

📸 Best Photography Times

Visit at sunset (golden hour) for stunning exterior shots. Stay until after dark to capture the mosque’s lunar-phase lighting system.

👣 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You’ll remove shoes inside, so wear easy slip-on/off footwear. The marble courtyards can be hot in summer—be prepared!

🌡️ Summer Visits

In summer (Jun-Sep), visit early morning or evening. The outdoor courtyards can exceed 45°C. Interior areas are air-conditioned.

📱 Book a Tour

Free guided tours depart regularly in multiple languages. Check the SZGMC website or ask at the visitor centre for schedules.

📞 Contact Centre

+971 2 419 1919

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre

🌐 Official Website

szgmc.gov.ae

Tours, events & information

📍 Address

Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street
Abu Dhabi, UAE

🔗 Related Guides

Hafilat Card Guide
Abu Dhabi Mobility
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