The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a stunning symbol of peace, tolerance, and Islamic architecture. It was built to honor Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE.
This iconic landmark is open to people of all faiths and offers free entry. Whether you want to take amazing photos, join a guided tour, or enjoy a moment of spiritual reflection, this guide has you covered. It includes details on timings, dress code, parking, and more for your 2025 visit.
Why Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque spans 12 hectares and can hold up to 40,000 worshippers. It blends architectural styles from around the world, including Ottoman, Mughal, and Moorish designs.
Here are some highlights:
- World’s Largest Hand-Knotted Carpet: Weighs 35 tons and was made by 1,200 Iranian women.
- Swarovski Chandeliers: Features four chandeliers with millions of crystals.
- Architectural Beauty: Includes 82 domes and over 1,000 marble columns from 28 countries.
- Free Entry & Multilingual Tours: Open to everyone, with tours available in multiple languages.
The mosque is more than just a place of worship. From Sheikh Zayed’s resting place to the peaceful reflective pools, it’s a symbol of cultural harmony.
Interesting Fact: The mosque cost around AED 2 billion to build and was fully funded by the public.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque History & Facts!
Sheikh Zayed envisioned this from his modest Zayed House (Al Mushrif Palace). Construction started 1996, finished 2007, 13 years with 3,000+ artisans from 38 nations. It promotes unity, like his Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme for affordable homes.
Sheikh Zayed’s Burial in Mosque
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan passed away in 2004, and his burial took place in the mosque’s courtyard. His grave, located near the main entrance, is simple and unadorned, reflecting his humility despite his monumental contributions, including founding the UAE and initiatives like the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme. Visitors can pay their respects while exploring the mosque’s serene grounds.
eam. He wanted to create a place where people from all walks of life could come together.
The Journey of Building the Mosque
In 1994, construction began. And wow, what a journey it was! It took 13 years to complete, longer than it takes some kids to graduate high school!
Finally, in 2007, the mosque opened its doors. It’s massive so big that you could fit 17 soccer fields inside it!
Sheikh Zayed’s Legacy
Sheikh Zayed wasn’t just about building this mosque. He also started the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme to help people get affordable homes. But this mosque? It was his masterpiece. It was his way of saying, “Hey world, let’s all live in harmony.”
Timings of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque!
Plan around prayer times (check official site for updates):
| Day | Visitor Hours | Notes |
| Sat–Thu | 9:00 AM–10:00 PM (last entry 9:00 PM) | Best: 9–11 AM or sunset |
| Friday | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM & 3:00 PM–10:00 PM | Prayer closure noon–3 PM |
| Ramadan | 10:00 AM–10:00 PM (shorter Fridays) | Iftar access post-sunset |
Best time: Weekdays early morning (cooler, fewer crowds). Avoid summer heat (May–Sep). Stay 1–3 hours.
Tickets & Entry Fee of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque!
Free entry, no Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tickets price or entrance fee!
- Guided Tours: Free 45–60 min (English, Arabic, Hindi, etc.). Every 30 min; book via szgmc.gov.ae. Walk-ins OK.
- Online Booking: QR code entry for groups. No mosque Abu Dhabi tickets needed solo.
- VIP/Private: AED 100+ via tours.
Pro Tip: Book tours ahead Oct–Apr. Self-guided? Scan QR at gates.
Dress Code of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Simple Rules)
Modest attire required, respectful and enforced:
Women:
- Headscarf (free abayas/scarves provided)
- Long sleeves, loose pants/skirt to ankles
- No tight/sleeveless/see-through clothes
Men:
- Long pants (to ankles), long-sleeve shirt
- No shorts/singlets
For Families and Kids: Same rules; free loaner clothes. Remove shoes (stored free).
Parking of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque!
Free parking for 6,000+ cars at Gates 1–4:
- Family/coach zones marked
- PWD reserved spots
- Eco-shuttles to entrance
- Valet: AED 20–50
How to reach Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
From Dubai: 1.5 hrs E11 highway (AED 25 bus from Ibn Battuta Metro).
Abu Dhabi Airport: 20–30 min taxi (AED 50–80).
Public Bus: Stops at gates; free shuttles from Corniche.
Address: Abu Dhabi City Island, near Maqta Bridge.
10 Facts About Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Here are 10 facts about Sheikh Zayed Mosque to deepen your appreciation:
| Fact | Description |
| 1. Capacity | Accommodates up to 40,000 worshippers at once. |
| 2. Cost | Built at an estimated cost of 545 million USD. |
| 3. Marble | Uses over 90,000 tonnes of white Macedonian marble. |
| 4. Chandelier | Features the world’s largest chandelier with 20 million Swarovski crystals. |
| 5. Carpet | Houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, crafted by 1,300 artisans. |
| 6. Domes | Boasts 82 marble domes, with the main one being the largest globally. |
| 7. Mosaic | The courtyard’s 17,000-square-meter marble mosaic is the world’s largest. |
| 8. Burial | Sheikh Zayed’s grave is located in the courtyard. |
| 9. Accessibility | Welcomes all faiths with free guided tours in Arabic and English. |
| 10. Construction | Took 13 years (1994–2007) to complete. |
Best Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Photos: Spots & Tips
Capture iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque photos (allowed outside; respectful indoors):
Prime Spots:
- Courtyard pools (minaret reflections)
- Main facade (wide-angle domes)
- Night lights (1M LEDs, golden glow)
- Prayer hall exterior (chandelier shine)
Tips:
- Golden hour (5–7 PM)
- Wide lens (35mm+); no flash/drones
- Designated zones marked
Guided Tours & What to Expect
Free Tours: 45 min, start east entrance. Cover history, etiquette, highlights. Languages: 10+.
Itinerary Idea:
- 9 AM: Arrive, dress check
- 9:30 AM: Tour
- 11 AM: Photos, courtyard
- Noon: Nearby lunch
Facilities, Accessibility & Tips
- Amenities: Restrooms, library (7,000+ books), gift shop, cafes nearby
- Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, prayer mats, priority entry
- Tips: Water/sunscreen; avoid Fridays midday; families welcome
Nearby: Qasr Al Watan (AED 60), Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Conclusion
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers free wonder, stunning design, history, and peace. Follow timings, dress code, book tours at szgmc.gov.ae. Capture photos, visit the grave, create memories. Essential Abu Dhabi stop!
