Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – A Traveler’s Complete Guide

A Breathtaking architectural marvel in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must visit for worshippers and travelers all along. The mosque contains a perfect balance of timeless beauty and sheds light on culturally significant aspects that add to the grandiose. After its commencement in 2007, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has been a constant tourist attraction, a worthy place to have on your itinerary. 

Fret not as this article will give you a complete guide on how and when to visit the Mosque, the rules and Guidelines and the experiences to not be missed while visiting Abu Dhabi. 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – History and Significance

A Passion project of the UAE’s late founding father Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was started in 1996 and the construction went on for 11 years in total and had a grand opening on 20 December, 2007. Hosting travelers and worshippers in the stunning structure, the Mosque stands as a symbol of diverse architectural styles and modern technologies imbibed along with the beliefs of the locals. 

A true hub of serenity, Sheikh Zayed Mosque had several sourced materials from around the world, making it one of a kind culmination of unique materials from Morocco, New Zealand, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Germany, Pakistan, India, Austria and China. Its technical aspects along with the cultural significance makes the Mosque in Abu Dhabi a symbol of resilience in preserving the culture while also embracing the futuristic technologies. 

Book your visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The visit to The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is completely free but you have to Book your Slot Time and Date in the Official Website – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. Follow the process to book your slot for visit. 

• Visit the Website – visit www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/individual-booking for details about the place and booking 
• Go to ‘Booking Your Visit’ – Click on ‘Individual Booking’ and fill out the form – No. of Visitors, Email ID, Preferred Visiting Date and Time, Place of Stay in Emirates, Select if you are a Resident/ Citizen or Tourist. 
• After submitting and filling all the details for booking, ensure the booking confirmation or a barcode for entry.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Ticket Prices

There is no Ticket Prices for Visiting The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi. Although the Free Entry must also be booked in advance, either through the official site or from a tourist package in advance to beat the peak tourism season. 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Opening Hours

Generally the Visiting Hours for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is 9 AM to 10 PM on Saturday to Thursday and 4.30 PM to 10 PM on Fridays. 

The Main Prayer Hall is closed for Visitors during the Friday Prayers – Every Friday from 12 PM to 3 PM. 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Timings During Ramadan Month

Visiting Hours during the First 20 Days of Ramadan

Days	Visiting Hours
Monday to Sunday	Morning: 10 AM to 6 PM Evening: 9.30 PM to 1 AM
Friday	Afternoon: 3 PM to 6 PM Evening: 9.30 to 1 PM

Opening Hours during the Last 10 Days 

Days	Visiting Hours
Monday to Saturday	10 AM to 6 PM
Friday	3 PM to 6 PM

Ramadan Prayer Times in the UAE: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Popular Mosques

Mosque Manners and Dress Code

Just like visiting any other religious or cultural centres, visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque comes with certain etiquettes and manners – 

• Remove your footwear before entering the prayer halls 
• Abstain from talking much or roam around before the worshipers 
• Avoid eating or chewing food inside the Mosque
• Have an eye on your children at all times 

Dress Code for Men and Women

• Men and Women must dress modestly, covering their arms and legs
• A Loose fitted clothing at ankle length is advisable 
• Avoid tight fitting bodycons or see through mesh clothes 
• Men are restricted from wearing shorts or anything that is revealing 
• Abhyas – a black local cloak must be worn by the women who should also cover their head with shawls or scarves – will be provided for tourists. 

Light and Peace Museum

The ‘Light and Peace’ Museum in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a projection of sensory and interactive experiences that gives you a feel of coexisting, human faith experience and of inspiration. With sensory and interactive experiences full of rich artifacts and art, the museum blends in technology, scientific aspects and the historical significance of the Islamic Civilization and diversity. A unique experience for the visitors to go through a surreal journey of peace and faith. 

Sura Tour

On the 16th anniversary of the Mosque, Sura Night Tour is a free service from the mosque, marking a first for such monumental and cultural sites across the world. The Sura Tour is a night walk offered to the mosque visitors outside of the official working hours. The Sura Evening Tour will cost AED 20 per person and starts from 10 PM to 8 AM, offering a full night of cultural experience of the mosque at night. 

أطلق المركز الجولات الثقافية الليلية (سُرى) التي تأتي إضافة نوعية لمنظومة خدمات الجامع تزامنا مع الذكرى الـ16 من افتتاح الجامع، وتعد هذه الجولات سابقة على مستوى الصروح والمعالم الثقافية والسياحية على مستوى العالم، إذ تُقدم الجولات لزوار الجامع خارج أوقات العمل الرسمية pic.twitter.com/Z2wcZO8Bag

— Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (@szgmc_uae) December 28, 2023

The 360 Degree Diya Experience

The Diya Experience is a sensory and immersive experience with 360 degree screen projection of the story and reflection of the sheer beauty and diversity of the United Arab Emirates. Beginning with a light show of millions of stars in the night sky, the experience takes you on the journey of the landscapes of UAE and at the intricate architectural vision behind the Grand Mosque. 

Visit the Al Jami’ Library 

Located inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is available free of access to the visitors of the mosque, the Al Jami’ Library hosts around 3 thousand books and periodicals written in 14 living languages. Also serving as a reference library with several stalls and stores and even a restaurant and outdoor stalls during the Ramadan month. 

Services Provided inside the Mosque

• Wheelchair facilities available for smooth transportation are available inside the Mosque. 
• Free Shuttle services inside the Mosque that are eco – friendly and electrical driven. 
• Souq Al Jami’ is food outlets inside the mosque that also has a souvenir and beverage shops 

Travelers’ Guide to the Attractions in Abu Dhabi

Getting to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Dubai

There are a few modes of transportations available for your travel from Dubai to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. 

Route No 1 – Estimated Time 3 – 4 Hours 

• Board a Bus from Dubai – Global Village 1 in the Line 106 Bus to Mall of Emirates Bus Stand, Al Quoz. 
• From the Mall of Emirates Bus Stand, hop on a 15 minute Train ride to Jabal Ali Metro Station 4
• Change from Jabal Ali Station 4 to Station 2 to the Ibn Battuta Metro Station
• From the Ibn Battuta Metro Bus Stand, board the E101 Bus to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station 1 
• Finally the 35 minutes bus ride from Abu Dhabi Bus Station will take you to Saif Ghobash Street/ Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 

Route No 2 – Estimated Time 4 – 5 Hours 

• Board a Line 104 Bus from Global Village 1 towards Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 47, Al Karama
• Go to the Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 9 and take the E100 Bus towards Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station 1
• From the Abu Dhabi Bus Station 1, step in the Bus 094 which will reach Saif Ghobash Street/ Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. 

Taxi Drive or Private Transport via Car from Dubai to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will be 128.2 KM and will take around 1 Hours 30 Mins Maximum. 

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