April 6, 2026
A trip to the Emirati capital is incomplete without a visit to the most iconic landmark – The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. With its 82 domes, 1000 columns, over 100,000 tons of gleaming, ice-white marble and 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers. The superlatives are endless for this phenomenal work of Islamic architecture.
Visiting the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi
Prior to our visit, I had a million questions on the do’s and don’t of entering a colossal place of worship. So I’ve decided to dedicate a post to everything you need to know to help plan your perfect visit to the astonishingly opulent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
How to get to the Grand Mosque
The best way to arrive at the Mosque is by taxi, they’re reasonably priced and plentiful. Nothing can beat being dropped off right outside the entrance. When you leave there is an easily accessible taxi stand for your return pick up. For those in their own vehicles, there is also an onsite car park for visitors.
There are lots of nearby hotels too, so you can walk too if it’s not too hot. The closest is The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal where we stayed, with spectacular views of the Mosque.
Our visit was part of an Abu Dhabi City Tour, which is a great way to visit the Grand Mosque.
Book Now: Abu Dhabi Half Day City Tour
Entering the Mosque
Unlike many UAE attractions, the mosque is absolutely free to enter and you can stay as long as you want. There is airport-style security, where you’re checked through x-ray machines. If dressed inappropriately changing rooms and traditional attire is provided, which leads me nicely on to my next point.
Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi dress code
This is a Muslim place of worship and understandably you’ll have to adhere to a very strict dress code. Not Muslim, we didn’t want to get this wrong! Modest dress is required, so a long skirt or loose ankle-length trousers for both men and women. Ladies will also need head coverage, make sure you bring a thin scarf to wrap around.
If your attire is considered inappropriate, women are provided with traditional abayas in different sizes free of charge. I wore a loose jumpsuit, thin cardigan and covered my head with a scarf and had no issues. In the sweltering August heat, I was sweating cobs but it was worth it.
Shoes will need to be removed upon entry, wear socks if you’re not happy with walking around barefoot. Although, bear in mind that it does get very hot in Abu Dhabi and you’ll already be very toasty in full coverage. The combination of a white building and bright, strong sunlight causes a dazzling almost blinding effect, so sunglasses are a must.
Children are not expected to be fully covered, but out of respect, I dressed my girls in jumpsuits and thin cardigans too.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque timings
The mosque is open from 9 am to 10 pm Saturday to Thursday except for Friday when it opens from 4:30 pm. During the holy month of Ramadan, it’s always best to check the schedule as times will vary and the mosque is closed to visitors on Friday.
Best time to visit Abu Dhabi & the Grand Mosque
No matter what time you visit there will always be crowds. Like most popular landmarks some of the crowds can be avoided by visiting during the weekdays. If you visit in the summer as we did, early morning or late evening is best to beat the heat.
At sunset the mood and look of the mosque change with golden hour. The white of the building takes on the soft pink light of the sunset and can make for some stunning photo opportunities.
Abu Dhabi Mosque tour
Free guided tours are offered at the mosque on a walk-in basis. The hour-long tour gives you great insight into this fascinating place of worship. It’s always best to check the official Grand Mosque website for tour times as they often vary.
Can you take photos in the Mosque?
Cameras are allowed to capture this beautiful building from designated photo spots, as long as it’s no bigger than a DSLR. Tripods can be an issue too, so best not to bring one. For anything larger or professional looking you’ll be required to fill out a media form.
If you are on a day trip from Dubai there is also an affordable opportunity to hire a professional photographer to help capture some amazing images.
Book Now: Sheikh Zayed Mosque with a Professional Photographer
And when the time comes to pose – Nothing excessive. You don’t want to do a ‘Rihanna’. Her provocative posing resulted in her being thrown out – True fact!
Drink lots of water!
Food and drink are not allowed in the mosque and will be confiscated at security. In a very hot environment make sure you are fully hydrated before entering. If the heat does get too much there are public water fountains you can hunt down inside.
Without a doubt, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a magnificent place to visit. Its beauty will captivate you as you wander around. You have to see it to believe the dazzling grandeur. I hope my recommendations help to make your visit a truly memorable one.
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Laura says:
It looks breathtaking, somewhere I will definitely visit when we visit Abu Dhabi one day!
Sima Sthanakiya says:
It’s a must Laura and will blow you away.
Angie says:
A serious addition to the bucket list!
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Definitely Angie!
Mostlyfoodandtravel says:
Just so beautiful. Catching up on all your Abu Dhabi posts to pick what to do on our visit early next year
Sima Sthanakiya says:
It’s stunning Neha. Let me know if you want to know anything else. How long are you there for?
Nicola says:
Your pictures are jaw-dropping & thanks for the helpful tips!
#farawayfiles
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Thank you Nicola.
beatravelling says:
One word: WOW!! This is stunning!! #farawayfiles
Sima Sthanakiya says:
It’s amazing isn’t it. Just breathtaking.
Corey | Fifi + Hop says:
Beautiful post, Sima! What a stunning building, and you’ve captured it in your photos so well. These are some great tips too, as it’s a part of the world I still have yet to visit, and would have been asking these very questions. Pinning this for when I do make it. Thanks for linking up with #farawayfiles and Happy Holidays!
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Thanks Corey! Yeah, they were the same ones I was asking, so thought I’d put it in a blog post.
Bassem Aly says:
The mosque of Zayed is really outstanding, PPL here consider it the first attraction of city and like the symbol of Abu Dhabi just like Burj Khalifa of Dubai and so on. However I believe that Mosque is not the only attraction to visit in Abu Dhabi, there are dozens of them you need to check if in Abu Dhabi, I do recommend you this article about the top tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi as I could see many PPL who already have plans to visit the city so that will help you to know where should you be once in city
the Curious Pixie says:
Thank you. I also have a post about my top cultural highlights, but dedicated a post to the mosque as I was so impressed by it.
Mustafa | hajj packages says:
Wow, that’s The mosque have full of great arcological structure. Great Tips and Article.
Sima Sthanakiya says:
A really beautiful place. Thank you.
D says:
To be very honest, extreme to the max… your pictures are the best I have seen of the mosque, really capture an intimate and close moments with the more intricate and interesting designs of the mosque. There is a larger more magisterial POV to it but you’ve captured a whole other side more. Well done.