Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A Stunning Symbol of Islamic Worship and Culture
The vision of the late founding father of the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a place of worship that welcomes people from all walks of life and serves as a global centre for Islamic culture and tolerance. One of the largest mosques in the world, with space for up to 50,000 worshippers, it is an architectural masterpiece both in scale and detail. Constructed from dazzling white marble, the mosque is adorned with 86 white marble domes and features four gilded minarets, one at each corner. Its interior is characterised by more than 1,000 precious gem-embedded columns, a series of reflective pools, and marble mosaic decorated courtyard. The colossal prayer halls are lit by huge Swarovski crystal chandeliers with the main hall floor home to the world’s largest hand-woven carpet.
Planning Your Visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Open to visitors of all faiths, a cultural tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the highlight of any visit to Abu Dhabi. Cultural tours take place morning, afternoon and evenings outside of prayer times, and offer an immersive opportunity to learn more about Islamic culture and mosque architecture in the company of a friendly, knowledgeable guide. Suitable for all age groups, the tour explores how the mosque plays a key cultural role in promoting coexistence and tolerance with visitors invited to ask questions. Visitors can also explore at their leisure without booking a cultural tour. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre is home to the Light and Peace Museum, where sensory and interactive experiences, precious artifacts, and artworks showcase scientific, literary, and historical works reflecting Islamic civilization.
FAQs
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a remarkable architectural masterpiece, blending modern and traditional Islamic styles, with influences from Ottoman, Mamluk, and Fatimid architecture. As one of the largest mosques in the world, it can accommodate 50,000 worshippers and is home to the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet and one of the largest crystal chandeliers. Its stunning marble domes, minarets, intricate floral patterns, and reflective pools contribute to its grandeur, while its inclusive atmosphere welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to explsore its beauty and learn about Islamic culture. The mosque symbolises unity, peace, and craftsmanship, making it a truly special landmark.
Construction of the mosque began on November 5th, 1996 and it was completed 11 years later, opening for Eid Al Adha worship in 2007. Its design and construction featured artisans, craftsmen, and materials from many countries, including Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, Turkey, China, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Greece, and the United Arab Emirates. More than 3,000 workers and 38 contracting companies worked on the project. The design was conceptualised by Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky, who incorporated classical Islamic architectural styles along with modern design elements, creating a stunning visual harmony that resonates with the mosque’s cultural significance.
Yes, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to visitors of all faiths. It is a symbol of openness and inclusivity, allowing people from around the world to explore its stunning architecture and learn about Islamic culture and traditions. Visitors are welcome to take part in cultural tours, explore the mosque on their own, and experience the serene beauty of this monumental structure.
Guided tours take place morning, afternoon, and evenings outside of prayer times. The tours are designed to showcase the mosque’s architectural highlights, historical significance, and promote cross-cultural understanding and tolerance. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides and are free of charge. Tours usually last around 45 minutes to an hour.
The best time to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is during the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler, and the mosque’s beauty is bathed in soft natural light. The mosque is open daily, but it’s important to avoid visiting during prayer times. Cultural tours are available throughout the day and evening, except during prayer hours.
Visitors do not need to prebook to visit, however, during public holidays or peak season timings, we recommend advance bookings for the cultural tour experience.
As an active place of worship, modest dress is required out of respect for the Islamic culture. Men are requested to wear long trousers with shoulders covered. Women should wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs, and a headscarf. Nearby shops sell abayas and/or headscarves if required. Avoid tight clothing, see-through garments, clothing with obscene language or images. Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque so it’s advisable to wear slip-on or easily removable footwear. Visitors are requested to be respectful of the religious significance and peaceful ambience, and avoid loud conversations, not let children run around or shout, and refrain from engaging in disruptive behaviour.
