Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the central place of worship for citizens of the United Arab Emirates. This massive white structure is the largest mosque in the country, accommodating roughly 40,000 people. Inside you’ll find white marble columns with mother-of-pearl engravings, expansive Iranian carpets, and intricate crystal chandeliers.

The Grand Mosque is one of the UAE’s most famous attractions. Entrance is free and complimentary guided tours run throughout the day, including an evening sunset tour. The mosque also features on most city sightseeing tours, whether you want to explore on a full-day or half-day excursion, and many city tours also visit other notable points of interest such as the Corniche, Yas Island, Ferrari World, and the Heritage Village. It’s also possible to see the mosque, along with other Abu Dhabi highlights, on an action-packed day trip from Dubai.

 

• The mosque is a must-see for first-time visitors to Abu Dhabi.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your legs and arms; women must wear a headscarf.
• Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, as the white marble reflects sunlight.
• The mosque is wheelchair accessible and provides wheelchairs free of charge.

 

The Grand Mosque sits on Abu Dhabi’s eastern edge, between the three main bridges connecting the city to the mainland. The easiest way to get there is by taxi, but multiple city buses stop nearby as well.

 

The mosque is open daily, except on Fridays which are reserved for worship. Due to the heat, it’s best to visit early in the morning or in the late evening. Golden hour, just before sunset, is the best time to capture photos of the magnificent structure.

 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is home to the world’s largest carpet, the world’s largest marble mosaic, and one of the world’s largest chandeliers—a 24-carat gold gilded piece measuring 39 feet (10 meters) in diameter. It also boasts 82 domes and more than 1,000 columns.