Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on a day trip from Dubai

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On our trip to Dubai in February we really wanted to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Here’s how to get there from Dubai, what to wear and what to expect.

Why visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is one of the biggest mosques in the world, with a capacity of 40,000. It’s located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi city centre, and is impossible to miss – as you get closer you start to see the dazzling white domes (82 of them) and four minarets on the horizon, and as you reach the entrance it’s impossible not to be amazed by the mosque’s scale and beauty.

The outside of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
The outside of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Do I need to be a Muslim to visit?

No. The mosque is very welcoming to visitors of all faiths, as long as you respect the simple “Mosque Manners” rules, which include dressing conservatively, not taking photos of people praying and not sleeping.

The "Mosque Manners" rules are simple to follow
The “Mosque Manners” rules are simple to follow

How to get to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque from Dubai

There are three options (before the hyperloop opens, that is!) if you don’t have your own wheels.

By taxi – 1 hour 30 minutes

The quickest and most expensive option. We ended up taking a taxi as we were limited on time. From our hotel in Downtown Dubai to the mosque cost around AED 350. The taxi back to Ibn Battuta Mall cost under AED 300 (we’d planned to get the bus to return to Dubai but it was pouring with rain). Despite the long journey, we didn’t have any trouble finding a taxi driver willing to make the trip. It’s worth noting that although Dubai taxi drivers are meant to take credit cards, ours didn’t. He was happy to stop at a service station on the way so I could get cash out though.

By bus – 2 hours+

There are regular buses from Al Ghubaiba bus station in the Bur Dubai area to Abu Dhabi. These are non-stop to Abu Dhabi bus station, take 2 hours and cost AED 25. From the Abu Dhabi bus station, you’ll need to get a local bus or a taxi to the mosque. This is definitely the cheapest option but takes a lot longer than the other two.

By organised excursion – full day

Big Bus Dubai and other tour companies run excursions to Abu Dhabi which include the mosque. These would be a long day but are probably worth it if you don’t fancy the public bus and want to see other attractions in Abu Dhabi like Ferrari World.

What should I wear to visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque?

The mosque provides clear guidance on their website. Women should be covered from the neck, to the wrist and to the ankle, and have their hair covered. Men should have their shoulders and knees covered. I wore a maxi skirt and a high-necked t-shirt with a denim jacket on top and a scarf covering my hair and was waved through by the mosque staff at the entrance.

If your clothing doesn’t meet the requirements you can borrow an abaya to wear over the top. You’ll need to take your shoes off when you go inside the main mosque building so make sure you wear your best socks.

What to expect

When you reach the mosque the first building you’ll go into holds airport-style security and a check that you’re dressed appropriately. Once through (and dressed in your abaya, if they want you to wear one), you’ll be inside the complex. There’s no entry fee, visiting the mosque and taking the guided tour are completely free.

You’ll pass immaculate gardens and water features before you step inside the arcade which surrounds the mosque’s huge central courtyard, where 30,000 people can pray.

The huge courtyard at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The huge courtyard at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The marble columns and domes are stunning
The marble columns and domes are stunning

If you want to take a guided tour (and you should!), follow the signs to the meeting point. There are regular tours, although when we were there the latest one was at 11am before a long wait for one at 5pm, so check the mosque’s website before you set off. If you’re in a small group you don’t need to book to join a guided tour. While you’re waiting for the tour you’re free to wander around, take photographs or visit the café and gift shop.

The starting point for the free guided tour
The starting point for the free guided tour

The tour guide will give you a headset and then will take you around the mosque on a 45 minute guided tour. Our guide was a local Emirati man who was very interesting and funny as he told us about the features of the mosque, including the record-breaking carpet, Islam and life in the UAE. At the end there was the opportunity to ask questions.

Our guide for the free tour was a local Emirati man
Our guide for the free tour was a local Emirati man

What will surprise you about the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

The most astonishing thing about the mosque is its beauty. The marble is stunning and the inlaid mother of pearl on every column and all across the floor in floral and botanical designs is amazingly beautiful.

Mother of Pearl detail on one of the marble columns
Mother of Pearl detail on one of the marble columns

I was surprised by the warmth and humour of our guide, and by the feeling of joy in the mosque itself – the beautiful twinkling chandeliers, the soft carpet and the calligraphy. For some reason, I thought that it’d be a solemn, silent place but it really doesn’t feel that way.

The inside of the mosque and the world's largest carpet
The inside of the mosque and the world’s largest carpet
The chandeliers are some of the largest in a mosque. The biggest one weighs 12 tons.
The chandeliers are some of the largest in a mosque. The biggest one weighs 12 tons.

Coming from the UK where almost all our cathedrals are hundreds of years old, it was a huge surprise to me that it was only opened in 2007, and every time I forgot and felt like I was in an old building, there was a little touch to remind me; escalators to get to the toilets and washing facilities; the biggest sliding door I’ve ever seen to get into the main prayer hall; fibre optic lights in the walls; an electronic display showing prayer times across the world.

The wall showing the 99 names of Allah
The wall showing the 99 names of Allah
The clock showing prayer times across the world
The clock showing prayer times across the world
Escalators to get to the toilets are just one of the modern features that remind you that this building is only a few years old
Escalators to get to the washing facilities are just one of the modern features that remind you that this building is only a few years old

I was also really surprised that photography was allowed in most places in the mosque. Unless you do a Rhianna or otherwise don’t follow the rules, you’ll be able to take as many photos as you want.

Some of the 1048 marble columns in the courtyard
Some of the 1048 marble columns in the courtyard

Is it worth visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Dubai?

Absolutely. It’s quite a long way from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and a bit expensive in a taxi but it’s definitely worth making the journey, especially if you take the guided tour. Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was one of the highlights of my trip to the UAE.

Have you visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on a day trip from Dubai

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36 thoughts on “Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on a day trip from Dubai”

  1. The mosque is one of the world’s largest and was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – the Founding Father of the UAE. He envisaged the creation of a welcoming and cultural haven that inspires people from all backgrounds. Even the construction was a cultural collaboration.

    Reply
  2. Gracias por ilustrarnos de una forma sencilla y práctica sobre el viaje.

    Una pregunta: Con que moneda es más práctico viajar a Dubai. Gracias

    Reply
    • Hi, thank you for your comment. I hope I’ve got this right but I think you’re asking about the best currency to take to Dubai. I mostly paid on my debit card, but for things like taxis and taking an abra across the Dubai Creek, it was useful to have some dirhams (AED). It was never a problem getting cash out from ATMs.

      Reply
  3. Wow, I can’t imagine actually being there. This is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Props to the photographer *wink* *wink* lol. Another destination added to the list!

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    • Thank you, it is absolutely gorgeous, and so welcoming. I’ve passed through Istanbul with work but haven’t had the chance to see their beautiful mosques unfortunately!

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    • Same here, we’re spoiled where I live in the UK as we have loads of gorgeous cathedrals but the mosque is so different to anything we have here.

      Reply
  4. The mosque looks magnificent! I really want to visit someday. Thanks for the detailed guide about how to get there and what to expect inside.

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      • Ok, this looks pretty amazing. But I’m stumped on that etiquette sign, what is the acceptable manner with the arrows? Top right corner.

        Reply
        • Hi Brandy, you know what, I’m actually not sure! There were set walkways so perhaps it’s telling you not to wander all over the place? Visitors also had to stay clear of areas where people were praying so it might be to do with that.

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    • It’s definitely possible. If the weather hadn’t been so horrible and rainy we would definitely have stuck around in Abu Dhabi to see the other sights. I think if you want to visit Ferrari World or if you go when the art museums have opened you’d need a couple of days. And thank you!

      Reply
  5. This is amazing! I remember when I visited my first mosque (the National Mosque of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur) and was amazed how beautiful it was! I’m glad there are shawls that you can borrow in case you need it.

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  6. I’ve visited! Definitely a highlight of my trip to UAE, this mosque is soooooo stunnnninnnggg. Reading your post brought me back to the mosque again. Did you notice the bathing areas before the toilets? They were so grand! No photos allowed even though it wasn’t open to being used, so I didn’t take any.

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  7. Lovely photos <3. I didn’t know that Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. The marble is stunning ! For sure, you have to keep in mind that this is a place of worship and be respectful. You have to follow the dress code but it is good to know that you can borrow an abaya (traditional robe) before you enter the mosque.

    Reply
  8. This looks insanely beautiful. I have never really looked at many photos of the mosque though having heard of it before. Now that I read your post, I really want to go and see this beautiful place for myself. I thought it was really cool that you mentioned everyone is welcome there if you’re willing to follow the rules and that you could ask you tour guide all sorts of questions, sounds very openminded to me 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Thank you! Yes it was really welcoming, there were people in our guided tour group from all over the world. The guide was very patient and helpful and answered everything he was asked, even when the person asking felt a bit embarrassed to be asking it!

      Reply
  9. Wow, the Grand Mosque looks absolutely stunning! It’s been on our bucket list for a while now, but we haven’t made it to Dubai yet. I didn’t know it was only built in 2007 either! Very interesting and informative post, added it to our digital bucket list for when we make it there some day. 😉 Thanks!

    Reply

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