Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Visit on a Day Trip From Dubai
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Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was a cultural highlight during our time in the United Arab Emirates.
Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque From Dubai: (Jump To)
How To Get To The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque From Dubai
The easiest way to get from Dubai to the mosque is by car, but there’s also a direct bus to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque that runs daily. If you're planning an Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai, most group tours include the mosque as the main stop.
Travel time from Dubai is usually between 60-90 minutes on a highway linking the two cities. If you decide not to join a tour you could rent a car to drive or hire a local taxi.
If you’re utilizing public transportation, take the Abu Dhabi Airport Express Bus to the airport, then you can take the local A30 bus directly to the mosque. This journey will take about 2 hours.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Parking
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque parking is free and located in an underground garage with elevators that lead to the main visitor center. Arrive early during peak seasons to avoid long waits at the entrance checkpoint.
Plenty of on-site parking is available in the attached parking structure.
The relatively newly built mosque is absolutely beautiful. The complex is the biggest mosque in the country, with a capacity for 40,100 worshippers.
When you arrive you will enter a small shopping mall. The mall has several great food options for a quick bite. The mall also had some of the best souvenir shopping that we found in all of our time in the country including a must-visit tile shop.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tickets Cost
Entry is free, so there’s no Sheikh Zayed mosque entry ticket or paid tour required. Don’t fall for unofficial guides outside—this isn’t one of those attractions with an upcharge at the door.
Tickets are free. There was a fast-moving queue to get into the mosque. A typical security check was in place as well as (during our visit) a check for COVID compliance documents and a medical screening.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Opening Hours
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opening hours are usually from 9 am to 10 pm, with shortened hours on Fridays for prayers. Always check the latest Sheikh Zayed mosque visiting timings before you go since hours can change for religious events.
The mosque is open to visitors daily from 9 am to 10 pm with shorter hours on Fridays. Be sure to know local holidays which can also change opening days and hours.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Dress Code
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque dress code is strictly enforced—shoulders, knees, and heads must be covered for women, and no tight or revealing clothing for anyone. If you're not dressed appropriately, you’ll be sent to the Sheikh Zayed mosque clothing rent counter before entering.
It is important to respect the local customs for visiting the mosque as the dress code is strictly enforced. Pick loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and legs. It's best to opt for something that also covers your ankles and wrists. Women should cover their hair and neck. There are cloth covering rental options on-site if you need to make a last-minute wardrobe adjustment.
What Is It Like To Visit The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is all about the scale—massive white domes, endless columns, and chandeliers that don’t look real. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque architecture is the main draw, and photography is allowed almost everywhere except the prayer halls.
The visit is orderly and easily accessible for everyone including those with physical limitations. To tour the mosque you simply follow the posted arrows and signs that guide you through the walking route around the complex. There are marked locations to step out of the flow of pedestrian traffic to take photos and admire the architecture.
Inside the mosque, you will find colorful mosaics and chandeliers. The mosque is also home to what is believed to be the largest carpet in the world. the carpet was hand-stitched by 1,200 artisans. It weighs 35 tons.
How Long To Spend at The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Plan to spend 1 to 1.5 hours, especially if you're walking the outer corridors and taking time with photos. If you’re tight on time during your day trip from Dubai, this is the one stop in Abu Dhabi you should not rush.
We saw the entire complex easily in under 90 minutes. It would be wise to plan for some extra time for potential longer queue lines. We spent an extra 30 minutes in the tourist shopping mall before leaving.
A visit to the mosque should be on your plan for any trip to the UAE.
If you’re visiting Dubai, check out our Two Days in Abu Dhabi: Things To See in Abu Dhabi.
