Abu Dhabi, the beautiful place where everyone dreams of visiting at least once! The city is famous because of the cultural sites and events, souks, and of course it’s famous Emirati food. There are many places one shouldn’t miss before leaving the city. And here is the exciting fact: One of the must-visit places in Abu Dhabi is, undoubtedly, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque!
A Sneak Peek to the Interesting Facts
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the biggest mosques globally and a mind-blowing piece of architecture. It is one of the largest in the world and was the dream of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who founded the UAE. He wanted to create a place that welcomes everyone and celebrates culture.
The construction itself was a global effort. Skilled teams from many countries worked together to build this magnificent structure. For example, 1,300 artisans from Iran crafted the mosque’s main prayer hall carpet, which is the largest in the world and made by hand.
It combines different styles of Islamic architecture on purpose. It has 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and chandeliers covered in 24-carat gold. Inside, you’ll find the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. The main prayer hall is notable for having one of the largest chandeliers in the world.
Manners You Should Follow
Muslims consider mosques very sacred and special. Visitors should follow these rules and show respect by obeying the instructions below
- Food/drinks/smoking is a big NO
- Please do not display or raise any emblems or symbols.
- No public displays of affection
- Avoid see-through clothing
- Wear shorts or skirts that reach the ankle
- Wear shirts with sleeves
- Do not wear tight-fitting clothing
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Entry Requirements
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is between the Maqta, Mussafah, and Sheikh Zayed bridges, which connect Abu Dhabi to the mainland. You can enter the mosque through Al Salam Gate 6, and admission is free.
Visitors must wear respectful clothing to enter the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The mosque is open from 9 AM to 10 PM on most days, except Fridays. Additionally, on Fridays, the main prayer hall is closed to visitors from 12 pm to 3 pm for Friday prayers.
We highly recommend taking the guided tours of one of the best travel agency in Abu Dhbai. But the mosque is open to and welcomes individuals and groups, whether they have a guide or not. If you have a guide, they will show you details you might otherwise miss, such as gold-leaf calligraphy, light up of the mosque, evening beauty, etc.
Tight-fitting clothing is not allowed at the mosque. It’s advisable to wear something underneath the abaya that is not bulky, as it may be uncomfortable to pull the abaya over such garments. Also, considering the warm climate in Abu Dhabi, dress appropriately and be prepared for the added heat from wearing full-coverage clothing.
How to get there??
The mosque is about 19 km from Abu Dhabi airport. There are two ways to get there:
- Taxi: A direct taxi from the airport to the mosque costs around Dh90 – Dh120 for a round trip, which is perfect if you’re with family or friends.
- Bus: You can take a bus to Zayed Sports City and then a taxi to the mosque. The distance from Zayed Sports City to the mosque is 3.1 km.
If you’re on a short trip or in transit, check the date and time before you go.
Tips for Visiting Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The entry process can be a bit complex, so it’s good to know the details in advance to save time. On busy days, it might take about 30 minutes to get inside the mosque. Free guided tours are available, but for a more detailed exploration, consider hiring a private guide.
Items such as food, alcohol, cigarettes, cosmetics, lighters, high-zoom tools, telescopes, chewing gum, etc. are prohibited inside the mosque.
And yeah, don’t forget to take sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the heat.
Last not the least, you will need to remove your shoes and walk barefoot inside the mosque.
Conclusion
So now you have a clear picture of visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque! Just follow these guidelines, pack your bags, and get ready for the trip. You will have a fantastic experience!