Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Map

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the best masterpieces you must visit during your Abu Dhabi trip. It’s a wonderful blend of traditional Islamic design elements and modern craftsmanship. 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet are some of the trademarks of this mosque. People of all faiths can visit this mosque. Millions of visitors visit this mosque each year.

Why Visit There

• The mosque organises free cultural tours. It’s also possible to make a booking for a private cultural tour.
• The mosque showcases a stunning fusion of Islamic, Moorish, and Mughal architecture. The domes are very distinguished in design. The largest dome is located at the centre of the main prayer hall.
• The main prayer hall can accommodate 7800 worshipers. There are two more prayer halls. Men and women pray in separate arrangements.
• The Qibla wall is made of Italian marble. It is decorated with calligraphy and fibre optic lighting.
• The Al-Nur foyer is one of the most beautiful features of the mosque. The foyer walls are decorated with beautiful floral patterns.
• The mosque has a very unique exterior lighting system. It is called the lunar lighting system. It represents different phases of the moon. The intensity changes according to the position and stage of the moon. There are 840 lighting units and 22 light towers consisting of 10 to 13 light projectors to create this effect.
• Seven 24-carat galvanized gold-plated chandeliers made of Swarovski crystal enhance the beauty of the mosque.
• The reflective pools run around the perimeter of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. 10 rectangular pools surround the Mosque. Those are tiled in different shades of blue. About 7,000 square meters of water make up the pool. It looks spectacular at night.

Best Time To Visit

Early mornings are quieter and less crowded. This time is perfect for enjoying the mosque’s peaceful atmosphere and detailed architecture. To enjoy the special lunar lighting, you can go at night.

How To Get There

• By Car and Taxi: If you travel from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you can go to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque by car and taxi.
• By Bus: Inside Abu Dhabi, several routes stop near the mosque.
• By Free Shuttle: The Wahat al Karama mosque shuttle, “Visit Abu Dhabi” free shuttles serve the mosques.

Tips For Visitors

• It’s a mosque. So, while visiting, you must adhere to the Islamic dress code. If you are a woman, nothing should be visible except your face and hands. Tight and transparent clothing should be avoided. If you are a man, you also must cover yourself well. Do not go there wearing shorts or tank tops.
• No food and drinks are allowed.
• No smoking.
• No overt display of affection.
• It is prohibited to show any emblems or symbols of any significance.

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a journey into the heart of Islamic architecture, culture, and spiritual reflection.