Explore the gorgeous beauty and grandeur of the world’s 8th largest mosque. Join the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tour in Abu Dhabi. Admire the spectacular architecture in the city, which took over a decade to complete. This majestic mosque can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. Read more to get details of the tour.
Overview of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tour | |
Tour Duration: | 4 Hours |
Tour Availability: | Daily |
Ticket Price: | AED 650 for 4 peoples |
Pick up & Drop Off: | Included |
Pickup Time | Depending on availability |
Inclusions of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tour
Read More- Complimentary juice and water on arrival
- English-speaking guide to take you around. The guide will give you all the interesting facts about the mosque.
- Witness the largest marble mosaic of the mosque courtyard
- Explore the mosque to take in its beauty and serenity. The minute detailing of the Grand Mosque will mesmerize you.
- Experience the beautiful Grand Mosque for about two to three hours
- Transfer options are from any central location in Dubai.
Overview
Dubai has overshadowed Abu Dhabi with its style and charm. But, the UAE’s Capital city is buzzing with modern architecture and the best lifestyle in the world too. One of them is the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This stunning 30-acre mosque is enormous in every way. So, the architecture, the detailing, and the features- everything will blow your mind.
The tour starts in Dubai with a convenient pickup from the hotel. The total duration of the tour is approximately four hours with around one and a half hours exploring the mosque. Explore the various mosque sections- prayer halls and courtyards. Besides, immerse yourself in the minute details of this wonderful creation. The Swarovski crystal chandeliers and the floral mosaics will leave you in awe. Also, the gold and silver artifacts are worth admiring. Find out the vision of the late president of UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhyan, through the architecture. This tour is also covered under our Abu Dhabi city tour
Activity Highlights
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a magnificent landmark. It boasts the rich culture and heritage of the UAE.
- You will also find an area of 30 acres, excluding the surrounding garden area and parking.
- The Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest in the country. Hence, it is the key place for worship and Friday religious gatherings.
- The architects infused the magnificent and intricate design and architecture with influences from the Persian, Alexandrian, and Mughal Mosques in Egypt, along with elements of the Indo-Islamic mosque.
- The dome and its archways are characteristic of Badshahi and Moorish design. Besides, the minars with a classical touch of Arab look amazing too.
- The main prayer hall is huge enough to accommodate nearly 7,000 worshipers at a time.
- The courtyard has a beautifully intricate floral design, measuring 180,000 square feet. It is the largest marble mosaic in the world.
Timing Details
- Daily hours- 9 AM to 10 PM
- Friday Morning- 9 AM to 12 PM
- Friday Afternoon- 3 PM to 10 PM
- The last entry is half an hour before the closing time in every case.
Important Information
- There is a proper dress code inside the mosque- you should cover your legs, arms, and head when visiting.
- However, not following the dress code might hamper your activity. You might not get permission to enter.
- Besides, if there is any tattoo, guests should cover it while visiting the mosque.
- The transfer timings are a part of the tour hours.
- It is advisable to bring sunglasses as the white marble reflects a lot of sunlight
- The mosque doesn’t open to visitors during Ramadan or other Islamic festivals.
- We conduct this tour in two languages.
- The Grand Mosque is not wheelchair accessible.
Cancellation Policy
- Get a 100% refund for cancellations before 48 hours of the departure time.
- Canceling the bookings within 48 hours will be 100% non-refundable.
- Expect to get the refund within 7 working days if the guest is eligible.
- All Children are wholeheartedly welcome in the Mosque.
- The parents must take care of them at all times and make sure they do not tamper with anything or anyone’s prayer.
- Qasr Al Watan
- Emirates Palace
- Louvre Museum
- Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
FAQs
Is there any dress code for the activity?
Yes, you must follow a certain dress code when visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. For example, men must wear a normal or full-sleeve T-shirt with jeans or trousers. Women can wear gowns or T-shirts with jeans or trousers. However, it is compulsory to wear an Abaya (a full-length robe for women) to keep the shoulders and legs covered.
Are there any interesting facts to learn about the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the Emirates. It took 11 years to complete the mosque. It can hold approximately 40,000 worshippers. Besides, the main prayer hall features the biggest handmade carpet in the world. Another highlight is the seven massive chandeliers, imported from Germany. The manufacturer made the chandeliers using 24-carat gold and Swarovski crystals.
When is the best time to visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi?
The best time to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is during the winter months (December to March). The weather in the city during these months remains normal (no humidity or discomfort). You can even visit during summer (June, July, August). However, avoid visiting during the afternoon.
Can non-Muslim tourists and locals enter the mosque?
Yes, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomes non-Muslim and Muslim tourists and locals.
Can I bring a camera inside the mosque?
Yes, visitors can bring cameras inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and take photographs.
Do you provide private transfer facilities with the tour?
We provide shared transfer facilities. However, we can arrange a private transfer for the visitors with additional charges.
What’s the day’s best time to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
The Grand Mosque is open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. We recommend visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Also, please note that the mosque is closed to visitors during Ramadan except for a brief period. It’s best to check the calendar before planning your trip.
Does the Grand Mosque let in visitors on Fridays as well?
The Grand Mosque opens briefly on Fridays only at 4:30 pm and closes by 10:00 pm. Therefore, you should visit the mosque between Saturdays and Thursdays when it’s open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
What’s considered proper attire for a visit to the Grand Mosque?
There’s a strict dress code in place at the Grand Mosque. Everyone must follow the rules.
- Tank tops and shorts are a strict no. Make sure that your clothes aren’t see-through and that you cover yourself from head to toe
- Women must cover their entire body and their clothes should be loose
- Visitors will get a headscarf if they aren’t one themselves
Are guided tours conducted at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Yes, they are. The tours are free and they have separate timings.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm from Saturdays to Thursdays
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm every Friday
10:00 am to 11:00 am, 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm only on Sundays
Do guests need to bring any ID proof to visit the Grand Mosque?
No, there’s no need to furnish any ID proof. That said, you do need to present one when you choose to take the guided tour and it’s returned after the tour. You may also opt for the audio guide in Arabic, English, Mandarin, French, Japanese, Russian, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.
How am I to reach the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
There are no buses that take you close to the Grand Mosque. It’s best that you reach somewhere close to the mosque and take a taxi from there to reach it.
Do the Grand Mosque authorities allow photography within the premises?
Yes, they do. Please avoid taking photographs of believers and those worshipping in the mosque. Also, don’t click photographs of the tourists without their permission.