Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The largest mosque in the UAE, with 82 domes, over 1,000 columns and white marble, 21 km from Zayed Port.
At a glance
Sheikh Zayed, founder of the UAE, wanted a mosque that would unite the cultural diversity of the Islamic world. He is buried in its grounds.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and the main place of worship in Abu Dhabi. It was built between 1994 and 2007 and inaugurated in December 2007. The complex measures about 290 by 420 m, covers more than 12 hectares and has 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, gold-plated chandeliers and what is described as the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who launched the project, died in 2004 and is buried at the mosque.
The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths outside prayer times. You can walk through the courtyard, the arcades with their reflective pools and the main prayer hall on your own, or join one of the free cultural tours in English or Arabic run by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. A strict dress code applies to men and women.
For cruise passengers it is the classic Abu Dhabi visit. The mosque is about 21 km by road from the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, roughly half an hour by taxi, and the visit takes one and a half to two hours. Entry requires an online access pass booked in advance, so arrange it before the call.
Official websiteGetting there from the port
2 optionsYour day in port
Example: call from 08:00 to 18:00, all aboard at 17:30.
- 08:30Ashore and taxiTake a taxi from the cruise terminal rank, with your access pass and suitable clothing ready.
- 09:00Arrival and securityEnter through Al Salam Gate 6 and pass the security check, with separate lanes for men and women.
- 09:30Courtyard and arcadesWalk the marble courtyard, the arcades and the reflective pools while it is still cool.
- 11:00Free cultural tourJoin the 11:00 tour from the east side for the main prayer hall, the chandeliers and the carpet.
- 12:00Souq Al Jami'Lunch and souvenirs at the food outlets and shops of the mosque's souq.
- 13:30Back to the portTaxi to the terminal and time at Marsa Mina, the waterfront next to it, before boarding by 16:30.
What to see
- 1Main Prayer HallThe hall with one of the largest chandeliers in the world and the hand-knotted carpet that covers its floor.
- 2The CourtyardThe vast white marble courtyard, inlaid with coloured floral patterns, framed by the domes and minarets.
- 3Domes and minarets82 white marble domes and a minaret at each corner of the complex, the image of the mosque seen from the bridges into the city.
- 4Reflective poolsLong pools along the arcades that mirror the columns; after dark the lighting changes with the phases of the moon.
- 5Sheikh Zayed's resting placeThe founder of the UAE is buried at the mosque; visitors pass his tomb on the route.
- 6Light and Peace MuseumExhibition on the mosque and Islamic art inside the complex, with its own online booking.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Book the access passVisitors need an online access pass booked in advance on the official website (Individuals booking); worshippers enter without a ticket.
- Follow the dress codeLong, loose, ankle-length clothes for everyone. Women need sleeves to the wrist and a headscarf covering all their hair; men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Tight or transparent clothing is not allowed.
- Join a free tourFree cultural tours in English and Arabic last 30 to 45 minutes and start on the east side daily at 11:00, 13:00 and 17:00 (on Fridays at 11:00 and 17:00 only); arrive 15 minutes early.
- Check the hoursOpen daily 09:00 to 20:30, last entry 20:00; on Fridays 09:00 to 11:30 and 14:30 to 20:30. Hours change during Ramadan.
- Leave things on boardFood and drink are not allowed, nor are e-cigarettes, lighters, dolls or stuffed toys, flags and professional camera equipment. A cloakroom is available.
- Mind the marbleThe marble floors are slippery, especially when wet; follow the marked route and the security staff's directions.
Accessibility & families
The mosque has paved paths for wheelchairs, wheelchairs can be requested from the security staff and electric club cars carry visitors between the car parks and the tour starting point. Children are welcome but must stay under their parents' supervision at all times.
In pictures
