Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tips

Are you looking for the best tips for visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque? Then you have come to the right place. No trip to Abu Dhabi is not complete without making a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – perhaps the most iconic building in the Emirate. The mosque is absolutely breathtaking and a complete architectural gem. But perhaps you are worried about visiting this Islamic Holy Place? This guide will tell you some of the most amazing facts about the mosque while also providing a practical guide to visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tips.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tips

Best Way to get to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 

If you are visitor to Abu Dhabi the best way to get to the mosque is via taxi. It is a short journey from the centre of Abu Dhabi and the cost of taxis are relatively low.

Taxis will drop you of at the entrance and there is a taxi rank outside so you won’t struggle when leaving.

The mosque is also a stop on the Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour and is another great option for visitors who want to see the city without worrying about taxis or driving themselves. 

Alternatively, if you are a resident and have a car there is ample parking both above and underground. However we do not recommend visiting the Mosque via public transport as a tourist as it isn’t the most reliable way of getting around the city. 

Best Time to Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

As with any tourist attraction the mosque in Abu Dhabi gets very busy so it is really important to pick the time of travel correctly.

We recommend getting to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for opening to make sure you beat the crowds. As we lived in Abu Dhabi we have been to the mosque many many times and I can tell you that morning is the time to go. 

When we go first thing in the morning we have no issues with parking or queues getting in but find that as we are leaving the traffic and queues are always much more severe. 

Also if you can we recommend avoiding public holidays and weekends too. These times get very busy so should be avoided if possible.

Also it is worth noting that we do not recommend visiting around midday. The reason for this is that much of the mosque grounds are exterior – read no air conditioning. If you go to Abu Dhabi in summer and go to the mosque during the midday sun you will find it is Hot hot hot! 

Another great time to visit the mosque is for sundown. The golden hour makes the mosque look exceptionally beautiful and is great for photographers.

Also please note if you are traveling to Abu Dhabi during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of Ramadan it’s always best to check the schedule as times will vary and the mosque is closed to visitors on a Friday.

For more UAE Guides check out our other posts:

• Abu Dhabi Vs Dubai
• Dubai with a toddler
• Best Abu Dhabi Beaches
• Abu Dhabi Itinerary 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Dress Code

Whenever you are visiting a Muslim country I think the main question you have is regarding dress code.

And the key to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is to dress modestly. This applies to both men and women. For some reason people tend to think the rules only apply to women but this really isn’t the case.

The Sheikh Zayed Dress Code for men means that you must wear ankle length trousers . Shorts are not permissible for men or women at the mosque and in many other places in Abu Dhabi. For more information check out this Abu Dhabi Dress Code.

WE also recommend wearing longer length shirts or t shirts and make sure there is nothing offensive in terms of slogans or graphics on your t shirt. 

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque dress code for women means that you must be covered from ankles to wrists. Also it is one of the few places in the UAE where you will be required to cover your head. 

I always take a pashmina with me wherever I go in Abu Dhabi or the Middle East generally for an extra layer or for modesty and tend to use my pashmina to cover my head when visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. 

We often get a lot of questions about whether you need to wear an abaya at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. I think the reason for this is because you see many people in photos wearing them. And the truth is you do not have to wear an abaya if you are appropriately dressed. 

This means that you must be covered to your ankle and your wrist as well as not having overly revealing, see through or tight clothing. 

I have been to the Grand Mosque and when long loose trousers and a long sleeve blouse alongside my pashmina to cover my hair. This was perfectly acceptable. 

However I usually opt to borrow one of the mosque abayas anyway. The reason I do this is because I feel like it is a more respectful and authentic experience however this is personal choice. 

However if you plan to get an abaya there I would advise wearing loose and cool clothes so prevent overheating and also to be respectful in the entrance hall. 

Please note: please check with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque re abaya rental as the rules have been changing since Covid.

Also it is worth noting that small children do not need to adhere to the same regulations as adults who it comes to dress code. However I always dress my little ones respectfully when in religious sites and longer length items can also help with sun protection.  

Photography at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Photography is permitted but please be respectful in your posing. Rihanna was kicked out of the mosque (rightly so) for inappropriate posing.

Please be respectful of where you are!

Guided Tours of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Guided tours are available daily at the Mosque and do not require advance booking. It is advisable however to check the official Grand Mosque website for tour times in advance of your visit.

But these are a really great way of learning more about the mosque, its construction and history as well as the history and culture of the UAE. 

If you aren;’t visiting with small children I think this really is a must for when visiting the mosque. 

Food and drink at the sheikh zayed grand mosque

As you probably expected, food and drink is not permitted at the mosque and will be confiscated at security.

We therefore recommend you drinking plenty of water and eating before you visit the Mosque.  

However if you do need food or drink while at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque please note that  there is an outlet serving coffee within the grounds. 

Important Information about Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The mosque is free to enter! The mosque is open 9am to 10pm Saturday to Thursday. It closes on Friday morning for worshippers but visitors can go after 4:30pm. During the holy month of Ramadan it’s always best to check the schedule as times will vary and the mosque is closed to visitors on a Friday.