The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and opened in 2007. It is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder and first President of the United Arab Emirates, who is buried next to it.
For visitors it is not only the grandeur: non-Muslims are welcome and entry is free. The mosque holds up to 40,000 worshippers.
What to see inside
Main prayer hall. It has one of the largest carpets in the world — about 5,600 sq m and 47 tonnes — and a huge chandelier decorated with gold leaf and Swarovski crystals.
Courtyard and colonnades. White marble with floral inlay, 82 domes and reflecting pools around the mosque — especially beautiful in the evening when the lighting comes on.
The Light & Peace Museum tells the story of the mosque, and next to it is the Souq Al Jami' with cafés and souvenirs.
How to get there
The mosque stands at the entrance to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street. A taxi or car is the easiest option, and there is an underground car park. It is part of almost every Abu Dhabi sightseeing tour.
Tips before you go
Register in advance. Visitors need to book their visit and get a free online access pass on the mosque's official website; only worshippers can enter without booking.
The dress code is strict: shoulders, arms and knees covered, loose clothing; women must cover their hair.
The mosque centre runs free guided tours, and there is a separate night-time Sura Tour — both can be booked on the website.
To see the mosque together with other Abu Dhabi sights, take a tour such as the private Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tour or an Abu Dhabi sightseeing tour.
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St, Abu Dhabi · 24.412543, 54.475559
