Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre

Sheikh zayed grand mosque is one of the worlds splendid iconic architectural wonders that highlights the tolerant nature of the Islamic culture and promotes cross-cultural communication amongst different cultures, successfully positioning itself as a leading destination on the world’s tourism map that attracts millions of visitors from all cultures and regions around the globe. An exemplary model of islamic architecture, intricately blending various islamic architectural styles from different civilizations across history to create a captivating architectural masterpiece that vividly illustrates notions of dialogue amongst cultures, and that was able to secure its position as one of the worlds top cultural destinations for consecutive years.

Unseen glimpse from the mosque

“Unseen glimpse from the mosque” is a cultural tour brought to you by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre with an entirely new style.We invite you to spend a memorable cultural day at the mosque and enjoy an exciting cultural tour riding a golf cart; prepared for you and your family. During the tour, one of the Centre’s cultural tour specialists will fill you in on the aesthetics of Islamic art and architecture at the mosque, reflected in its every detail. While also introducing exclusive stops and features you never knew about before.

e-Guide

This smart device was specifically designed for visitors who want to take an audio-assisted tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The device offers a detailed explanation of the mosque’s external and internal architecture, as well as additional features of interest, such as Calligraphy styles, Emirati national dress, Sheikh Zayed, date palm and construction details and other special structures. The audio is available in the following 11 languages: Arabic, English, Chinese, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu, French, Japanese and Russian. Users can control the length and content of the narration and repeat required segments.

 
Visitors can obtain an e-guide from the Visitors’ Service Desk at the main entrance, noting that an ID is required as a deposit.

Opening hours & timings

Date

Time

Saturday to Thursday

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Friday

3:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Grand Mosque Overview

As a procedure to access the Mosque, you need to book your e-pass prior to your visit by visiting the SZGMC website.

Getting Here
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is situated between the three main bridges connecting Abu Dhabi City to the main land (Maqta, Mussafah and Sheikh Zayed bridges).

Taxi
Abu Dhabi’s TRANSAD offer pick-up services by calling their hotline (toll free) number 600535353 or www.transad.ae. You may walk to the taxi designated area in the south car park and wait.

Bus Services
Abu Dhabi has a comprehensive public bus service. The closest bus station is located approximately 10 minutes walking distance and operates services that take you inside the city.

Frequently asked questions about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Normal visiting hours are from Saturday to Thursday 09:00 am to 10:00 pm (Last admission at 09:30 pm)

On Friday Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open from 09:00am to 12:00pm (Last admission at 11:30 am) and reopens from 3:00 pm. to 10:00 pm (Last admission at 09:30 pm)

No, admission to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is free.

Yes, every day the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers free guided walk-in tours for individuals and groups.
 
Tours are led by official SZGMC Guides who will take you and other members of the public around the mosque explaining various elements of the architecture and Islamic culture.
 
Visitors should arrive approximately 15 minutes before the tour time and our Visitor Experience coordinators will be there to greet you and assist you in joining a tour. The tour is approximately 30 – 45 minutes in length.

Tours commence on the East side of the mosque. Ask any of our friendly operations team (security or ground staff) where the tours start and they will be happy to guide you to the right starting point.

No, visitors can make their own way to the mosque by (taxi, bus or personal car).

Children are welcome during the visit but must remain under the constant guidance and supervision of their parents.

 It is important to understand the dress code when visiting the mosque.
 
Long, loose fitting, ankle length trousers or skirts for women and men.
 
Women must wear a headscarf.

Yes, you can park your car in the southern car parking lots as indicated by the signboards located alongside the entrances to the mosque.

Yes, there are several sanitary facilities (Toilets) available, for both male and female.

Smoking is NOT allowed anywhere on the mosque grounds.

Many of the architectural features of the mosque (particularly the delicate marble and carpet) must be handled with care to ensure they are protected and not prone to damage.

Yes, the mosque is open and welcomes all individuals and groups either with or without a guide.

Yes, photographs and videos are allowed for personal use. Professional filmmakers and media establishments must obtain the centre’s prior permission by filling out the Filming Permission Application.

 Currently the SZGMC Guides offer tours in English and Arabic only.

The tour takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Adherence to the mosque manners.

 Yes, the SZGMC provides wheelchairs for people of determination and the elderly visitors, which can be ordered from the security personnel. There are club cars as well to transport visitors between the parking lots and the tour’s starting point.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is covered in bright white marble, and to ensure your comfort, we recommend wearing sunglasses during the day.

How to get there

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Al Rawdah – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates