Before Your Visit

Plan for the best lighting, especially if you’re a photographer (in which case, you’ll already have thought about this!). The best time of day to arrive is 4:30pm. It’ll still be SCORCHING hot, but the lighting will be at its best (and will only get better) and the crowds will be dwindling down.

Dress appropriately. This is a place of worship, and even if you do not follow this religion, at least respect it. All women are provided with an abaya (traditional black robe) and a shayla (head scarf) at no charge upon entering the premises, however, it’s still in good conduct to already be wearing clothing covering your shoulders and lower legs plus ankles. Men, no tank tops or shorts. See here for clothing specifics.

Drink lots of water beforehand as it’s a very hot environment, and water is not allowed inside. Neither are any kind of food items.

During Your Visit

Entry fee? None!

Join a tour for free (offered in English and Arabic) to experience the various elements of the architecture and Islamic culture. See more about specific tour times here. Opening hours are 9am to 10pm daily. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is closed for tourism activities on Friday mornings but will reopen for visitors after 4:30pm.

Removing shoes may be required in order to visit certain places inside the mosque. Not to worry – they’ll be there upon your return!

Entry fee? None!

Don’t miss the mirror pools towards the entrance as well as the crystal chandeliers situated inside the halls and foyers. The largest chandelier (located in the main prayer hall and considered one of the world’s largest in a mosque) weighs approx. 12 tons. The main prayer hall houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, coming in at over 61,000 sq. ft.

Take LOTS of photos, because you can! I was so happy to learn that cameras were allowed inside the mosque in order to capture this beaut!

Our opening hours are 9am-10pm daily, however the mosque is closed for tourism activities on Friday mornings.