Are you planning to visit the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi?
As one of the world’s largest mosques, this stunning architectural masterpiece attracts millions of visitors each year.
But before you step foot inside its impressive halls, there are a few things that you should know to ensure that your experience is as remarkable as it can be.
From dress codes and etiquette to fascinating historical facts, this blog post covers all the important details you need to know before visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
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About Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most beautiful and iconic mosques in the world. It is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.
The mosque was commissioned by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was the President of the UAE from 1971-2004.
The mosque was completed in 2007 and can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers.
This iconic mosque has 82 domes, over a thousand columns, 24-carat gold chandeliers, and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet.
The marble used throughout the mosque was imported from Italy and Morocco.
The main prayer hall is decorated with 98 carved pillars and features a massive chandelier that weighs 12 tons!
Visitors of all faiths are welcome to tour the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
What to Know Before Visiting
There are a few things to keep in mind before visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Dress conservatively. This means covering your shoulders and knees, as well as avoiding anything too tight or see-through.
Be respectful of the mosque’s religious significance by refraining from loud conversation or disruptive behavior.
Don’t take photos during prayer times out of respect for those worshipping.
What to Wear for a Visit
It’s important to dress modestly. The mosque is a holy place of worship for Muslims and visitors are expected to respect its religious significance.
Here are some guidelines on what to wear:
– Any clothing that covers your body from shoulder to knee should be fine, including long pants, long skirts, and long-sleeved tops.
– If you’re wearing a sleeveless top or a shirt with skinny straps, you’ll need to wear something underneath it to cover your shoulders and upper arms.
– It’s best to avoid wearing shorts, mini-skirts, or tightfitting clothing altogether.
Photography Guidelines and Regulations
When visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, please be respectful of the culture and follow these photography guidelines and regulations:
-Please refrain from using flash photography inside the mosque.
– dress modestly when entering the mosque – this means covering your shoulders, knees and chest for both men and women.
-You are welcome to take photos inside the mosque, but please be respectful of those who are praying and not use a tripod.
-If you would like to take a tour of the mosque, please book in advance as spaces are limited.
How to get there?
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located between the three main bridges connecting to the mainland in Abu Dhabi city. These are the Maqta, Mussafah and Sheikh Zayed bridges.
You can get to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque by car, bus or taxi.
To reach Sheikh Zayed Mosque in an inexpensive way, you can take the bus from Abu Dhabi Bus Station. There you need to take bus 056. This ride takes about 55 minutes and costs between AED 1 – AED 3. Here you can find all the information about transportation in Abu Dhabi.
To get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus is also easy.
Dining Options in the Neighborhood
There are plenty of great dining options in the neighborhood around Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
For a quick bite, stop by one of the many cafes or fast food restaurants. If you’re looking for something more substantial, there are plenty of casual and fine dining establishments to choose from.
For a casual meal, try one of the local Middle Eastern restaurants. These eateries offer a wide variety of traditional dishes, as well as more familiar international fare.
For a more upscale experience, there are several restaurants that serve contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine. And for those who want something truly unique, there are even a few places that serve camel meat!
Popular Attractions Nearby
There are plenty of attractions to see near the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Some of the most popular include the Emirates Palace, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld.
The Emirates Palace is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world and a must-see for any visitor to Abu Dhabi. Situated on 1.3 million square meters of land, the hotel complex includes an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, and multiple restaurants.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a theme park dedicated to all things Ferrari. Located on Yas Island, it is home to the world’s fastest roller coaster as well as various other rides, simulators, and shows.
Yas Waterworld is an aquatic theme park with over 40 rides, slides, and attractions. Visitors can enjoy everything from adrenaline-pumping waterslides to more relaxing activities like floating down a lazy river.