Abu Dhabi: Six things to know before visiting Grand Sheik Zayed Mosque

One of the most important places on your Abu Dhabi itinerary should be the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque.

The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and the largest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The mosque features sublime beauty, out-of-this-world architecture and it’s able to accommodate over  40 000 visitors. 

SIX THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING THE MOSQUE 

1. YOU NEED TO COVER UP

In order to enter the mosque, you need to be fully covered in loose clothing. If you do not have anything appropriate to wear to the mosque, fear not. There are several little stalls around where you can purchase appropriate clothing to wear inside the mosque. 

When I visited the mosque, I purchased their most basic option for AED 40 which equated to roughly R200.

2. THERE IS FREE ENTRY

There is no entry fee you need to pay to enter the mosque. However, there is still a process to ensure efficiency. You will be directed to a digital station where you will be asked to fill in all your details. 

You will then receive a QR code on the screen and a time for you to visit the mosque. Thereafter, you will take the QR code to the entrance of the mosque. Visitors are advised to show up 15 minutes before your scheduled time. 

There will be someone there to assist as you can scan your code and enter.

PRO TIP: It would be in your best interests to arrive early as the queues get really long, really fast.

3. BE PREPARED FOR A LONG WALK 

As you approach the entrance of the mosque, you will notice that the process of entry is similar to an airport. You will go through security, just like you would when you pass the boarding gates at an airport. 

You will then have to walk quite a distance to actually get to the mosque. There are moving walkways to help you get there without tiring yourself out.

On the bright side, there is a free shuttle from the mosque to the escalators. However, there is still quite a walk from the escalators to the exit. 

4. THE UNDERGROUND OF THE MOSQUE IS SIMILAR TO A MALL 

Didn’t have time to grab a meal before visiting the mosque? No problem. There are plenty of shops and a food court in the basement of the mosque. 

5. MAIN PRAYER HALL CLOSED ON FRIDAYS FOR A CERTAIN TIME

On a Friday, the main prayer hall of the mosque is closed to the public from 12pm to 3pm. This is because prayers take place at this time.

6. THERE ARE FREE GUIDED TOURS

Emirati volunteers offer free guided tours of the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque in English and Arabic. The tour guide will talk you through the architecture and answer whatever questions you may have.

RATING

This was my first time visiting a mosque and I was more than blessed to have my first mosque be the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. The mosque was absolutely beautiful and I was in awe of the architecture as well as the design of the interior of the mosque. 

I would definitely recommend visiting the scenic mosque if you are in Abu Dhabi, it was amazing to experience the culture and customs. 

You could also just take a drive to Abu Dhabi if you’re in Dubai on in some of the other cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).