Grand Mosque Dubai
A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque enchants with its dazzling white marble, intricate mosaics, and serene ambiance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Grand Mosque Dubai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque enchants with its dazzling white marble, intricate mosaics, and serene ambiance.
"A truly awe-inspiring place that leaves you speechless with its beauty and scale."
🧥 Respectful Attire is Mandatory
Long, loose clothing covering arms & legs. Women need headscarves. Abayas available.
🚗 Travel from Dubai
Book tours, hire taxis, or use buses for the 1.5-2 hr trip to Abu Dhabi.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Main Prayer Hall
Interior
Marvel at the world's largest hand-knotted carpet and the stunning Swarovski crystal chandeliers.
Courtyards and Arches
Exterior
Explore the vast marble courtyards and intricate floral mosaic designs that create a breathtaking visual spectacle.
Reflective Pools
Exterior
See the mosque's magnificent reflection in the surrounding pools, especially stunning during sunset.
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code is Key
Getting There from Dubai
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Respectful Attire is Mandatory
Long, loose clothing covering arms & legs. Women need headscarves. Abayas available.
🚗 Travel from Dubai
Book tours, hire taxis, or use buses for the 1.5-2 hr trip to Abu Dhabi.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours Recommended
Enhance your visit with insights into the architecture and culture.
📸 Photography Tips
Capture stunning shots during golden hour or with the reflective pools.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Respectful Attire is Mandatory
Long, loose clothing covering arms & legs. Women need headscarves. Abayas available.
🚗 Travel from Dubai
Book tours, hire taxis, or use buses for the 1.5-2 hr trip to Abu Dhabi.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours Recommended
Enhance your visit with insights into the architecture and culture.
📸 Photography Tips
Capture stunning shots during golden hour or with the reflective pools.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months. Free water stations available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for its breathtaking beauty, intricate architecture, and serene atmosphere. Many highlight the stunning marble work, chandeliers, and the overall sense of grandeur. Some find the dress code restrictive, and the journey from Dubai can be long, but the experience is widely considered unforgettable.
"Absolutely beautiful and a MUST visit! We dont usually like to spend a lot of hours in many places but you will want at least 2 hours here. Recommend to come a bit before sunset time to see this beauty in the day time and when it gets dark and lights up."
Angelina Chernova
"The Grand Bur Dubai Masjid is beautifully decorated, looking truly majestic and well-maintained. The atmosphere was serene, and the mosque was impressively clean and welcoming. Alhamdulillah, I had the honour of praying Jummah Salah there on Friday, 27th June, which also marked the 1st day of Muharram. A spiritually uplifting experience to begin the Islamic New Year."
Mubin Ahmed
"What a wonderful place. Such an exquisite mosque and world-class experience. Be sure to wear the appropriate attire and don’t show your hair if you are a lady. Hand gestures are not allowed when taking photos and also any other movements wheb taking videos like turning around"
Cathrina (Chef cath)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common ways are booking a guided tour, which often includes transport, or taking a taxi/Uber. Public buses from Ibn Battuta or Al Ghubaiba bus stations to Abu Dhabi are the most economical option. The drive is about 1.5 to 2 hours.
It typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to drive from Dubai to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, taxis in the UAE are monitored and considered very safe. You can arrange for a taxi to wait for you, but it can be costly. It's often easier to find another taxi upon your return.
Yes, numerous tour operators offer day trips from Dubai to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, often including transportation and sometimes a guided tour.
Absolutely! The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to visitors of all faiths. It's a popular tourist destination and a place for interfaith dialogue.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, prior booking is generally not required for entry to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and tickets are free. However, booking online can sometimes save time by avoiding queues, especially during peak seasons.
The mosque is typically open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM, except on Fridays when it opens for visitors after morning prayers. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially during Ramadan.
Entry to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is free for all visitors.
A strict dress code is enforced. Men and women must wear long, loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs. Women are also required to wear a headscarf. Abayas are available for rent or purchase on-site if you don't meet the requirements.
Yes, abayas can be rented or purchased at the mosque for visitors who need to comply with the dress code.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' around sunrise and sunset offers beautiful lighting for photography. The reflective pools also create stunning mirror-like images.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's important to be respectful. Avoid taking photos of people without their permission and be mindful of prayer times.
The main prayer hall with its chandeliers and carpet, the intricate floral mosaics in the courtyards, and the exterior architecture reflecting in the pools are highly photogenic.
Tripods are generally not permitted inside the mosque to avoid obstructing other visitors. It's best to rely on good lighting and stable hands for your shots.
Travelers often share wide-angle shots of the mosque's grandeur, close-ups of the intricate details, and portraits with the stunning architecture as a backdrop.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
To fully appreciate the mosque, allocate at least 2-3 hours. This allows time for exploring the different sections, taking photos, and understanding the cultural significance.
Yes, free guided tours are often available and highly recommended. They provide valuable insights into the mosque's architecture, history, and Islamic culture.
Besides adhering to the dress code, wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended due to the climate.
Yes, clean restrooms are available. Non-Muslim visitors can enter the minaret, but prayer rooms are primarily for Muslim worshippers.
The mosque is generally accessible, with ramps and elevators available in certain areas. It's advisable to contact the mosque administration for specific accessibility information.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the mosque is a place of worship, its vast open spaces and stunning architecture can captivate young minds. The reflective pools and intricate designs offer visual interest. Guided tours can help keep children engaged with stories and facts about the mosque. Remember to bring water and snacks, and be mindful of prayer times and quiet zones.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices near the attraction. If you need to rent an abaya, factor in that small cost. Planning your visit during off-peak hours can also help avoid potential surge pricing for transport if you opt for ride-sharing services.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The reflective pools surrounding the mosque offer incredible opportunities for symmetrical and dramatic shots. Focus on the intricate details: the floral mosaics, the Swarovski crystal chandeliers, and the hand-knotted carpet in the main prayer hall. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the mosque's immense scale, while telephoto lenses can highlight specific architectural elements. Be mindful of other visitors and prayer times to ensure respectful photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Dress Code
If you don't have appropriate attire, don't worry! The mosque offers abaya rentals and purchases for women, ensuring everyone can visit respectfully. It's always better to err on the side of caution and dress more conservatively than you think might be necessary.
Some visitors have reported confusion about what is considered appropriate, so checking the mosque's official website for the latest guidelines before your visit is highly recommended.
Navigating from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
For a more independent approach, hiring a private taxi or Uber is feasible, though it can be the most expensive option. If budget is a primary concern, utilizing public buses from major stations like Ibn Battuta or Al Ghubaiba in Dubai to Abu Dhabi is a cost-effective alternative.
Regardless of your chosen transport, ensure you plan your travel to allow ample time for the journey and to enjoy the mosque without feeling rushed.
Architectural Marvels and Artistic Details
Inside, the main prayer hall is home to the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, a masterpiece of intricate design and craftsmanship. It also boasts seven crystal chandeliers, the largest of which is one of the world's largest in a mosque, adding a touch of opulence. The floral mosaic art found throughout the courtyards and on the exterior walls is another highlight, showcasing delicate artistry.
Visitors are often awestruck by the sheer scale and the meticulous attention to detail, from the polished marble floors to the shimmering mother-of-pearl inlays. The reflective pools surrounding the mosque further enhance its beauty, creating a serene and majestic atmosphere, especially during sunset.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit