Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is so beautiful that I almost forgot that it is a place of worship. I am thankful that it is one of two mosques in the United Arab Emirates that is open to non-Muslims.
The mosque was commissioned by, and named after, the first president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It took over 10 years (1996-2007) to construct and the Sheikh passed away before its completion.
Costing more than $500 million to build, the mosque is quite modern. The beautiful white and gold facade and colorful mosaic of marble flowers adorn the interior of the mosque.
The best time to visit is right before dark so you can see both sides of the mosque. In the daylight, the beautiful white mosque stands out against the backdrop of Abu Dhabi. At night, it is illuminated and displays a different kind of beauty. You can visit the mosque on your own or take a free tour that lasts about one hour. I recommend that you reserve tours in advance.
Remember that this is a place of worship. The dress code is strict and should be followed. Therefore, you should avoid wearing tight clothing and ankles, arms, and shoulders should be covered.
The mosque will provide an abaya to women not properly dressed. Women are required to cover their heads. Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering prayer rooms.
Hours:
- Saturday – Thursday: 9am-10pm
- Friday: Closed to tourists (open to worshippers) during morning prayers. Open to tourists at 4:30pm
- Ramadan (dates change yearly): 9am-2pm, closed all day on Friday
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