How to Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi – Know Before You Go

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest and grandest mosques in the world, is an iconic attraction in Abu Dhabi. Called the ‘White Pearl of the Gulf’, this magnificent complex accommodates up to 40,000 devotees. Learn more about touring the shrine through this article on how to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

Image via www.pixahive.com

First, Get Updated on the History of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The late Sheik Zayed Bin Sultan, then president of the UAE, commissioned the construction of the mosque, which was carried out from 1996 to 2007.  It was built to represent cultural diversity in the world and spread the message of peace and tolerance through the teachings of Islam. Thus, these traditional values were amalgamated with modern design and architecture. A perfect example is the ‘open door policy’ of the mosque where anyone, regardless of race, gender, or religion, is welcome to explore the shrine.

Pay attention to the architecture there and you will see diversity in design too, emulating Emirati, Italian, and British styles. It really is a fabulous construction, which boasts of tiles from Turkey, crystal from Germany, and wool brought in from New Zealand. Due to its marvellous qualities, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is ranked number one on TripAdvisor’s top things to do. It boasts a turnover of a million visitors a year; hence, visiting this shrine is one of the first things to do in Abu Dhabi. For guests staying at central hotels like Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel, the mosque is only 16 minutes away.

The Architecture of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The multicultural design of the mosque is attributed to the work of a Syrian architect who worked with the aid of Emirati, British, and Italian architects. Designs within the shrine are adopted from Egyptian, Pakistani, Moroccan, and other Islamic nations. The grand structure took over 10 years and the labours of 3,000 workers to complete.

The most striking aspect of the mosque is the white marble floor inlaid with gold design. It boasts 82 domes with the largest one placed over the main hall of prayer. In the main prayer hall, there are 96 pillars made from mother of pearl. Adding to its grand stature are four minarets, which house the mosque’s library, centre for cultural activities, and offices. The courtyard is made from white tiles bearing lovely filigree paintings in gold and on the exterior of the mosque is the mausoleum of the beloved late Sheikh Zayed.

Image by Jörg Peter from Pixabay 

Taking the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tour

Your tour of the mosque will be conducted by an experienced Emirati guide. This skilled historian will regale you with lesser-known stories of the mosque revolving around the artisans responsible for carving the elaborate pillars. Your guide will also update you on the vision Sheikh Zayed dreamed for the mosque, taking you back to the time when the complex was first planned and envisioned. While a quick scout of the mosque will mesmerise you, a guided tour will add a personal touch to every aspect of the complex, making the entire tour fascinating.

Tour Details for Exploring the Sheikh Zayed Mosque

If you stay at an Abu Dhabi resort close to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, it’s easy to plan your visit to the place and explore other attractions in Abu Dhabi with ease.

There are 3 slots available for guided tours of the mosque. You can book the 9 am, 10:30 am, or the noon slot. Tours are available on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. Check the official website of the mosque to book your guide.

Highlights of the Mosque

Make sure to have yourself an itinerary of the mosque and get updated on the following aspects before you visit the mosque.

• The Central Courtyard
• The huge chandeliers crafted to perfection. The main one is gilded in 24-carat gold
• The main prayer hall inlaid with the world’s largest hand-knit carpet
• The decorative columns adorned with mother of pearl and precious stones
• The domes
• The Qibla Wall or the Wall of Allah that faces Mecca
• The reflective pools

The Best Time to Visit the Grand Mosque

Visit the place around 5.30 pm for the best ambience. November to April is the coolest time of year to visit the mosque and not feel the heat. Pictures of the mosque at sunset are quite stunning and by evening you can see the entire place illuminated by a thousand lights. If you prefer fewer crowds though, visit the shrine in the afternoon.