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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi

Description

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the UAE's largest mosque, the complex covers nearly 12 ha and was completed in 2007. It was designed by architect Yusef Abdelki blending several styles: the dome layout and floorplan of the mosque was inspired by the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, the minarets have a classic Arab profile, and the archways are reminiscent of Moorish architecture. Among the mosque's list of impressive stats and facts, the following stands out: (i) it can hold 40,000 worshippers (7,000 in the main hall), (ii) the carpet in the hall is the world's largest, it measures 5,627 m2 and was made by around 1,200-1,300 carpet knotters, and (iii) the courtyard is considered to be the largest example of marble mosaic in the world, it measures about 17,000 m2.

Access & Transport

Address: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, 5th St Bus 94 and 175 stop on the southern and eastern sides of the mosque respectively By car from Yas Island or Dubai, take E22 and exit on Zayed Sports City/Coast Road. From the city center, drive across town on Al Khaleej Al Arabi St and take the exit toward Sh. Zayed Bin Sultan St.

Instructions & Recommendations

Visitors must pre-book a slot online: https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/visit-mosque-visitors. There are free 45-60mins guided tours every day; visitors should reach 15mins before the scheduled time. Start is on the east side of the Mosque. It is essential to comply with the dress code: long, loose-fitting, ankle-length trousers or skirts for women and men + women must wear a headscarf.

Meta review

This is the city's most iconic building and online reviews show that most visitors are awed by the scale and design of the mosque. They are very complimentary about the quality of the free guided tour and recommend an evening visit when the weather is cooler and lighting changes. They also frequently share reminders to wear appropriate attire although some can be rented or bought on site for those who forgot. The main downside of the building according to some is its lack of history, being so recent.

Environmental & Social

Construction involved large scale work, materials sourced from several countries and heavy use of foreign labour working under difficult conditions. On a running basis there is a heavy use of electricity for air conditioning and lighting at night.

Conclusion

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a spectacular monument and unmissable for any traveller to the Abu Dhabi emirate. It is also worth the 80mins drive from Dubai. In a country of excesses, the mosque manages to stand out not only for its size but for its aesthetics and refinement, putting it squarely among the most magnificent religious buildings in the world.

Key positive

Stunning design and scale

Free guided tours available

Key negative

Questionable investment

Poor environmental credentials

Suitability

Suitable for all ages (children are welcome but must be supervised at all times) and to all religious denominations. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Visiting hours differ during Ramadan: https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/mosque-opening-hours

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours
Period 1

MONDAY09:00 - 22:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 22:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 22:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 22:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 12:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 22:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 22:00

Period 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY15:00 - 22:00

SATURDAY -

SUNDAY -

Pricing
Free

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