The Essential Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Travel Guide: Exploring Abu Dhabi’s Most Iconic Landmark
Are you planning to explore Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmark, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, but unsure of what to wear or how to get there? This travel guide has got you covered, with essential information on dress codes, transportation, and stunning photos of the mosque for your inspiration. With this guide, you can make the most of your trip and capture beautiful photos of the mosque.
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List of Contents
- About Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Detail and materials of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
- Dress Code for Women and Men at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi
- How to go to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
- Free Cultural Tour from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Abu Dhabi
- Entrance Fees for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
About Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an iconic Islamic monument that reflects the enlightened vision of the late president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan(1918-2004) and it is the largest mosque in the UAE. The Mosque embodies the message of peace, tolerance, and diversity in Islam, as well as serving as a contemporary representation of Islamic architecture, seamlessly bridging the gap between the past and present. Its majesty, extraordinary design details, and the use of fine materials make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Abu Dhabi or the UAE.
Detail and materials of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is primarily clad with fine white marble and decorated with a range of luxurious materials, including millions of Swarovski crystals (on the chandeliers), gold-glass mosaic, mother-of-pearl, red agate, amethyst, and more.
For me, the most impressive part of the mosque was the world’s largest hand-knotted wool carpet in the main prayer hall. This single magnificent carpet covers an area of 5,700 square meters and was crafted over 12 months by around 1,200 skilled artisans.
I truly felt like an honored guest, to have such a privilege to visit the spectacular mosque, had a tour to the inside of the mosque, checked each detail of it, felt the peaceful atmosphere, and walked on the softest carpet. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful mosque in the world.
Dress Code for Women and Men at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi
Visitors to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi are required to follow a dress code that shows respect for Islamic religion and culture. For both men and women, it is important to wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothes that cover the ankles when visiting the mosque, as shown on the above photo.
For women, it is especially important to wear a headscarf or hijab to cover all of their hair. (When my scarf slipped off for just 2 seconds, a security guard quickly helped me fix it.)
If you don’t have clothes like that, or want to look more cultural, don’t worry. The mall (Souq Al Jami) before the entrance of the mosque sells Abaya (Arabic traditional clothes for women). The designs are varied and beautiful, and in my opinion, the prices are reasonable.
For short ladies like me, many may be too long, but the shop assistants can help you attach the clothes with pins. I started to like Abaya ever since I wore one, it is just perfect to blend in with the Arabic culture and for taking photos.
How to go to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi Address: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street – 5th St – Abu Dhabi, United Arabic Emirates
Exact Location: click here
It is a pity that the Dubai Metro currently does not have a direct connection to Abu Dhabi. So if you don’t drive in Dubai UAE, here are 3 ways for you to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
1.Public Transportation
You can take the Dubai Metro to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station or Ibn Battuta (Bus Station) in Dubai and get a bus that will take you to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station.
And then you can take a taxi from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station directly to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque(which usually takes 45- 55 AED one way, and only about 15 minutes depending on traffic). Or you can take another bus from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (I don’t think this is a good idea as it will take you another 1 hour to get to the destination).
Total Duration: from about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes.
Pros: it is the cheapest way.
Cons: it takes a long time.
2.Take a taxi directly from Dubai to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
You can get a RTA taxi from your hotel in Dubai, on the street or download Careem, which is like Uber in Dubai version, and it is one of the easiest ways to get a slightly cheaper price for a taxi ride in/from Dubai.
Total Duration: Around 1 hour 10 minute depends on the traffic.
Price: typical ranges between 250 AED to 350 AED one way.
Pros: It is the fastest way to go to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Dubai.
Cons: It is more expensive, may cost you AED 500-600 round trip, just for transportation.
3.Join a guided tour from Dubai
There are many tours that can take you to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi from Dubai. And below are some two-in-one day trips that will take you to not only Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque but also other iconic attractions: The Louvre Museum or Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace) in Abu Dhabi.
Pros: You can see more than one of the Abu Dhabi must-see sights in one day for a cheaper price than a round-trip taxi to and from Dubai if you go by yourself. Moreover, it will pick you up and drop you off directly from and to your hotel in Dubai, which are considered the most convenient and valued options for tourists.
Cons: You will go at the pace designed by the tour.
Free Cultural Tour from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Abu Dhabi
When you arrive at the mosque, you can participate in the FREE guided Cultural Tour offered daily by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center. The guide will provide detailed explanations about the mosque, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the mosque, history, enter EXCLUSIVE AREAS to see the inside details of the crystal chandeliers, walk on the world’s largest hand-knotted wool carpet, and more! You can check the daily schedule of the Cultural Tour here.
Entrance Fees for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
There’s no entrance fee to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi, it is free for everyone, including non-muslims.
If you are visiting the UAE, either Dubai or the capital Abu Dhabi, don’t miss the chance to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and admire its awe-inspiring beauty.
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