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The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, also known as the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque, is a landmark building in the United Arab Emirates. Named after the country's first president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this magnificent structure, located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is the largest mosque in the seven emirates and the eighth largest mosque in the world. The mosque boasts 82 domes and four 107-meter-tall minarets. It can accommodate 40,000 people, with the main hall seating 7,000 and two smaller halls (one of which is a women's mosque) accommodating 1,500.
The Persian carpet in the main hall is hailed as the world's largest hand-woven carpet, measuring 5,627 square meters, weighing 47 tons, and costing $5.8 million. The hall also features seven of the world's largest gold-plated brass crystal chandeliers, inlaid with Swarovski crystals custom-made in Germany and valued at tens of millions of dollars.
【climate】
Abu Dhabi has a desert climate characterized by year-round drought, hot summers, and slightly cool winters. The average daily temperature ranges from 20°C to 33°C, with a daytime average of 33°C and a nighttime average of 20°C. The average annual precipitation is 59 mm, with an average of 8 days with precipitation.
Best time to travel
October to April is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi. During this period, the weather is cooler, making it ideal for vacations and outdoor activities. Furthermore, November to March is prime time to experience the local charm and fully immerse yourself in Abu Dhabi's rich cultural and historical heritage.
【Architecture and decoration】
The mosque is grand and lavishly decorated, with marble and white marble imported from Europe. The prayer hall is covered with the world's largest handmade Persian carpet, covering 5,627 square meters. It took 1,200 Iranian women 1.5 years to weave, weighing 35 tons, and featuring 2.2 billion knots. Using 20 natural dyes, it remains colorfast and is estimated to be worth $10 million.
Religious facilities
There are some religious facilities in the mosque, such as the washroom, which is a place for Muslims to "cleanse" before worship. It has the uniqueness and beauty of religious facilities.
【Square pool】
After leaving the mosque, you will pass by a row of square pools, which surround the temple like a protective river. The water in the pools is crystal clear and the small passages between the pools are like small bridges.
Free and open
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opening hours
Open from 09:00 to 22:00, Monday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday, all year round
Open from 09:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 22:00 on Fridays all year round
The specific business status during the festival is subject to the opening conditions on the day. For details, please refer to the temple's official website
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, completed in 2007, is a symbol of religious tolerance and cultural exchange. It was built in honor of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. The mosque blends traditional Islamic architecture with modern designs, making it a masterpiece of global culture.
The mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. It is easily accessible by taxi or car, and buses are also available. The nearest metro station is a 15-minute drive away, and taxis are the most convenient option for tourists.
The mosque is open to visitors daily from 9 AM to 10 PM, except on Fridays when it opens after 4:30 PM due to prayers. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Entry to the mosque is free for all visitors. There is no charge for tickets, and you can simply show up at the mosque and enter without a prior booking. Guided tours are also available for a fee.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for general admission. However, it is recommended to book a guided tour in advance if you prefer a structured visit, especially during peak tourist seasons.
It usually takes around 1-2 hours to explore the mosque, including a guided tour. However, if you plan to take your time to appreciate the architecture, artwork, and take photographs, you may want to spend 2-3 hours.
Guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, French, and German. Audio guides are also available for a more self-paced tour of the mosque.
Start with a visit to the main prayer hall, then proceed to the reflective pools for a photo opportunity. Afterward, explore the exhibition center, and end your visit by taking a stroll through the mosque’s courtyards and gardens.
While there are no scheduled light shows, the mosque is beautifully illuminated at night, making it an excellent spot for evening photography. Special evening tours may be available, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
The mosque can get quite crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, particularly in the morning hours before noon.
There are clean toilets, a visitor center with rest areas, and a café that serves light refreshments. The mosque also has a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs and books on Islamic culture and the mosque itself.
Yes, the mosque is fully accessible for elderly visitors, children, and those with disabilities. There are ramps and elevators available for easy access, and the mosque provides seating areas for resting as well.
Cash is not needed, as the mosque accepts credit and debit cards for any purchases. Mobile payments are also accepted at the gift shop and café.
Inside the mosque, there is a café offering light snacks and beverages. Nearby, you can find various restaurants in the city center of Abu Dhabi, offering a wide range of international and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Yes, halal food options are available at the mosque café and nearby restaurants. Vegetarian and vegan options are also common in the surrounding eateries in Abu Dhabi.
The mosque has a gift shop where visitors can buy books, Islamic artifacts, and souvenirs such as prayer beads, scarves, and decorative items.
