Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

About the mosque

The mosque was built in 2007. The total area around the mosque is 12 hectares, which can accommodate more than 40 thousand people at the same time. There are 10 ponds, going along the galleries. These ponds create the feeling that the mosque hovers above the cloudy sky.

Features of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

The building was created by more than 3,000 specialists from all over the world. The amount of work which was invested in this mosque causes admiration and awe.

Inside the mosque there are 82 domes made of white marble, 1096 exterior columns, chandeliers made of Swarovski crystals and 24-carat gold.

White Mosque

The second name of the mosque is the White Mosque, all thanks to the white marble on the domes and walls. Visitors can explore only some parts of the mosque's territory. Many parts of it remains accessible only to muslims.

Guided tours of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque

The mosque conducts free daily tours about architecture, art, religion and the history of the mosque.

Visit time

The mosque is opened daily from 9 am to 10 pm, on Fridays from 3 pm to 10 pm. Last entry at 9:30 pm.

How to get from Abu Dhabi

Buses number 24 and 94 from Abu Dhabi enter directly into the mosque.

You can also take the 23, 44, N43, 161, 175 to the Saif Ghobash St stop and walk 10 minutes to the main entrance.

How to get from Dubai

It is possible to reach the mosque from Dubai by taxi, rented car or by bus.

If you decide to take the bus, then you need to take the E101 express at the Ibn Batutta bus station, which goes to the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Upon arrival, after about two hours, transfer to bus number 94 (or X5, but then you will have to walk 10 minutes from the bus stop to the entrance to the mosque).

The whole journey in one direction will take about 3 hours, but the money cost is only about 30 AED. Additionally, you will have to buy a Halifat card for a trip on a local bus. The Halifat card costs 30 AED, but you won't need to buy it on the way back.

The Dubai NOL transport card in Abu Dhabi does not work!

In comparison, the cost of a trip from Dubai to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in one direction by taxi will be 250-300 AED (about $80), by bus with a transport card about 30 AED (about $8).

How to get from the Abu Dhabi Airport

By taxi, rented car or bus A2 or N2 to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, and then go to the opposite side of the elevated crossing to the station and take bus number 94 (you can also X5, but then you will have to walk 10 minutes from the stop to the entrance to the mosque).

Important information for visitors

In order to get to the mosque, you need to go through the building in the form of a glass dome, and then go through the underpass. There is an exit near the mosque itself.

Entrance is strictly by appointment, which is made online. It is impossible to enter the territory without a QR code confirming registration!

Please note that there are a lot of people who want to get into the mosque. Come in advance!

There are many cafes and shops in the underpass. A comfortable temperature is maintained here and you can relax before or after visiting the White Mosque.

How to dress in a mosque

When visiting the mosque, compliance with the dress code is mandatory.

Men should wear long sleeves. Shorts are not allowed.

Women should cover their hair with a scarf, clothes should cover their legs to the ankles and hands, vulgar or provocative outfits are not allowed.

If you don't follow the dress code you won't be allowed to enter the mosque.