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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi - Full Guide
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a splendid blend of Islamic traditions and the UAE’s rich history, stands as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. This grand mosque, one of the world’s largest, reflects the magnificence of its homeland and the architectural brilliance of past Muslim empires.
This architectural wonder combines various Islamic schools of design, serving as a symbol of the region’s rich culture and history. It’s a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. To explore the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, check out our detailed review at Luxury Destination Tourism, the best Dubai DMC in India, to learn why it’s one of the GCC region’s top tourist destinations.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque boasts 82 domes, breathtaking 24-carat gold chandeliers, over 1,000 columns, and the world’s largest hand-knit carpet. The main prayer hall houses one of the world’s largest chandeliers, showcasing the meticulous design by a team of experts.
Conceived by the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi conveys a message of peace, tolerance, and diversity, bridging the glorious past of the Trucial States to the thriving present of the UAE.
Famous for its promotion of Islamic values and heritage, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must-visit during your UAE trip. Make sure to explore Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tickets, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi’s opening time, cost, and dress code. It’s also one of the top attractions for those enjoying long weekends in Abu Dhabi.
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque History
The history of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, also known as the Abu Dhabi Mosque, begins in the late 1980s when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan initiated the planning for this remarkable place of worship. Work on the mosque, which could accommodate more than 50,000 worshipers, started on November 5, 1996. It took around 11 years to finish its construction, and the mosque welcomed the public on Eid Al Adha in 2007. The cost of building the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the UAE was close to AED 2 billion!
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Facts
One remarkable fact about the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is that over 3,000 workers from 38 contracting companies, including craftsmen from various countries like Greece, New Zealand, China, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Morocco, Germany, Italy, and India, were involved in its construction.
The most striking feature of the mosque is its 82 domes made of white marble cladding. These domes are adorned with traditional Islamic crescent finials decorated with gold-glass mosaic. The minarets of the mosque were built in a beautiful fusion of Mameluke, Ottoman, and Fatimid styles, blending traditional art, design, and Islamic architecture.
The use of multi-colored marbles gives a unique and captivating look to the mosque. Innovatively, crowns in the columns are placed at the bottom, a slight departure from the usual column design. The color scheme of the walls, carpet, and columns follows the overall theme of the mosque. The glasswork is truly impressive, featuring Islamic designs with symmetry and repetition. Altogether, the architecture of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is nothing short of breathtaking.
While you visit this magnificent Abu Dhabi mosque, you can also explore the services of “Luxury Destination Tourism – the best Dubai DMC in India,” which will make your journey even more enjoyable.
Cultural Exploration at Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Discover the richness of Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi with our cultural tours guided by knowledgeable Emirati guides. These tours provide insights into Islamic civilizations, cultural traditions, architectural beauty, and the mosque’s history. Everyone is welcome, including non-Muslims, to this magnificent place of worship, where thousands come daily to seek blessings from God.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Library
A contemporary and specialized library is available for visitors at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, conveniently situated on the ground floor of the Visitor’s Center. Here, you can delve into the vast treasury of Islamic heritage. Numerous books highlight the contributions of Muslim scientists from the past.
The future vision is to promote multicultural harmony through cross-cultural dialogue and interactions. Non-Muslim visitors can learn about Islam’s history and gain a deeper understanding of Islamic values, fostering interfaith unity.
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Library Visiting Hours
If you plan to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque library, here are the days and times to keep in mind:
- Open from Sunday to Thursday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Closed on Fridays and Saturdays
Religious Courses at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The mosque management offers Quran memorization and recitation courses. Qualified reciters, approved by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, are available to guide you in this spiritual journey. These courses are open to residents of Abu Dhabi, and they welcome young learners, as Quran memorization often starts at an early age.
Do You Need to Purchase Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tickets? No, you do not need to purchase any Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tickets because entry is absolutely free.
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tours
If you wish to take a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, there are multiple options available. Several tour operating companies offer guided tours, and the mosque also provides free guided tours. The mosque offers three tours on weekdays, two on Fridays, and five on Saturdays. Please note that these guided tours are intended for larger groups.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Dress Code
Respecting the sacred nature of the mosque, visitors are required to adhere to a modest dress code. For both men and women, it’s essential to wear full-sleeved shirts and pants. Additionally, women must wear head scarfs. In case someone forgets to bring one, the mosque offers complimentary abayas for women.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Address
The mosque is situated at Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street in Abu Dhabi.
Contact Information for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Management
You can reach the mosque’s management by calling +971-2-419-1919.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Opening Hours
The mosque is open as follows:
- Saturday to Thursday: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Fridays: 04:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Prayer Call Timings at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Prayer timings in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Fajr: 04:04 am
- Sunrise: 05:30 am
- Dhuhr: 12:26 pm
- Asr: 03:46 pm
- Maghrib: 07:16 pm
- Isha: 08:42 pm
(Please note that the actual start of prayer may vary from the call time, and prayer timings change periodically throughout the year.)
Taking Photos at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:
Sure, you can snap away at the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Capture all the moments you desire, especially during the sunny afternoons for some fantastic mosque pictures. Just remember to be respectful while you’re at it. The mosque’s beauty shines both day and night, offering plenty of photo opportunities.
Getting to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Dubai:
There are a few ways to reach the mosque from Dubai. You can drive yourself, which is the most economical option, costing around AED 27 to AED 30, depending on your car. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which will run you about AED 250 from central Dubai. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can hop on a bus, but keep in mind it takes approximately 3 hours and costs around AED 35 if you start your journey from Al Ghubaiba bus station.
A Must-Visit Destination:
Regardless of your beliefs, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a place you shouldn’t miss. The mosque’s grandeur is truly awe-inspiring, and you’d regret not experiencing it. While it’s one of the world’s largest mosques, Abu Dhabi boasts many other stunning mosques worth exploring if you have the time. If you’re traveling with young ones, consider indoor activities for the Abu Dhabi summer, or strike a balance for adults and kids by visiting the lovely beach resorts in Abu Dhabi.
Plan Your Trip with Us:
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Also, Check: Qasr Al Watan – Full Guide, Ultimate Guide for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the biggest mosque in the UAE and the third biggest worldwide. It’s in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. They started building it in 1994 and finished in 2007. It officially opened in December 2007. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the former president of the UAE, started this project. He wanted to make a place that brings together the different cultures of the Islamic world with modern art and architecture. The mosque’s design was led by Syrian architect Youssef Abdelke, with help from other Syrian architects. Sheikh Zayed supervised the building, and he’s buried there after his death in 2004. You can visit the mosque from Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on Friday, from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
To sum it up, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was built from 1994 to 2007 and opened in December 2007.
You can get to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Dubai in a few ways:
Taxi: A taxi from Dubai takes about 90 minutes and costs between 150 to 300 AED one way. You can ask your hotel for a taxi or find one on the street.
Bus: Take a bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, which takes about 2 hours and costs around 25 AED. Then, switch to another bus that goes directly to the mosque, which takes about 30 minutes and costs around 2 AED.
Day Tour: Many companies offer day trips from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, including a visit to the mosque. These tours provide transportation, a guide, and entrance to the mosque.
Rental Car: You can rent a car in Dubai and drive to the mosque yourself. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, and the roads are in good condition.
To sum it up, you can reach the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Dubai using a taxi, bus, day tour, or rental car.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to visitors from Saturday to Thursday between 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, with the last admission at 9:30 pm. On Fridays, the mosque is open from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm (last admission 1:30 am) and reopens from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm (last admission 9:30 pm). It is important to note that visiting hours may be different during the month of Ramadan, so it is recommended to check the official website if visiting at that time. Free guided tours in English or Arabic are offered at various hours of the day.