The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi…most beautiful building in the world?
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is literally blindingly, brilliantly beautiful. We know from experience!! Both Tim and I had lost our sunglasses just two weeks before our visit to the UAE and never had time to replace them. Tip #1! Bring your sunglasses on your visit to the mosque. The walls and the ground are so white and reflective that on a sunny day it is almost impossible to keep your eyes open.
Interesting Facts about the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The mosque was completed in 2007 and is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates.
The carpet in the main hall is the largest carpet in the world.
The largest chandelier in the mosque is the third largest chandelier in the world. There are seven chandeliers in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, all imported from Germany and all containing Swarovski crystals.
There are 96 columns in the main prayer hall, inlaid with mother of pearl and marble.
Rihanna was asked to leave in 2013 after being disrespectful while in the mosque.
How to Dress Appropriately
Wear conservative, loose fitting clothing. Men are not allowed to wear shorts. Women need to wear a long sleeved shirt and long pants or a long, loose fitting skirt.
Shoes will be removed before entering the mosque.
Women will be asked to wear a traditional robe (abaya) and a headscarf (shayla) before entering the mosque. If you do not bring your own, these are provided for you.
Don’t forget your sunglasses. Seriously.
Other Things to Know
Holding hands and kissing is disrespectful and not allowed inside of the mosque. Also, men and women are not permitted to take a photo together.
There is no entry fee to visit the mosque.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to tourists everyday from 9 am to 10 pm except for Friday mornings. On Fridays, the Grand Mosque opens at 4:30 pm and closes at 10 pm.
There are several free tours offered everyday. If you want to learn more about the mosque and Emirati culture, this tour is worth the time.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Photos
So, what do you think? The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque…the most beautiful building in the world?
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Comments 13
The mosque has over 1000 columns and around 80 domes which is splendid.
Julie there is no doubt everyone should pay a visit to Sheikh Zayd mosque when staying in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. I hope you did you enjoy you trip a lot.
Do they still rent abayas? Im planning to visit on the 14th of May 2021. But I’m not sure if they still provide abayas due to the pandemic.
Author
We were here in 2014 so I don’t know if they are currently renting abayas. However, I wore long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a scarf and this was acceptable. Cheers, Julie
Hey Gayle, we are headed to Abu Dhabi in a few weeks and I have this same question. We’re you able to rent abayas?
What a beautiful architecture. The place looks so cool. Awesome pics.
A great quick read but worth so much! Glad to see this informational post this morning. Thanks, buddy for sharing this information. Which will really help others. Since Iām a travel lover and have a hardcore passion to explore new places. If not physically but I try my best to explore them by reading these amazing blogs
Great Photos and all details. Loved your posts! Love from Dubai ā Cheers!
Dear Julie,
Great to see your article. Abu Dhabi is the most wonderful place to visit, to explore the most amazing places that will be a part of your memory. When it comes to Peaceful places like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque then it results in the inner satisfaction and Peace. Same like this Visit must visit the Desert Safari Abu Dhabi it is the most wonderful and amazing place. People are crazy about visit to Desert Safari.
From this year you don’t take off your shoes before entering the mosque š
Author
Thank you so much for taking the time to write in and help us keep this article updated!! š Cheers, Julie
really nice pics,i hope you enjoyed in my beautiful country
Author
Yes…the UAE is wonderful and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is simply breathtaking.