A big must see on my Abu Dhabi list was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The Mosque was initiated by the late president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Zayed bin Sulta Al Nahuan, as a means to establish a structure that united the cultural diversity of the Islamic world, the historical and modern values of architecture, and art. Having become quite the cultural tourism destination, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in all the UAE.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Before making the trip over to the Mosque, you’ll want to plan accordingly. Visiting hours are from 9am – 10pm, Saturday through Thursday, and then 4:30pm – 10pm on Friday. On Friday morning through afternoon, the Mosque is open for worship and tourists are not welcome.
GETTING THERE
We drove ourselves to the Mosque from the Southern Sun Abu Dhabi Hotel – it was a relatively easy drive and took no more than 20 minutes. Our GPS failed us half way through so we just followed signs and figured it out as we went. Once you get there, there is ample parking at no cost. Admission into the Mosque is also free of charge.
MOSQUE RULES
Obeying and respecting Islamic etiquette is extremely important while visiting the mosque. The following rules are enforced:
- No transparent (see through) clothing
- No shorts (for both males and females) and no skirts
- No sleeveless shirts
- No clothing with profanity
- No tight clothing, no swimwear and no beachwear
- Long, loose fitting, ankle-length trousers or skirts for women and men to be worn at all times
- Women must wear a headscarf
- Shoes must be removed before entering the inside halls of the mosque
Women will have an abaya provided to them before entry so that they are fully covered head to toe. Obviously this moment called for a selfie…
To keep in line with cultural values and prevent disrespectful behavior, touching and any sort of public affection between a male and female is prohibited as outlined in one of the many signs scattered amongst the mosque grounds:
THE MOSQUE
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most beautiful man-made structures that I have ever seen. Everything about it was aesthetically stunning. The gold finishes really made the crisp, white, tones throughout the building really pop.
{Before entering the mosque}
The ceiling and chandeliers inside of the mosque were mind-blowing; so much delicate detail. Every single inch had been perfectly structured and given so much attention, the craftsmanship was impeccable; it’s no wonder the mosque took 11 years to build!
{Inside the mosque}
{Around the mosque}
If you are in Abu Dhabi, do yourself a favor and do not miss out on seeing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – you won’t be disappointed. I hear it’s equally as impressive at and after sunset, too! Something to keep in mind, no food or drink can be brought onto the premises. As a majority of the mosque is outdoors, it can get extremely hot, especially when you have an additional layer of clothing on under your abaya, ladies, so ensure you are well hydrated before your arrival!
Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Wow. Beautiful!
It really was spectacular!
This is so nice to look at. Tell me, at what time in the day did you go to the mosque? Will it be too hot at lunch time?
We went first think in the morning, I think we were there by 10am from memory. It would be SO hot during the middle of the day, especially for the ladies who are covered head to toe.
maravilhosa adorei