Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

A superlative in itself, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s extravagant architecture and opulent grandeur brought artisans from all over the world together to design a place of worship that includes the finest of all natural materials. The largest chandelier adorned with Swarovski crystals hangs from the centre of the mosque, stone inlays artfully cover the entire complex, and the largest carpet covers the floor where Muslims can pray. The ornate mosque does not go unnoticed as the most popular place for visitors to see on their excursions through Abu Dhabi. It is one touristy activity that is worth going back for time and again.

40,000 worshipers - the suggested maximum occupancy of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The mosque which is approximately the size of 5 professional soccer fields is one of the world’s largest mosques. The architecture which draws inspiration from Mughal and Moorish design is truly stunning. The mosques four minarets (one pictured here) are at a height of 351ft, roughly 30 stories. It is also worth noting that the main prayer hall contains what is considered to be the world’s largest carpet. The carpet which was made in Iran is over 60,000 sq. feet! The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is situated between three main bridges connecting Abu Dhabi City to the main land and essentially all taxis will know the destination by name. Depending where you are in the city the ride should cost around $10.00 (one way). Visiting times for Non-Muslims can be found on the attached website.

I have a particular fondness for religious structures and the amount of work that goes into building one. So the highlight of my trip to Abu Dhabi was a visit to the Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyah Mosque. In addition to the main prayer area inside, the careful repetition of lines and arches around the perimeter is mind boggling. This truly breathtaking structure rivals the Taj Mahal for the most impressive building I’ve seen in person. Visits inside the mosque are only permitted to non-Muslim visitors at specific times listed on the attached website so make sure you check before hand. Abu Dhabi isn’t necessarily set up for walking so you’ll most definitely need to hire a taxi (despite what you might think, taxis are very affordable in U.A.E.) to reach the mosque. It seemed that all of the taxi drivers spoke English during my trip so communication shouldn’t be an issue. Ask for the mosque by name and depending on which area in Abu Dhabi you’re staying the ride should cost around $10-$15 USD.

The highlight of my trip to Abu Dhabi was a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This is the view just inside of the main entrance looking towards the main prayer hall dome. It seemed that all of the taxi drivers spoke English during my trip so communication shouldn’t be an issue. Ask for the mosque by name and depending on which area in Abu Dhabi you’re staying the ride should cost around $10-$15 USD.

Now this had to be the most amazing, detailed and luxurious building I’ve seen in my life (so far). It is absolutely jaw dropping. Not only for its size, but the detail handcraftsmanship that appears in every tiny corner. This is the entrance chamber. Marble – all is marble! There are visiting hours for non-muslim westerners but women have to cover up. This is an absolute must do if visiting the Emirates.

One of the most breathtaking sites in the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi. The architecture, 82 domes, 1,000 columns, air conditioned tiles, prayer halls and energy is absolutely beautiful. Only about an hour drive outside of Dubai.

I only had a quick stopover in Abu Dhabi on my way to Nepal, but I made sure to fit in a little bit of time to visit the Shaikh Zayed Mosque. I am so glad I did. It’s the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates with amazing white marble domes, skyscraping minarets, and intricate designs once inside. I went during the summer and a peak heat hour, but I hear visiting around sunset is even more breathtaking. They even offer a 5pm Sunset Tour. It’s a must if your visiting Abu Dhabi.

A shot of the vestibule of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Although taken at the end of October, it was easily 120+ degrees Fahrenheit at noontime with 100 percent humidity due to the proximity to the Arabian Gulf...

Hallway surrounding the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE. So very beautiful and so very hot...

Aside from the pristine sea and Formula 1 race track, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is well worth a visit when passing through Abu Dhabi. The mere size of it is breathtaking, but the numerous spotless white domes are something to appreciate.

With little time to spare before my departure from Abu Dhabi, and one not to miss an opportunity, I made a mad dash to see the Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, or, Grand Mosque. I was directed to an area for women only, then asked to change into a burka and hijab and advised to remove my shoes, out of respect, before entering. The span and splendor of the stark white mosque was striking, standing impressively against the brilliance of the clear azure sky. It was surely a sight to see.

Beautiful tour and views of the mosque.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a stunning piece of architecture and the grandest mosque in UAE. Although the grandeur of the emirate is evident in the scope of this mega project, the simplicity and elegance of white marble makes it a soothing place of worship.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a fine example of modern architecture while maintaining the opulence and stellar craftsmanship of traditional design elements. If you’re visiting Dubai, then it’s worth taking the hour long drive to Abu Dhabi to visit the aptly named Grand Mosque. Design sensibilities and materials have been brought from various countries such as Iran, Morocco, France, Germany, India and Turkey among others. On the outside, reflective pools surround the mosque. Gold, semi precious stones, ceramic and marble have been used in the interior of the mosque. Try to make it in time for the Sunset tour at 5 pm (free of charge). Women must wear the traditional abaya, available at the entrance to enter the mosque.

The greatest attractions of Abu Dhabi offer something for every visitor. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque wows with its white-and-gold architecture and boasts the world’s largest handmade carpet and the largest crystal chandelier. Another one-of-a-kind local landmark is the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, which will make you appreciate how much these protected birds—once used for hunting food—are still part of daily Emirati life. A short drive from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain—the “oasis” city—is bestowed with UNESCO-inscribed heritage sites, picturesque forts, and authentic souqs, where you can see traditional weaving, embroidery, and other treasured skills in action.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest in the United Arab Emirates and eighth largest in the world, rises majestically from Abu Dhabi.

This mosque is gorgeous, take your time to see everything, every little detail inside the mosque, downstairs are Bathrooms to wash your feet.

The highlight of my trip to Abu Dhabi was a visit to the Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyah Mosque. In addition to the main prayer area inside the mosque to repetition of lines and arches used around the perimeter is mind boggling. This structure is truly breathtaking and rivals the Taj Mahal for the most impressive structure I’ve seen in person. Abu Dhabi isn’t necessarily setup for walking so you’ll most definitely need to hire a taxi (which despite what you might think is affordable) to reach the mosque. It seemed that all of the taxi drivers spoke English during my trip so communication shouldn’t be an issue. Ask for the mosque by name and depending on which area in Abu Dhabi you’re staying the ride should cost around $10-$15 USD.

For me...this is the most beautiful mosque I have ever seen throughout my travels. Take a drive into Abu Dhabi for the day, only about an hour drive and have a life changing experience into a new culture/religion. There is a dress code, but you can rent the gown, Dishdasha. Don’t worry about sweating. The floors are airconditioned!