Julie United Arab Emirates 13 Comments

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi…most beautiful building in the world?

Outside the Grand Mosque

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.

Tim Tyler Kara 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.

Outside Corridor Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

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

Inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Muslims Grand Mosque

Chandelier Grand Mosque

Kara Rivenbark Photographer

Wall of Grand Mosque

Arches Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Inside Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi

Grand Mosque at Night

Nighttime Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi Night

So, what do you think? The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque…the most beautiful building in the world?


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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

 

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Comments 13

  1. Avatar for Imran
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  3. Avatar for Gayle
    Gayle

    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.

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      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

    2. Avatar for Megan
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  5. Avatar for Elona Jhones
    Elona Jhones

    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 I’m 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

  6. Avatar for Jhon Smith
  7. Avatar for Adeel Khan
    Adeel Khan

    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.

  8. Avatar for Martina
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