The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The largest mosque in the country and is the key place of worship for daily prayers. [mfn] Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Wikipedia.com [/mfn]
Apparently, there were things I should have known before visiting the mosque.
Here are the 5 fascinating things about the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. [mfn] Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: 5 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know: Visitabudhabi.ae [/mfn]
- The mosque’s building materials were imported from different countries across the world – namely New Zealand, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Pakistan, Italy, Germany, Austria, China and India – as evidenced by marble mosaic floors to the distinctive bright domes topped with stunning gold leaf spires.
- The mosque’s interior chandeliers resemble upside down palm trees, which is a symbol of UAE’s prosperity. These chandeliers are adorned with 24-carat gold plates and Swarovski crystals, with millions of green, red, and yellow-colored crystal balls.
- The mosque’s lighting system is synchronized with the lunar cycle. The mosque’s color shifts from cool white during a fool moon to deeper blue as the moon wanes and finally in its deepest blue when there’s ‘no moon’ in the sky.
- The mosque’s design is inspired by Mughal, Ottoman and Persian architecture . The result us the finest example of tradition, modernity and Islamic art.
- The mosque’s construction took 11 years to build which began from 1996. Here also lies the honorable man behind its vision – Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan – and an essential beacon of tolerance.
How to get There
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is situated between the three main bridges connecting Abu Dhabi City to the main land (Maqta, Mussafah and Sheikh Zayed bridges).
If you’re in Abu Dhabi,
By Taxi
Abu Dhabi’s TRANSAD offer pick-up services by calling their hotline (toll free) number 600535353 or www.transad.ae. You may walk to the taxi designated area in the south car park and wait.
By Bus
Abu Dhabi has a comprehensive public bus service. The closest bus station is located approximately 10 minutes walking distance and operates services that take you inside the city.
If you’ll come all the way from Dubai,
By Taxi
It will take approximately 1.5 hours, depending on where you set out from; expect to pay around AED 300-350 one-way for a metered taxi.
By Joining A Tour Group
It will take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the departure point and how many pickups they make. A tour guide, meals, and multiple tourist stops are likely to be thrown in, so the price is very variable per person.
By Hiring A Private Driver
It will take approximately 1.5 hours which is the best choice if you prefer door-to-door service and like the personal touch – ideal if you are a family or small group looking to split the cost. You can try a service such as Careem or Uber to have private drivers bid on your journey and get a competitive price.
By Bus
It will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours depending on your starting point.
By Self-Drive
If you are a confident driver, it will take 1 to 1.5 hours by taking the E11 road all the way to Abu Dhabi.
Both me and my husband are ‘experienced’ drivers, so we decided to drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and promised to take ‘turns’ because it was indeed a long drive. 🙂
The entrance is actually quite far away from the Mosque itself, it leads you down to some shops and then a very long tunnel to security and eventually up to the mosque.
Everyone Must-Know
Entrance is free.
The entry for the mosque is free. But there are guided tours available that start at AED 25.
Follow the dress code.
Mosques are revered places for Muslims, so every one should have a conservative dress style, especially when entering the Grand Mosque. Both men and women must cover their arms and legs and avoid wearing skirts or shorts shorter than their ankles.
Jeans are allowed. In addition, open toes footwear is acceptable for both males and females, as long as ankle-length clothing is worn. the ankle must be completely covered.
Be mindful when taking pictures.
From our experience, we were not allowed to take pictures while squatting in front of the mosque. We were trying this position since my daughter was in a stroller and we wanted to take a groupie of all of us. Because of this, one security guard approached us and tell us to refrain what we were doing and delete any pictures taken.
Another scene, was when me and my husband were taking a selfie of us both. We thought that perhaps, it was also not allowed to pose while showing affection – like wrapping your arm around another’s shoulder or waist, holding hands (I guess), and having your faces next to each other. (I hope you get my point).
On this occasion, one guard almost approached us, so I just removed my hand from my husband’s shoulder (for example) just to keep the guard from finally reaching to us.
Despite the restrictions, we need to comply to the mosque’s policy with respect to their cultures and traditions. We truly understood, yet considering it’s our first time coming to such beautiful place, we sincerely apologize at some point. 🙂
Our Experience
Our Abu Dhabi expedition will never be complete if we don’t visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
It’s a must visit spot!
It was a one of a kind architecture stunning in each piece and every corner. It will also be a great experience to visit especially for us non-Muslims so we are very thankful for letting us experience such a wonderful place.
During our tour, we can see groups of people having their own guided tour. I think it would be good as well so you could have detailed insights about the mosque. I believe guided tours are free so everyone can enjoy.
Just be ready for a long 30-minute walk from the glass dome through the tunnel until the mosque itself. Well, it was a good cardio workout after all!
We went there in the month of April, around 2pm which was not really advisable. The ideal time to visit the mosque is in the evening, around 5:30 PM, when you can wander outside without being blistered by the intense heat searing your feet. You can avoid the heat, which can be highly uncomfortable, by visiting in the morning or evening, especially from May to November, when it is the summer.
Most of all, enjoy the scene, immerse into the Islamic culture and religion, and take lots of photos to preserve memories.
As you see, there were lots of tourists with us who visited the mosque. It was hot, but not prickling hot, so I could say that every one enjoyed their visit.
As well as for this little girl too! She was pointing here and there to all those beautiful facades. She was amazed for sure since it was her first time to see such a stunning place.
Once again, make sure to follow their dress code as I have mentioned above. They have a very strict policy that everyone must comply, otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter.
I have read that there were some clothes or ‘abayas‘ for rent inside the mosque, but I didn’t see any. All I have seen were shops selling clothes such as abaya and scarves to cover the head.
Make sure to bring one of yours so you would not need to buy from there.
Have you been to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi? What do you think about its architectural design?
We would love to hear from you! Feel free to share your experience down the below comment section.
Sources:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Wikipedia.com
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: 5 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know: Visitabudhabi.ae
A 4-Day Maldives Trip On A Budget
How To Make A 10-Hour Layover at Hongkong Memorable
14 Things To Do in Azerbaijan
Visiting El Nido And Puerto Princesa, Palawan During The Rainy Season
Singapore Layover: How To Make Your Short Visit Worth It
