sheikh zayed grand mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Khor al Maqta, Abu Dhabi

All about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

At the heart of the city, on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque rises from the ground as Abu Dhabi’s gleaming icon, a spectacular symbol of the heart and soul of the people. 

A radiant building of white marble with a beautifully elaborate design, the mosque is the largest in Abu Dhabi and one of the grandest and most impressive structures of its kind in the whole world. Tens of thousands of visitors and worshippers visit here and this is a mosque with a welcoming policy designed to reflect the Islamic message of peace.

Whether you come to pray or respectfully admire the architectural splendour, this is a site full of fabulous detail and contemplative corners. 

This is the premier attraction in Abu Dhabi so it’s best to pre-book your visit.

sheikh zayed grand mosque outdoor family
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Best for...

Cultural explorers, history buffs and fact-hungry families who are eager to find out more about Abu Dhabi’s incredible culture during their stay in the UAE’s capital.

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You’ll love…

The sense of scale and peace, the stunning yet subtle design and the ability to get a real understanding of the spiritual life of the Emiratis.

Top attractions

interior of sheikh zayed grand mosque interior of sheikh zayed grand mosque

A beautiful sight

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque can’t fail to take your breath away. Thousands of tonnes of white marble were used to make this striking structure that dominates the Abu Dhabi skyline. 

Features and influences from across the Islamic diaspora combine to make this a true architectural wonder. From the courtyard’s vast mosaic to the stately domes, the overall effect is one that wows, while providing a space for contemplation.

There are 82 domes in total, with the largest being the one above the centre of the main prayer hall. They’re clad in white marble with gold-glass mosaic used for the finials at the tip. Moroccan artwork decorates the interior, while verses from the Quran are etched in and overlaid with gold leaf.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque can be found at the entrance to Abu Dhabi City Island, west of the Khor Al Maqta waterfront. It sits between the three bridges – Sheikh Zayed, Maqta and Mussafah – that link the island to the mainland.

Follow Corniche Road and take the E10 (Al Shahama Rd/Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St). The road takes you all the way to your destination and the journey should take around 20 minutes in total.

Just over a 20-minute drive, head east on the E12 (Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway) before driving south and then south-west along the E10 (Sheikh Zayed Road). Take exit E22 for Maqta Bridge/Musaffah and then the exit towards Zayed Sports City/Coast Road.  

From the airport, follow the signs for the E20 towards Abu Dhabi/Sweihan/Al Hayer Rd/Al Khaleej Al Arabi St/Arabian Gulf. You’ll cross the Sheikh Zayed Bridge just before arriving.

On site amenities

Parking

Parking is free at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Follow the signs to the southern car parking lot.

Lockers

There is a luggage storage service at the mosque. Talk to a member of security or visitor services staff when you arrive and they’ll be happy to provide assistance with your baggage.

Visitor Centre

The visitor centre offers a souvenir shop as well as a place to purchase food and beverages.

Accessibility

Visitors who need extra assistance can take club cars from their parking place to the starting point for their guided tour. You can borrow wheelchairs and there are special chairs available in prayer rooms.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: FAQs

What's nearby 

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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:

Did you know…

The mosque’s light system uses 22 light towers that change depending on the phases of the moon.

The mosque contains a total of 1,192 pillars.

It took two planes to deliver the huge prayer carpet.

Over 3,000 workers and nearly 40 companies were involved in the construction of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Where to next?

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All imagery provided by © Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi