Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a must. Some preparation is key to fully appreciating its beauty and sacredness. This guide covers the best times to visit, Abu Dhabi and Dubai transportation options, how to obtain a free online entry pass, and the dress code. You can enhance your visit with these details to create a meaningful cultural and spiritual experience.

Planning Your Visit to Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque

Successful exploration of the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque demands thoughtful preparation. Millions pass through these remarkable gates yearly, making strategic timing and proper planning essential for an exceptional experience. Knowledge of specific hours, transportation options, and cultural expectations transforms an ordinary visit into an unforgettable journey.

Best time to visit and opening hours

The mosque welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 AM until 10:00 PM (final admission at 9:30 PM) Saturday through Thursday. Friday schedules accommodate prayer times, dividing visiting hours between morning sessions from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (final entry at 11:30 AM) and afternoon periods from 3:00 PM until 10:00 PM. During the holy month of Ramadan, the schedule shifts considerably to honor religious observances.
Photographers and aesthetic enthusiasts find sunset hours most rewarding when fading light bathes the white marble in golden hues. Those seeking tranquility discover that early mornings offer peaceful exploration with minimal crowds. After dark, an elaborate lighting system transforms the mosque into a luminous spectacle against the night sky.

How to get there from Abu Dhabi or Dubai

Abu Dhabi City Center offers multiple transportation pathways to the mosque. Public buses #94 and #24 service the route regularly, charging a modest fare of 1 USD. Expect approximately 32 minutes of travel time from Abu Dhabi Bus Station. Visitors preferring direct service utilize Abu Dhabi's TRANSAD taxi network, accessible by dialing 600535353.
Dubai-based travelers face a 60-90-minute journey. Options include self-driven rental vehicles, taxi services (costing 55-75 USD each way), or organized tours with convenient pickup arrangements.
A specialized shuttle service connects Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque with the Wahat Al Karama memorial, operating every half hour from 10:00 AM through 7:15 PM.

Booking your free entry pass online

While admission remains entirely free of charge, reservations have become mandatory. The official website (www.szgmc.gov.ae) provides the necessary booking platform. This reservation system enhances visitor flow and ensures a more orderly experience. Planners may secure their passes up to one month before their intended visit.

Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque's dress code explained.

Strict adherence to modest attire reflects proper respect for this sacred space. Female visitors must wear clothing covering arms completely to the wrists and legs fully to the ankles. Headscarves must conceal all hair, and garments must remain loose rather than revealing body contours.
Male dress requirements specify long trousers fully covering the legs—shorts are prohibited. Upper garments must shield shoulders completely, with sleeves extending at least to the elbow.
Both sexes should avoid transparent fabrics, form-fitting attire, and garments displaying offensive imagery or text. While children must also observe modesty standards, enforcement allows slightly greater flexibility for younger visitors.