Visit a Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Learn about Muslim and Arabic culture in the United Arab Emirates
© Rod Quin
Non-Muslims can see magnificent Middle Eastern architecture, learn about Emirati heritage and gain a better understanding of Islam on a tour of Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
The recently constructed Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is, along with the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai, one of only two mosques in the United Arab Emirates open to non-Muslims. Tours commenced in March 2008 as part of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to promote religious and cultural understanding among people from different nations.
Completed in 2007, the mosque, the largest in the UAE and third largest in the world, covers 22,000 square metres and can accommodate 40,000 people. Sheikh Zayed mosque is built in a blend of Islamic architectural styles with a strong oriental influence, its pointed domes being reminiscent of India’s Taj Mahal.
Domes and Minarets
The mosque has 57 domes clad in white marble. The main dome, the largest in the world, is 32.8 metres in diameter and 85 metres in height. At each corner of the mosque is a 107 metre tall minaret.
Courtyard
The 17,000 square metre marble courtyard is paved in floral designs and surrounded by arcading in traditional Arabic pointed arch style. The arcading is supported by over 1,000 white marble date-palm shaped columns inlaid with precious stones. The columns’ capitals take the form of golden palm leaves.
Prayer Hall
The arcading of the courtyard is echoed in the prayer hall, which can accommodate over 7,000 worshippers. The ceiling of the prayer hall is 33 metres high and its walls are clad in marble tiles inlaid with star and floral motifs.
Prayer Mat
The prayer mat is a 5,625 square metre specially woven Persian carpet. With a green background and traditional Islamic floral motifs, it features five large medallions. The three largest medallions correspond to the domes in the ceiling above.
Chandeliers
From the ceiling of the prayer hall hang seven copper and gold-plated crystal chandeliers. At 10 metres in diameter and 15 metres in height, the main chandelier contains one million Swarovski crystals.
The prayer mat and main chandelier are the largest in the world, having supplanted Oman's Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in holding these honours.
Background Information: Sheikh Zayed
The mosque is named in honour of Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1966 to 2004. He was instrumental in the formation of the United Arab Emirates, its president from 1971 to 2004 and is considered the founding father of the UAE. His tomb is in the grounds of the mosque.
How to Visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The tour is free but visitors need to pre-book by emailing zayedmosquetour@adta.ae.
As with visits to all mosques, both male and female visitors should dress modestly, ensuring their arms and legs are covered. Shoes should be removed before entering the prayer hall and women should cover their heads. Photography is permitted, except in the area of the Sheikh’s tomb.
Non-Muslims must not touch the copies of the Koran which are kept in the prayer rooms.
Tour times
Tours commence at 10 am, Saturday to Thursday and last 60 to 90 minutes. Visitors are asked to arrive 15 minutes before the tour
Directions to Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Mosque is approximately 12 km from Abu DhabiCity and located between the Al Maqtaa and Al Mussafah bridges.
