The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The largest mosque in the country, it is the key place of worship for daily prayers, Friday gathering and Eid prayers.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi – This architectural marvel is estimated as one of the world’s largest mosques, holding a capacity for an bewildering 41,000 worshippers. It presents 82 domes, over a 1,000 columns, 24 carat gold glided chandeliers and the major attraction world’s largest hand knotted carpet. In the main prayer hall lays the world’s largest chandeliers – 10 metres in diament, 15 metres in height and weighing twelve tones. And the mosque’s first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried at the site.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the embodiment of great sentimental and moral value for the citizens of the UAE, and denotes their leadership. It is one of the most important and fine-looking architectural monuments in the world. What is reflected in the mosque concerning the beauty of its architecture is the representation of sentimental value. Moreover the mosque reflects a rich spiritual space, which is constantly enriched throughout the ages by shining inheritance of Islam.
The reflective pools that encircle the mosque, increases its beauty. Striking white and gold colors that shine in the sun are transformed at night by a special lightning system which reflects the travel of the moon.
Visitors Tip: It is great to finish sight seeing or shopping for the day and take the 5 pm ‘Sunset Tour’. Be at the mosque around 4:30pm – a wonderful time to click snaps, to relax and cool out for 20 minutes in the lovely, afternoon breeze before the trip.
Working hours: Apart from other mosques in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is daily open to visitors, except on Friday morning which is exclusively for worshippers only. There is complimentary one hour guided tours that happens (Sun-Thurs) at 10 am, 11am and 4.30/5 pm. Friday hours are 5pm and 7.30 /8pm and Saturday 10am, 11am, 2pm, 4.30 /5pm and 7.30 / 8pm.
Accordingly there is variation on the last two tours of the day and they vary between 4.30 and 5 pm, and 7:30 and 8 pm, depending on the time of the year.
Ramadan Opening Hours: Open daily except Friday from 9 am to 12pm(midday), and the 1 hr complimentary tours start at 10 am and 11 am are the schedule for the holy month.