One of the world's largest mosques, and one of the very few genuinely free, world-class attractions anywhere — open to visitors of all faiths.
Named after the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is buried in an adjoining mausoleum, the Grand Mosque is a genuinely spectacular building: white marble domes and minarets, vast courtyards with intricate floral marble inlay, and an interior housing one of the largest hand-knotted carpets and chandeliers of its kind anywhere. It's free to enter and open to non-Muslim visitors, which is unusual for a working mosque of this scale.
Modest dress is required for everyone: shoulders and knees covered for all visitors, and women are additionally asked to cover their hair inside the prayer hall — abayas and scarves are loaned free of charge at the entrance if you arrive without appropriate clothing. Entry is free, though the mosque closes to tourist visits during prayer times, so check the current visiting hours before you go.
Arrive as close to opening time as your schedule allows — the site gets busy with tour groups by mid-morning, and the white marble courtyards get genuinely hot underfoot by midday in warmer months. Photography is generally permitted in the courtyards, with more limited rules inside the prayer hall.
Yes, entry is free for all visitors regardless of faith.
Loose, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for everyone. Women should bring a scarf to cover their hair inside the prayer hall, though abayas are loaned free at the entrance if needed.
