A Woman’s Guide to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
A visit to Abu Dhabi would be incomplete without discovering the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Completed in 2007, this magnificent mosque is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of the UAE's heritage. With its 82 domes, 1,000+ columns, and capacity to accommodate over 40,000 worshippers, it stands as one of the world's largest mosques. Inside, you'll find the world's largest hand-knotted carpet and one of the largest chandeliers, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The mosque's serene atmosphere and breathtaking design make it a must-visit for anyone spending time in Abu Dhabi.
As a female solo traveller who just visited recently, I have some specific tips to share with women who will visit this iconic location. I’ll give you the low-down on how to get there and what to expect when you visit, but also some key tips on how to dress or how to purchase an abaya (cloak), as well as some tips for getting photos at the Grand Mosque. Let’s go!
A happy girl enjoying beautiful Islamic architecture :)
Preparation & Arrival at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
I didn’t set many expectations before my visit, I just knew this was an important sight to take in while in Abu Dhabi. I had understood from talking with other tourists that I would have to buy an abaya to visit because I didn’t have an outfit that would cover my ankles, shoulders, arms and collarbones at once. Unlike most mosques, they don’t rent or lend abayas, and the dress code is particularly strict. Someone I met the day before said she purchased one for 50 dirhams (~ $14 USD / $18 CAD), which I thought wasn’t too bad for Emirati prices.
Otherwise, I just expected to see a beautiful mosque — after all, I love Islamic architecture, so I was sure it would be a treat. While the mosque itself is beautiful, the arrival was a bit more stressful than anticipated.
I went to one of the shops outside (my first mistake — they are definitely more expensive than the ones in the mall) and while there were options for abayas from 40-50 dirhams, I am a bit of a sucker sometimes, and I was attracted to the prettier abayas with gold embroidery and beads, so I ended up paying 100 dirhams for a more ornate abaya. The salesman assured me it was perfectly appropriate for the mosque. OK, fine. So I headed down the escalator — in the glass dome pictured below — into the mall (yes, you need to go through a mall to get to the mosque entrance — a bit bizarre!).
This beautiful glass dome is actually the entrance to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque! Strangely, you enter here, down an escalator to an underground mall, go through security, and then walk through an underground tunnel to the mosque, about 10 minutes away. In case of mobility issues, there are conveyor walkways, however I found it more efficient to just walk.
However… security turned me away because you could see a bit of my ankle when I took a step! I am quite tall (5’10”), but the salesman had gotten me a long one — they have multiple lengths for each abaya. I went back to the salesman who swiftly exchanged it for a longer one, and even he was surprised I had been turned away. But all was OK and I went back down.
This is me laughing outside the entrance because I am being sent back to change my abaya for a longer one to adhere to the dress code, oops :D
TRAVELYNNE TIP:
Before passing security — pictured below — you need to register using the QR code (which is behind the escalators when you get down into the glass dome, not at security).
Better yet, you can register ahead of time here. It’s free but required.
Once I got my abaya in order, I passed the security checkpoint. Before security, someone will tell you if you do not meet the dress code requirements.
Finally, you’ll go through security and then walk a long airport-style tunnel (5-10 minutes) to the mosque, and finally, you’ve arrived!
From there, you are free to wander around the open areas. Be sure to follow any marked rules, for example, there are limited parts of the central square that you can walk in, and follow the dress code the entire time.
At the end of your visit to the Grand Mosque, a trolley will take you back to the tunnel entrance and you’ll exit at the same glass dome where you entered.
Getting to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
There are limited transportation options in Abu Dhabi, so you can either arrive by Uber, taxi, public bus or tour. If you are planning to visit all of the major sights, like I did, then I suggest booking a tour. If you’re just going to the Grand Mosque, then you’ll probably want to take a taxi or Uber, because it will take you about 2.5 hours roundtrip by bus from downtown Abu Dhabi.
Let me break down your options:
Uber or Taxi
Since I was short on time, I took an Uber to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from my hotel in downtown Abu Dhabi, which took just under 25 minutes and cost 58.50 Dirhams (~ $16 USD / $21.50 CAD). I am told that taxis are cheaper in Abu Dhabi, so you could always check the price on Uber and then see if you can negotiate with a taxi driver for a more reasonable price.
Note that when you take an Uber from the Grand Mosque, the driver might just meet you in person and ask you to walk to the car in the parking lot just behind the glass dome (very close) — this is normal, but always make sure you check that the license plate is the same and/or that your name is on his Uber app.
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Public Bus
There is no public train or metro in Abu Dhahi, only public busses — and that would have taken about 1h15 to get to the Grand Mosque one-way from downtown at the cost of 4 Dirhams (~ $1 USD / $ 1.50 CAD). There are multiple bus lines that stop in front of the mosque.
If you are staying somewhere closer to the Grand Mosque, maybe it’s worthwhile. However, in my opinion, the low cost here would not be worth the time spent on this activity if you’re going from downtown or the Corniche.
Tour
The more cost and time-effective option would be to take a day tour of Abu Dhabi which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off and takes you to the Grand Mosque and other popular tourist destinations, like Qasr Al Watan Palace, Etihad Towers, etc. and often includes a tour guide and free abaya rental for women.
The Dress Code at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The dress code at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is very strict! Be sure to read the dress code guidelines and dress appropriately, or be prepared to purchase an abaya (cloak) and/or headscarf when you arrive. Many women like to buy a traditional abaya as a souvenir and for stunning photos at this architectural beauty.
Some of the mosque rules you’ll see as you approach security. Someone will stop you if you don’t meet the dress code requirements.
If you choose to wear your own clothes, consider this:
For your head, you need to cover your hair at least partially with an abaya — a loose hair covering is (surprisingly) okay here, as you’ll see in my photos with the hood of my abaya only covering the back of my head.
For your top, you need to have your collar bones, shoulders, arms and midriff covered by your shirt — a scarf to cover shoulders/arms won’t be accepted.
For bottoms, you can wear a floor-length skirt or loose pants — shorter dresses/skirts, tight pants or leggings won’t be accepted.
If you’re travelling with a male partner, make sure he is wearing pants, capris or the traditional Emirati khandoura (tunic). Men also need to have their shoulders and upper arms covered.
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How To Get the Best Deal On An Abaya
If you would like to buy a traditional dress, known as an abaya or cloak, then I have some good tips for you on how to save money and choose the right one. Many other women who visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — myself included — enjoy the experience of wearing traditional clothes. In fact, I wore the abaya for most of the day as I visited the Heritage Village, Emirates Palace and Qasr Al Watan Palace.
For those worried if this is “cultural appropriation” — no, it is not. Emirati people love it when you embrace and participate in traditions. Wearing the abaya throughout the day, not one person commented or looked at me funny for it, and many other women were wearing abayas, too.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk tips on which one to buy and where to get a good deal!
I was constantly having to pull the chiffon hood up as it slips off hair so easily! If I were to choose again, I’d go with an abaya that comes with a scarf instead (and not chiffon!) so that it stays in place more easily. The hood was annoying!
TRAVELYNNE TIPS:
For a much cheaper abaya and/or headscarf, go to a Carrefour supermarket before your visit. You can find abayas there for AED 15-30.
Opt for an abaya + headscarf instead of an abaya with a hood — especially if it’s chiffon-type material — because it slips off a lot which is both uncomfortable and annoying
DO NOT BUY YOUR ABAYA FROM THE SHOPS UPSTAIRS/OUTSIDE
You’ll find better prices in the mall when you go down the escalator in the dome.
If you must buy your abaya at the mosque, buy it in the underground mall instead of from the shops outside (pictured above). The mall is cheaper — you can find basic abayas there from around AED 40.
If you opt for booking a half or full-day tour of Abu Dhabi, many tour companies (like this one) will include a free abaya rental with your tour. Plus, you’ll get a guide, transportation for the day, other tourist sights, and pick-up/drop-off. I think it could be worthwhile for this pricey city!
Photo Tips
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is undoubtedly an architectural beauty that you’ll enjoy exploring. Take your time to observe its details, like the gleaming, pristine white marble, the ornate sculpted flowers and the mosaics — like the one behind me in the photo below!
Of course, you’ll want to take many photos in this gorgeous mosque. Like much of the UAE, it is a dream for anyone who loves a great photo backdrop! Here are a few tips to consider for taking great photos at the mosque:
Pay attention to the details in the mosque — there are gorgeous carvings and mosaics, like the one behind me here!
TRAVELYNNE TIPS:
Be respectful. This is a place of worship so, as always, please be respectful of the rules, keep your headscarf on and only go in areas allowed for the public.
Pick a colourful abaya and/or headscarf. One of my regrets here was going with a black abaya — both because it was hot and because I don’t adore the contrast in the photos. I met a lovely Greek tourist, Elena — who let me share her picture below — and I love her colour choices of peach and pink. In her photos, the colours pop on the pristine white and gold backdrops!
Hit up key spots. Some of the best spots for photos in the Grand Mosque could be the giant archway entrance (you can’t miss it), the main courtyard with the arcades and views of the domes, the arcades and columns themselves, and with the reflecting pools near the exit, like Elena’s photo below.
Elena, a lovely Greek tourist I met on my desert safari tour, picked a peach-coloured abaya and pink headscarf. I love how the colours pop with the backdrop of the mosque!
Don’t linger at the entrance. As you can see below, the entrance is very crowded, but remember, the mosque is bigger than it looks here. You’ll find plenty of better spots to view and get photos of the mosque throughout.
Bring a small tripod or use your bag as one. If you’re alone, you can use a small tripod (I would keep it discreet here) or go low-tech like me and use your bag to balance your phone on the ground and use your wide-angle lens to capture photos/videos of yourself.
As usual, everyone stops for photos as soon as they arrive at the mosque. This will not be your best photo opportunity, so feel free to keep going, because I promise you there are plenty of great photo stops ahead!
Wide-angle and portrait modes are your friend. Whatever phone you’re using, taking selfies on a wide angle will allow you to capture a lot of background and regular wide-angle photos will be necessary to get as much of the grandeur of the Grand Mosque as possible. Portrait mode can make for great memories of you in gorgeous places!
Take photos in 3 modes: wide-angle, portrait and regular — you can pick your favourites later!
Portrait mode is your friend :)
Get creative. Places like this offer a great opportunity for you to be creative, look for the details in architecture and art that you’re most drawn to, and try to capture them through unique angles.
Hire a photographer. If you are looking to get some especially spectacular shots here, you can book a tour with a photographer for $43 USD — just be sure to book ahead.
See, I wasn’t kidding about how huge this mosque is!
Be patient. If getting photos without other people is important to you, then try to go right at opening time (9 AM) and just be patient. If you wait a few minutes, often you’ll get an opening.
Solo travel girls unite! Look for other solo women and offer to take photos of each other. That’s how I got my best shots, like the one below. In general, I find women tend to be more patient and good at taking photos than men. That said, if you see someone with a real camera, you can always ask them because they might know what they’re doing ;)
Another solo female traveller approached me and asked if we could take photos for each other — and they turned out great! P.S. I’m a practical girl through and through, wearing my worn out Nike Airforces haha
Admission Times and Cost
Admission to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is free, you just need to register on the spot or in advance. You can plan to spend anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours at the mosque, depending on how much you want to stop for photos and if you are doing a guided tour. I spent about 1.5 hours and felt I really took my time,
EXPENSES
While admission was free, I had other expenses at the Grand Mosque, which were:
Transportation: AED 58.50 for my Uber there from downtown Aby Dhabi
Traditional Dress: AED 100 for my abaya (you can get one for half the price or less though!)
Refreshments: AED 25 for ice cream and a bottle of water to cool down after a long visit
Transportation: AED 58 for my Uber from the Grand Mosque to the Heritage Village
The entrance is to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is quite far. Around the entrance, you’ll find stalls for coffee, ice cream, snacks and — on the other side of the domes — the more expensive abaya shops. The glass dome (not pictured but just to the right in this photo) is the entrance to the underground mall and entrance to the mosque, where you’ll find cheaper abayas and the security entrance to the mosque. You’ll get to the mosque from an underground entrance.
ADMISSION HOURS & FREE TOURS
Saturday to Thursday: 9 AM - 9:30 PM
Fridays: 9 AM - 11:30 AM and 3 PM - 9:30 PM
Free Tours: On the hour, every hour
Personally, I loved this hall more than the main prayer hall - the flower motifs and arched windows are so stunning!
Travelynne Tips:
The e-guide (audio guide) is not worth paying for here. Either join a free guided tour on the hour or just wander around yourself appreciating the beautiful architecture and getting some beautiful photos. The free Google Arts & Culture virtual tour is more helpful for learning the background of the mosque than the mosque’s own e-guide.
Note the limited visiting hours on Friday and during the holy month of Ramadan.
You can see so many of the mosque’s features from the main courtyard, and it’s much more spacious than the interior parts, which can be crowded.
Book Your Tour
If you’re ready to book your trip, then let me help you! I’ve researched the most highly recommended tours which include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:
FROM ABU DHABI: GRAND MOSQUE, ROYAL PALACE, AND ETIHAD TOWER (4.9⭐️ reviews)
Advantages: Cover the city’s main sights in a day, all transportation is included, and abaya is included
ABU DHABI: HALF-DAY GUIDED CITY TOUR (4.5⭐️ reviews)
Advantages: This one is very comprehensive, so if you’re short on time, you’ll cover a lot of ground in a short time
ABU DHABI: PROFESSIONAL PHOTOSHOOT AT SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE (4.6⭐️ reviews)
Advantages: Guide + professional photos at the Grand Mosque
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Enjoy your visit!
Ladies, I hope these insights and tips from my experience help you have a seamless and memorable visit — and maybe save a few bucks 😉 — when you go to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. This magnificent mosque is a stunning architectural feat and I am confident that you’ll enjoy marvelling at it and you’ll leave with some fabulous photos as a bonus.
Safe travels and enjoy every moment of your adventure!
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