Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands near the main bridges linking Abu Dhabi island with the mainland. It was conceived by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding President of the United Arab Emirates, who wanted a building that would unite different strands of Islamic architecture. He is buried in a mausoleum in the grounds.

Groundbreaking took place in 1996, and the mosque was inaugurated in December 2007. Craftsmen and materials came from many countries, including marble from North Macedonia, Italy, India and China. The mosque can hold more than 40,000 worshippers across its prayer halls and courtyard.

The building has 82 domes of white marble and four minarets about 107 metres high. The courtyard is paved with floral marble inlay covering about 17,000 square metres. In the main prayer hall, a hand-knotted carpet made by around 1,200 weavers in Iran covers about 5,600 square metres, and seven chandeliers made in Germany with Swarovski crystals hang from the ceiling, the largest about 10 metres wide. Reflecting pools surround the arcades, and a lighting system changes the exterior colour with the phases of the moon.

Visitors from outside the UAE pay AED 10, Emirates ID holders AED 5 and tour groups AED 8; worshippers enter free without a ticket. Book a time slot online in advance. Strict modest dress applies: long loose clothing, and a headscarf for women; visitors should bring suitable clothing, as robes may no longer be lent at the entrance. Friday mornings are reserved for the main weekly prayer, and free guided tours are offered daily.

Ankle-length clothing, headscarves and free daily tours

Both men and women must wear long, loose, ankle-length clothing, and women must cover their hair with a headscarf. Tight or transparent clothes are turned away at the gate, so check your outfit before you leave the hotel.

Free walk-in tours run daily, led by the centre's cultural tour specialists, in English and Arabic only. They start on the east side of the mosque, so arrive about 15 minutes early. Tours last 30 to 60 minutes and explain the symbolism of the domes, columns and calligraphy in more detail than the signs.