Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Day Trip From Dubai to Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi was my must see #1 in the UAE, when I did house sitting* in Dubai last april. If you want to read more about the capital of the Emirates have look at this blog post about Abu Dhabi!
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: How to Get There?
If you’re in Dubai you have four ways to get to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:
- With public transport (which is the most time consuming way)
- With the taxi (which is kind of cheap in the UAE, but, of course, more expensive than public transport)
- With a tour form your hotel
- With a rental car
I decided to get a rental car in Dubai and drove to the capital of the country. There are two highways and a huge parking lot in front of the mosque, so I don’t think you will have a problem with traffic or parking.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Guided Tours
Opening Hours are from Saturday to Thursday from 9 AM to 10 PM and on Fridays from 4:30 PM to 10 PM. Every day they offer free guided tours:
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday to Thirsday | 10 AM , 11 AM and 5 PM |
| Friday | 5 PM and 7P M |
| Saturday | 10 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, 5 PM and 7 PM |
You can find more information here.
I arrived just in time to participate in the last guided tour of that day. It was perfect to see the sun just over the mosque.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the biggest mosque of the country and the eigth biggest in the world. The space offers around 40,000 people the possibility to come together to worship.
It offers…
- the world’s largest carpet (and with 47 tons probably the heaviest!)
- the world’s biggest chandelier
- the world‘ biggest marble mosaic
- the world’s biggest cupola on a mosque
The guided tour lasted for about 45 minutes. Then we had to leave the prayer room, but we were allowed to go around outside.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Sunset
In my opinion, sunset is a perfect timing to go to this mosque. It’s so beautiful how the atmosphere changes with the different lighting:
It got darker and darker and the Blue Hour started.
But suddenly, the sky was pitch-black.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Food
You don’t need to prepare a sandwich for your day trips to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Directly next to it, there is restaurant as well as a souvenir shop.
After three hours taking photos, I got myself a Coke and a pizza.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Accommodation in the UAE
During my stay in the UAE I did house sitting which is why I can’t really give recommendations on accommodation.
But you can check out the following platforms: Tripadvisor*, Airbnb* or Hostelworld*!
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Your photos of the mosque around sunset and after the sun has hidden its pretty face are just stupendous!
I love every bit of them!
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is my favourite mosque so far. I haven’t been to many, but this is a true epitome of resplendence 🙂
Thank you so much, Svet!
I’m super happy that you like my photos 🙂 I have been to a few, but this one is still my favorite!
Safe travels!
Happy to see you have been to Abu Dhabi. Many tourists end their trips after Dubai trip and return to their country.
How did you go there? By text or rent car?
Yes, I’m happy that I went to Abu Dhabi. It was amazing! I rent a car 🙂
All the best
Barbara
I would like to go on a Friday – should I do a 5pm or 7pm tour, please? I am thinking the 7pm tour would be better as I can then be outside as the sun sets?
Many thanks!
That sounds logical 🙂 Have fun!
We have have been touring Abu Dhabi to random traveller and most of them visiting Abu Dhabi just to see The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, indeed one of the best tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi
Thank you 🙂