The Majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi From USA

The Majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi From USA

Published on 14 Sep 2025

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Situated in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is an ultimate perfection. It is a sanctum sanctorum for all the worshippers. The mosque has been constructed in Syrian architecture. It has been designed by Yousef Abdelky who is a pioneer in such an architectural field. It is a perfect blend of modern values and rich cultural history of Abu Dhabi.

It sprawls over an awe-inspiring area of 30 acres excluding exterior landscape and vehicle parking. This mosque was constructed in a time span of approximately 11 years. Its construction was completed in the year 2007. It is the largest mosque in the country and third largest in the world.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Front View

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Front View

The mosque’s first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who was buried at the site. It is a key place of worship for all the Abu Dhabians and has a crowd of more than 41000 people on the day of Eid.

There is also a library which is located at the northeast end of the mosque. It houses a leeway of arts, calligraphy, books, sciences, coins etc. The collection dates back to more than 200 years and has been well preserved at the location. The collection is available in a plethora of languages ranging from Arabic, English, German, Korean, Spanish etc.

The progressive design of this mosque signifies unity. The mosque has been erected from the material which has been imported from a number of countries. Pakistan, Germany, Turkey, India, Italy, Morocco, New Zealand, Macedonia, UAE, UK, China, Iran etc. have provided different material for the construction of this mosque.

Around 3000 workers worked on this. 38 world famous contracting companies came together to build this awe-inspiring structure which is the holy place of worship for millions. Long lasting natural materials were used in its construction. Gold, crystals, ceramics, semi-precious stones, marble, silver etc. have been used.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Sunset

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Sunset

Highlights of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The beautiful design of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque draws its inspiration from the Persian, Alexandrian and Mughal Mosque of Abu al-Abbas Al Mursi in Egypt. Some Indo-Islamic aspects have been inspired by the Badshahi Mosque of Lahore in Pakistan.

The minarets of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque are highly Arabic whereas the archways are essentially Moorish in their appearance. Beautiful to watch, the mosque attracts countless visitors from around the world every year. The U.A.E. government pays special attention to the maintenance of this grand mosque. Special allotments are considered every year for its betterment.

The Mosque is large enough to accommodate more than 40000 visitors at once. The main prayer hall of the mosque can house around 7000 people at once. There are also two smaller prayer houses which can house 1500 worshippers each. One of these prayer halls is specially designed for women.

The courtyard rises to an impressive 107 meters in height. It is decorated with beautiful floral designs and is one of the finest examples of mosaic artwork in the world. The courtyard is surrounded by four minarets on its either side. The most iconic aspects of its construction are:

  • Ming Green and East White have been imported from China.
  • Lasa from Tyrol, Laas, and Italy was used in elevators.
  • Sivec from Macedonia and Prilep was used in the external cladding.
  • Biano and Aquabiana have been imported from Italy.
  • Makrana from India was used in offices and annexes.
White Shine of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

White Shine of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Apart from these, there are some other architectural features which are very crucial to its construction. The Mosque houses the world’s longest carpet. Adorned in the main hall, this carpet was designed by Ali Khaliqi and measures approximately 60570 square feet. The carpet weighs a ponderous 35 ton and is made up of wool. It took around two years to complete its weaving.

The Mosque also houses chandeliers that are exclusively imported from Germany. The chandeliers incorporate lakhs of Swarovski crystals. The second largest chandelier has been set up in the mosque and extends to around 15 meters in height.

There are also beautiful pools that look glorious under the night sky. These pools reflect beautiful columns of the mosque.

The intricate lighting system of the Mosque has been specially designed by Speirs and Major Associates. The exclusive light work reflects the various phases of the moon.

There are also a total of 96 columns that have constructed in a highly artistic manner. These columns are situated in the main prayer hall and are inlaid with the mother of pearl. The 99 names of Allah are also calligraphed on Qibla.

The Qibla of the mosque is very unique. It has its own lighting system which has been integrated into its organic design. Mainly three calligraphy styles have been used in this Mosque.

The mosque is open for prayers all day long. The visiting time is from 9 AM to 10 PM except for Friday mornings. It changes during the holy month of Ramadan. There are however very strict dress codes. Women must be fully covered, including long sleeves to the wrist, trousers or long skirts up to the ankle, and a scarf or wrap to cover your head.

Glorious Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Glorious Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a paradigm in the world of artistic construction and is an architectural wonder. It has garnered a lot of appreciation for its fine designs and intricate craftsmanship. It is visited by millions of visitors every year. If you are scheduled to visit Abu Dhabi, keep this destination on your priority list for its grandeur.

 

FAQs for The Majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi From USA

1. Why is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque a must-visit for USA travelers?
It’s one of the world’s largest mosques, featuring stunning white marble architecture and cultural significance.

2. Is there an entry fee for the mosque?
No, entry is free for all visitors.

3. What is the dress code?
Modest attire is required. Women must cover their heads; abayas are provided if needed.

4. Are guided tours available?
Yes, free guided tours explain the mosque’s history and architecture.

5. What are the mosque’s visiting hours?
Typically 9 AM to 10 PM, except Fridays during prayer times.

6. Can USA tourists take photos inside?
Yes, photography is allowed, but respectful behavior is expected.

7. How long should I plan for the visit?
1.5 to 2 hours is enough for a thorough visit.

Look for

Dubai Package from USA Luxury Yacht Rental Dubai Marina From USA Fujairah East Coast Tour UAE From USA Romantic Desert Dinner Dubai From USA Private Tour Company Dubai From USA Private Dubai City Tour From USA Private Desert Safari Dubai From USA Luxury Desert Safari Dubai From USA Dubai Private Tours From USA Dubai Tour Agency From USA Dubai Travel Agency From USA Dubai Private City Tour From USA Dubai Private Tour From USA Abu Dhabi Tour Price From USA Abu Dhabi Private Tour From USA Travel Agencies Dubai From USA Travel Agencies In Dubai From USA Dubai Safari Tour From USA Best Dubai Safari Tours From USA Dubai City Tour Packages From USA Hummer Desert Safari Tour Dubai From USA Top Travel Agency in Dubai From USA Sightseeing in Dubai From USA Holiday Planner Dubai From USA Walking Tours in Dubai From USA Dubai Night Tour From USA Dubai Guided Tours From USA Morning Desert Safari From USA Camel Safari Dubai From USA Dubai Camel Rides Prices From USA Camel Tour Dubai From USA Dubai City Tour Deals From USA Dubai Safari Price From USA Dubai Honeymoon Package From USA Desert Safari Tours From USA Dubai Tourist Attractions From USA Dubai Desert Safari From USA Desert Safari Dubai Prices From USA Desert Safari Dubai Price From USA Tours to Abu Dhabi From USA Dubai City Tour From USA Airport Transfers in Dubai From USA Vacation Packages in Dubai From USA Plan a Trip to Dubai From USA Dubai Sightseeing Tours From USA Dubai City Tour Package Cost From USA Abu Dhabi City Tour From USA Abu Dhabi Tour Package From USA Abu Dhabi Day Trip Dubai From USA Abu Dhabi Private Tours From USA Dubai Desert Safari Deals From USA Dubai Helicopter Tour Private From USA Dubai Layover Tour from Airport From USA Dubai Luxury Vacation Packages From USA Dubai Private Guided Tours From USA Dubai City Tour Operators From USA Abu Dhabi City Tour Operators From USA Abu Dhabi City Tour Dubai From USA Family-Friendly Dubai Tours From USA Group Tours Dubai From USA Desert Safari Dubai From USA Musandam Dhow Cruise Dubai From USA Dubai Shopping Tour Packages From USA Sharjah Cultural Tour From USA Dubai Stopover Private Tours from USA Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dubai from USA Dubai and Abu Dhabi Combined Tour Package from USA Dubai Vacation Packages From USA Dubai Tour Packages From USA Dubai Trip Package From USA Dubai Trips Packages From USA Dubai Tour Package from USA All Inclusive Vacation Packages Dubai From USA Dubai Holiday Packages From USA Dubai Holiday Package From USA Dubai Holiday Packages All Inclusive From USA Dubai Packages From USA Dubai Tours And Packages From USA Dubai Travel Package From USA Dubai Vacation Packages All Inclusive From USA Dubai All Inclusive Packages From USA Dubai Travel Packages From USA Dubai Package Holidays From USA Vacation Package To Dubai From USA All Inclusive Dubai Packages From USA Dubai Tourism Packages From USA Tour Packages Dubai From USA
whatsapp