Sheikh Zayed Mosque - day trip from Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Mosque is more than just a mosque. It is one of the world's most beautiful and magnificent buildings, and is perfect for a day trip from Dubai.
When TripAdvisor named the world's top attractions in 2016, Sheikh Zayed Mosque took second place on the top list, behind the ever-popular Macchu Picchu World Heritage Site in Peru.
That's how high this mosque in Abu Dhabi ranks, even though it was completed as recently as 2007. Once you've visited, you'll understand why.
Visit Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Mosque from Dubai
You'll be picked up at your hotel in Dubai and enjoy a full day of the best of Abu Dhabi, including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. There are a number of tours and operators to choose from. Choose the one that suits you best.
One of the world's largest mosques
The mosque is one of the largest in the world and can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers. The building has more than 1000 pillars and 82 domes. In the main prayer hall is one of the world's largest candlesticks, 15 metres high and weighing 12 tonnes.
Atmospheric in the Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The numbers are impressive, of course, but what makes Sheikh Zayed Mosque so special is the atmosphere. A unique atmosphere has been created with the help of pools that reflect the white, gold-adorned buildings in an extremely tasteful way.
As darkness falls, a system of lights follows the phases of the moon and - if possible - makes the mosque even more beautiful than during the day.
Opening hours of Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The mosque has very generous opening hours for visitors, it is open daily except during Friday prayers when only prayer participants are allowed in.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday the mosque is open from 09.00 to 22.00. On Friday it is open from 16.30 to 22.00. Please note that the last admission is at 21.30.
Guided tours free of charge
A tip is to try to catch one of the guided tours of the mosque, they are always free.
The tours run at the following times
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 10.00, 11.00 and 17.00.
Friday: 17.00 and 19.00.
Saturday: 10.00, 11.00, 14.00, 17.00 and 19.00.
Our tip!
If you can influence the time of your visit to the mosque - unless you are part of a group with a fixed schedule - try to arrive around 16.00-16.30.
This time often provides soft afternoon light, perfect for photography, and you can take the guided tour at 5pm. Stay afterwards and experience the mosque even at dusk and in the evening darkness.
Day trip from Dubai
Abu Dhabi makes a great day trip from Dubai. A number of tour operators provide transfers and guides, and sell packages that are usually well organised and interesting.
For example, you can take a guided city tour by bus of Abu Dhabi including a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, or combine the mosque with the popular Ferrari World theme park, or take an excursion from Dubai to Abu Dhabi including lunch.
You can travel in a group or opt for a private transfer from Dubai. The options are many.
On this page you will find all excursions from Dubai including Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The booking is handled by the reliable Get Your Guide.
- Read also Ferrari World - day trip from Dubai
(Page updated 2018-10-25)
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