One of the must-see places in Abu Dhabi is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. More than a tourist destination, this majestic mosque offers Islamic architecture & culture, plus a look into the humanitarian legacy of the late Sheik Zayed.
The late Sheikh Zayed aimed to establish a historical Mosque, personifying the Islamic message of peace, tolerance and diversity. He intended to turn the Grand Mosque into a living reference in modern Islamic architecture linking the past with the present in a harmonious melody.
The Mosque is the fruit of Sheikh Zayed’s unique vision. The father of the UAE has created an Islamic monument, a center for Islamic sciences and an emblem of genuine Islamic values, in order to illuminate the horizons of Islamic thought rooted in tolerance, love and peace.
https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/sheikh-zayed-and-grand-mosque
Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is hard to miss as it literally welcomes you as you come into Abu Dhabi Island. It’s also visible from the three bridges that connect the island to the main land.
This was right outside Sheik Zayed Mosque when we were trying to find our way inside.
There’s a parking lot right in front of the mosque but there’s a bigger parking lot within the premises, it’s literally from where I took the photo above. And beside the said parking is Souk Al Jami, an underground visitor center that houses a few shops & dinning option. It’s where we were directed to go (to enter) as its connected to Sheik Zayed Mosque.
COVID REQUIREMENTS
Here are some things you should know before going to Sheik Zayed Mosque.
Starting from 15 June 2022 In line with the precautionary measures in force, all residents and tourists (applicable to those above 16 years of age) must show ‘green’ status on Alhosn app.
* Visitors who are not vaccinated must present a negative PCR result no more than 48 hours.
* Visitors coming from outside the UAE and who face difficulties using Alhosn App they then can show an internationally approved vaccine certificate which testifies that they have taken two doses and a negative PCR test taken during the 14 days.
* Visitors coming from outside the UAE and who face difficulties using Alhosn App they then can show an internationally approved vaccine certificate which testifies that they have taken two doses and a negative PCR test taken during the 14 days.
* Pre-book and obtain a free online access pass through the following link: (https://visit.szgmc.gov.ae)
from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque official website
DRESS CODE
Though I wore something appropriate and could’ve gotten away with just adding Hijab (head scarf), I still bought an Abaya since my daughter Gabbie need to wear one. What you need to know is for women, everything needs to be covered meaning the only skin showing is the face, hands & feet. For guys, wearing shorts and T-shirt is okay. Pre-covid, you can actually rent an Abaya or Hijab prior to entering the mosque, but for health & safe they removed this option and you’ll have to buy one (either before going or at one of the shops at Souk Al Jami. Anyhow, here’s a more detailed guide on what you need to wear when visiting Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque.
We had to keep holding our Abayas because it was windy and it kept removing from our heads, showing our hair. Mask is also mandatory but is allowed to be removed if taking photos.
VISITING HOURS
Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is open from 9:00 AM until 10:00 PM (last admission at 9:30 PM) from Saturday to Thursday. On Friday it is open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN (last admission at 11:30 AM) and reopens from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. You can book your visit online and there’s also guided tours for walk-in. There is no admission fee to enter Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque.
For more information you can visit https://www.szgmc.gov.ae
Wow those photos look great! I wish I’d be able to visit there with family someday as well. And that photo of you with sunglasses is just *chef’s kiss*. And that wind omg it looked perfect on your hair.