Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Visit: Hours, Fees, Dress Code

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is open to visitors every day from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM, with a midday break on Fridays. Visitors must pre-book an online access pass, and entry costs AED 10 for visitors from outside the UAE and AED 5 for Emirates ID holders, according to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.

This page covers the visit itself in detail. For the rest of the capital, including the Louvre, Yas Island and how to split your days, see our Abu Dhabi visitor guide.

Book the online access pass first

The mosque centre treats worshippers and visitors differently. Worshippers may enter directly without an entry ticket. Visitors must pre-book the visit and obtain an online access pass through the centre’s booking system.

Book on the centre’s own booking page. If someone sells you “mosque entry” elsewhere, check that it is a licensed tour operator: the centre lists a separate fee for visitors who come through tour operators.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque entry fees

The centre’s FAQ lists three visitor categories:

Some older pages, including parts of the Visit Abu Dhabi website, still describe entry as free. The fees above come from the mosque centre itself, so go by the centre.

Visiting hours, including Friday and Ramadan

Ramadan hours

Hours change during Ramadan, and the last 10 days differ from the first 20:

The centre does not publish separate Eid hours on its visiting-hours page, so check before you go on a public holiday.

Dress code for men, women and children

The centre’s mosque-manners page sets out the rules:

• Women: loose clothing down to the ankles, sleeves to the wrists and full hair coverage. Nothing transparent, tight or revealing.
• Men: clothing that covers the whole leg. No transparent, tight-fitting or sleeveless shirts.
• Everyone: avoid excessive jewellery, heavy make-up, very bright colours, and clothes printed with slogans or inappropriate drawings.

The FAQ sums it up as long, loose, ankle-length clothes for women and men, with a headscarf for women. A practical tip: carry a long loose layer and a scarf in your bag so a borderline outfit does not end your visit at the gate.

What you cannot bring or do inside

Prohibited items:

• Flammable materials, fireworks, e-cigarettes, lighters, sharp objects and weapons
• Whistles, laser pointers and loudspeakers
• Dolls and stuffed animals
• Masks, flags, slogans and symbols
• Food and drink, except water

Not allowed: any display of intimacy, raised voices or ringing phones, smoking, sleeping or lying down, and photography outside the designated areas.

Photography

Photos and videos for personal use are allowed at the designated photo stops. Professional or commercial filming needs advance permission from the centre.

Free cultural tours and the Sura night tour

The centre runs free public cultural tours that last 30 to 45 minutes, according to its tours page (the FAQ gives 45 to 60 minutes). The FAQ says tours start on the east side of the mosque and are currently offered in English and Arabic only.

Go to the tour start point a few minutes before the listed time. Private cultural tours are booked separately through the centre’s booking page.

The centre also lists a night tour called Sura, which has its own booking form. Check the available dates and times on that form when you book; we could not confirm a fixed schedule from the centre’s pages.

Visiting with children or reduced mobility

Children are welcome but must stay under their parents’ constant supervision. Remember that dolls and stuffed toys are on the prohibited list, so leave them in the car or hotel.

The centre provides wheelchairs and club cars for visitors who need help getting around.

Getting to the mosque

The mosque stands between the three main bridges that connect Abu Dhabi island to the mainland: Maqta, Mussafah and Sheikh Zayed. Visitors enter through Al Salam Gate 6, and there is parking in the southern car parks. The coordinates are 24.41557 N, 54.47516 E.

The centre does not provide transport. Come by taxi, bus or your own car.

From Dubai

• Intercity bus: RTA intercity buses run from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Bus Station (routes are in the getting-there section of the Abu Dhabi guide linked above); continue to the mosque by taxi or local bus.
• Etihad Rail: since 30 September 2026 passenger trains link Dubai Station with Mohamed Bin Zayed City Station in Abu Dhabi, in about 57 minutes. The rail page does not describe onward connections, so plan a taxi from the station.
• Cultural Express: this free shuttle from Dubai stops only at Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan, not at the mosque.

Quick answers

Is the mosque open on Fridays?

Yes, but in two sessions: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Do I need to book if I come to pray?

No. The centre says worshippers may enter directly without an entry ticket. The access pass and fee apply to visitors.

Are the guided tours extra?

No. The public cultural tours are free.

Can I bring water?

Yes. Water is the one exception to the food-and-drink ban.

Where else can I go in Abu Dhabi the same day?

The Abu Dhabi guide linked at the top covers the main sights, and the Abu Dhabi directory lists places to eat and stay.

Fees and hours above were read on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre website on 7 October 2026. Confirm on the official site before you travel, especially around Ramadan and public holidays.

Checked against the official sources listed on this page on 7 October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so confirm on the official site before you go. See our editorial policy.