Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
White marble and gold at sunset.
Wonder No. 1 · Abu Dhabi · Heritage
Few buildings stop people in their tracks the way this one does. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opened in 2007, built in white marble with dozens of domes, gold-plated chandeliers and one of the largest hand-knotted carpets in the world.
It was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, who is buried in the grounds. It is a working mosque that welcomes visitors of every faith, and it is the single most visited landmark in the country.
Why it is a wonderCome in the late afternoon and stay as the sun goes down. The marble turns gold, then the lights come on and the reflecting pools glow blue.
Best timeLate afternoon into evening, October to April.
Time needed1.5 to 2 hours
Getting thereAbout 15 to 20 minutes by taxi from central Abu Dhabi, or around 1.5 hours from Dubai.
Tips for your visit
- The dress code is strictly checked at the entrance: loose clothing covering arms and legs, and a headscarf for women. Free robes are no longer lent out, so arrive covered.
- In 2026 the mosque introduced a small entry fee for non-worshipping visitors. Free guided cultural tours still run daily. Check the official site for current fees, tour times and booking.
- On Fridays the mosque is closed to visitors around midday prayers, so plan for the afternoon.
Opening hours, prices and booking rules change. Check the official site before you go: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.
Last checked November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
