FAQs
Q1. When is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque open for visitors?
A. Normal visiting hours are from Saturday to Thursday 09:00 am to 10:00 pm (Last admission at 09:30 pm)
On Friday Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open from 09:00am to 12:00pm (Last admission at 11:30 am) and reopens from 3:00 pm. to 10:00 pm (Last admission at 09:30 pm)
Q2. Is there an entry fee?
A. No, admission to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is free.
Q3. Does the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque conduct guided tours?
A. Yes, every day the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers free guided walk-in tours for individuals and groups.
Tours are led by official SZGMC Guides who will take you and other members of the public around the mosque explaining various elements of the architecture and Islamic culture.
Visitors should arrive approximately 15 minutes before the tour time and our Visitor Experience coordinators will be there to greet you and assist you in joining a tour. The tour is approximately 30 - 45 minutes in length.
Q4. Where do the tours start (Starting Point)?
A. Tours commence on the East side of the mosque. Ask any of our friendly operations team (security or ground staff) where the tours start and they will be happy to guide you to the right starting point.
Q5. Does the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque provide transportation services to the mosque?
A. No, visitors can make their own way to the mosque by (taxi, bus or personal car).
Q6. Are children allowed during the visits or tours?
A. Children are welcome during the visit but must remain under the constant guidance and supervision of their parents.
Q7. What should I wear to visit the mosque?
A. It is important to understand the dress code when visiting the mosque.
Long, loose fitting, ankle length trousers or skirts for women and men.
Women must wear a headscarf.
Q8. Are parking lots available at the mosque?
A. Yes, you can park your car in the southern car parking lots as indicated by the signboards located alongside the entrances to the mosque.
Q9. Are sanitary facilities available?
A. Yes, there are several sanitary facilities (Toilets) available, for both male and female.
Q10. Is smoking allowed inside the mosque?
A. Smoking is NOT allowed anywhere on the mosque grounds.
Q11. Why are visitors not allowed to bring food and beverages (even water) to the mosque?
A. Many of the architectural features of the mosque (particularly the delicate marble and carpet) must be handled with care to ensure they are protected and not prone to damage.
Q12. Can I visit the mosque without a guided tour?
A. Yes, the mosque is open and welcomes all individuals and groups either with or without a guide.
Q13. Can I take photographs and record videos using cameras,video recorders, or mobile camers?
A. Yes, photographs and videos are allowed for personal use. Professional filmmakers and media establishments must obtain the centre's prior permission by filling out the
Filming Permission Application.
Q14. What languages are spoken during the guided tours?
A. Currently the SZGMC Guides offer tours in English and Arabic only.
Q15. How long does the guided tour take?
A. The tour takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Q16. What should I consider when visiting the mosque?
A. Adherence to the mosque manners.
Q17. Are there any facilities for people of determination & the elderly visitors?
A. Yes, the SZGMC provides wheelchairs for people of determination and the elderly visitors, which can be ordered from the security personnel. There are club cars as well to transport visitors between the parking lots and the tour's starting point.
Q18. Do visitors need to wear sunglasses?
A. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is covered in bright white marble, and to ensure your comfort, we recommend wearing sunglasses during the day.
Safety and Security Procedures (Inspection / Closed areas)
In order to o ensure visitor safety, all visitors are kindly requested to adhere to all instructions given by the security personnel ,such as, heading towards the right track, especially when raining, during bad weather conditions, or when maintenance work is in progress. Visitors must also watch their steps to avoid slipping.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center pertains an inspection mechanism applied to all mosque visitors to ensure public security before entrance to the mosque ,and provides separate tracks for women and men.