Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is Abu Dhabi’s principal grand mosque and one of the United Arab Emirates’ most important religious and architectural landmarks. The project was conceived under Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding president. Official mosque records state that planning began in the late 1980s, construction started on 5 November 1996, and the prayer halls opened for Eid Al Adha in 2007.

The complex occupies more than 555,000 square metres and can accommodate roughly 55,000 worshippers. Its modern Islamic design deliberately brings together artistic traditions, craftspeople and materials from many countries, reflecting the founder’s aim of creating both a place of worship and a meeting point for cultures.

The mosque remains an active site for daily prayers, Friday prayer and major Islamic observances. Sheikh Zayed’s mausoleum is within the complex, where official records describe continuous Qur’an recitation by qualified reciters. Visitors enter through the Visitor Centre and designated routes, and official cultural tours explain the mosque’s architecture and Islamic culture. Current admission rules and visiting hours are published by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre and should be checked before travel.