Quick answer: Since September 2026, tourists pay AED 10 to enter the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (AED 5 for UAE residents, free for visitors aged 60+). It’s open 9am–8:30pm Saturday to Thursday, and on Fridays from 9–11:30am and 2:30–8:30pm. A strict dress code applies and the centre no longer lends abayas, so dress correctly before you arrive. Go late afternoon for sunset.
Tickets and fees (2026)
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Tourists | AED 10 |
| Visitors via tour operators | AED 8 |
| UAE residents (Emirates ID) | AED 5 |
| Aged 60 and over, worshippers | Free |
| Light & Peace Museum or Diya experience | AED 25 each (AED 40 combined) |
| Prayer hall tour | AED 30 |
Check current details and register your visit on the official Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre website.
Opening hours
- Saturday–Thursday: 9am–8:30pm.
- Friday: 9am–11:30am and 2:30pm–8:30pm (closed during Friday prayers).
- Hours change during Ramadan; check before you go.
Dress code
Women
- Loose, long clothing covering arms to the wrists and legs to the ankles.
- Hair fully covered with a headscarf.
- No transparent, tight, short or sleeveless clothing.
- Abayas are no longer lent at the entrance; they can be bought at Souq Al Jami (around AED 45).
Men
- Long trousers covering the ankles; no shorts.
- Shirts with at least short sleeves; no sleeveless tops or offensive slogans.
What to see
- The main prayer hall with its huge hand-knotted carpet and crystal chandeliers.
- The marble courtyard inlaid with floral designs.
- The reflecting pools, which glow at sunset and after dark.
- The Light & Peace Museum about the mosque’s design and Islamic culture.
Tips for visiting
- Arrive around 4–5pm to see the mosque in daylight, at sunset and lit up after dark.
- Entry is through the underground visitor centre (Souq Al Jami) with parking and cafés.
- Free guided cultural tours run regularly and are well worth joining.
- Be respectful: no touching or kissing, keep voices low, and follow photography rules.
- Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Fit it into your day with our Abu Dhabi itinerary.
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- Dubai to Abu Dhabi: train, bus or taxi
- Abu Dhabi airport to the city
FAQ: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque free?
Not any more for tourists: since September 2026 the entry fee is AED 10. Visitors aged 60 and over enter free.
Can non-Muslims visit the Grand Mosque?
Yes. Visitors of all faiths are welcome outside prayer times.
Can I visit the Grand Mosque on a Friday?
Yes, in the morning until 11:30am and from 2:30pm.
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