It’s the UAE’s most famous and delightful constructing, rated #3 landmark on this planet by TripAdvisor’s Vacationers’ Alternative Awards, however how precisely are you able to go to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi if you’re flying out and in of Dubai?
On this web page we’ll cowl
- Issues to know concerning the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- The best way to get to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Dubai
- Extra information and customer info to find out about visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as a vacationer
- Greatest lodging close to the Grand Mosque
- Extra to see in Abu Dhabi
Issues to know concerning the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Earlier than we dive into the small print of tips on how to get there, let’s take a look at only a few fabulous information to know concerning the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (and why it’s completely definitely worth the day journey from Dubai!)
- The Grand Mosque is called after the nation’s founding father, the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan “Might Allah relaxation his soul in peace”.
- The Mosque is an lively home of worship, able to housing 41,000 worshippers at capability – 10,000 inside and 31,000 within the exterior courtyards.
- Constructing of the Mosque was accomplished in 2007 with the craftsmanship of 38 contractors and 1000’s of staff from world wide.
- It holds a number of “largest on this planet” claims to fame – together with the most important hand-woven carpet at 5,627 sqm and the most important marble mosaic ground in its 17,000 sqm courtyard.
- HH Sheikh Zayed is laid to relaxation in a mausoleum on the Mosque grounds. Two Imans learn the Quran right here 24 hours a day.
The best way to get to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Dubai
There are restricted public transport choices between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as we focus on right here, so our best-recommended methodology of getting from Dubai to Abu Dhabi to see the Grand Mosque are:
- Take a taxi – 1.5 hours roughly relying on the place you set out from, anticipate to pay round 300-350AED one-way
- Be a part of a tour Group – 1.5 to 2 hours relying on departure level and what number of pickups they make. A tour information, meals and a number of vacationer stops are prone to be thrown in so the value could be very variable per individual
- Rent a personal driver – 1.5 hours greatest in case you want door to door service and like the private contact – ideally suited if you’re a household or small group trying ti cut up the fee.
- Self Drive – 1 to 1.5 hours – If you’re a assured driver decide up a rent automotive in Dubai and take the E11 all the best way to Abu Dhabi.
- Take a bus – 2 to 2.5 hours relying in your start line, extra beneath!
Public Transport Dubai to Abu Dhabi to see the Grand Mosque
There are two completely different Intercity bus routes which you’ll take from Dubai to central Abu Dhabi, every prices 25AED a method.
- The primary bus leaves from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (Route 100) approx each 20 minutes and terminates at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Al Wadha Mall)
- The second leaves from Ibn Battuta Mall (Route 101) approx each half-hour and likewise terminates at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station
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From Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, you then have to catch a neighborhood Abu Dhabi bus service 94 to the Grand Mosque.
Organised excursions from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
You will have the choice of becoming a member of a bigger tour group and easily utilizing this as a type of transportation, or hiring a private information and driver.
This may definitely take the stress out of self-driving, however do notice numerous the tour buses from Dubai arrive “en masse”. If you would like crowd-free photographs, self-driving, taxi or personal Abu Dhabi excursions are the higher method to go.
Extra information and customer info to find out about visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as a vacationer
Do I should be Muslim to go to?
In no way. The Grand Mosque is open to everybody, so long as they deal with it in a respectful approach (together with conservative gown).
There are particular areas of lively worship, and Friday mornings when visits are restricted to worshippers solely.
In any other case, you might be free to attend the Grand Mosque at any time throughout opening hours.
What ought to I put on to the Grand Mosque?
It’s all the time advisable as a vacationer in Abu Dhabi to decorate conservatively. The Grand Mosque – and in reality any non secular or Authorities constructing within the UAE – has a a lot increased gown normal than say a Mall or public promenades.
For girls, you have to have legs and arms utterly lined, in addition to your head. The one pores and skin that may present is your arms, toes and face. If you’re not correctly dressed (don’t fear, this is applicable to most vacationers) you can be despatched to the dressing room the place you’ll be able to rent an Abaya and Shayla. That is all a part of the expertise so embrace it! However please don’t assume this implies you must put on the skimpiest outfit beneath!
For males, they need to be in lengthy trousers and sleeves. If they’ve shorts on, they may even be requested to enter a dressing robe and put on a employed Kandura for his or her go to.
(Please notice! since COVID the flexibility to rent clothes he’s been suspended. For those who flip up with in acceptable clothes, you can be redirected by safety employees to a small strip of purchasing boutiques to purchase the suitable apparel)
Safety stringently enforces the suitable carrying of your outfits all through your go to – you will discover a extremely detailed information to the Grand Mosque gown code right here.
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Be aware, a part of the tour entails you taking off your footwear to stroll by way of the Mosque itself, take into account good socks or having your toenails painted for this!! And keep in mind the place you left your footwear!!!
Do I have to pay to enter the Grand Mosque?
It’s completely free. The Mosque is for the individuals and as such, no cost is levied on worshippers or guests. Even the rent of acceptable clothes talked about above is free.
They’ll concern you an entry ticket, nevertheless, the place it’s worthwhile to give some private particulars. This may be performed on-line upfront to avoid wasting time.
UPDATE: Since COVID, all guests should pre-register and signal a COVID-free declaration, in addition to offering a “Inexperienced Alhosn” move on entry.
Do I have to guide a tour?
For those who include a tour information, they could have a private tour information included throughout the worth you paid.
In any other case, one of the best different choice to be sure to get one of the best out of your Grand Mosque go to is to get entangled with one of many FREE mosque cultural excursions.
These are held all through the day without having to pre-book.
Opening occasions for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
- Saturday by way of Thursday 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday 9:00AM to 12:00PM & 3:00 PM to 10:00PM
Excursions are performed in English and Arabic and final round 45 minutes, with a possibility to ask additional questions on the finish. It isn’t customary to tip for this tour.
Be aware opening hours and tour occasions are adjusted in the course of the Holy Month of Ramadan
For extra on what to anticipate on the Grand Mosque together with pictures suggestions, see this text.
Greatest lodging close to the Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi has plentiful lodging decisions. Our favourites near the Grand Mosque, or with spectacular views again over the canal in direction of the Grand Mosque are:
- Pure Luxurious: The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi
- Indulgent however truthful priced: The Fairmont Bab al Bahr
- Finances however good selection: Merchants Lodge Qaryat Al Beri by Shangri-La
For a very long time, the Grand Mosque was in all probability Abu Dhabi’s largest and the one drawcard getting vacationers to trek the 160km journey from Dubai. Nonetheless, there are actually many extra vacationer highlights that warrant no less than a full day journey to Abu Dhabi, if not longer.
Look out for Abu Dhabi excursions that may even embody:
- The Louvre Abu Dhabi – a surprising new Museum on Saadiyat Island that covers the historical past of humanity in an excellent waterfront setting.
- Qasr al Watan – the Presidential Palace of the United Arab Emirates is a surprising new constructing to rival the fantastic thing about the Grand Mosque. Open for day by day excursions.
- Qasr al Hosn – a superb perception into the historical past of the United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi from early Bedouin days by way of to the invention of oil, federation and the modern-day metropolis.
READ MORE Public Bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi: All Intercity Routes Return [100, 101 and 102]
See a whole information for issues to do in Abu Dhabi over on our companion website www.abudhabitravelplanner.com.
Please notice we’re not a journey company. This website is a journey weblog to assist newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their journey, we can’t guide your flights, accommodations, visas or connections for you. We could make a small fee in case you click on on any of our advice hyperlinks.
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