Sheikh Zayed Mosque Private Tour with Emirati Guide

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture, and warrants a comprehensive tour to fully appreciate its beauty. This private 4-hour tour provides a detailed look at this vast marble mosque, commissioned by the UAE’s first president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Admire the domes, courtyards, pools, colonnades, and prayer hall as a professional UAE historian guide charts its history, design, and religious importance.

Travel independently to Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Mosque, more commonly known as the Grand Mosque, and meet your guide, a professional UAE historian, at 9am. Then, after a brief introduction to the mosque, set off on your walking tour.

Rising from manicured gardens, the mosque was completed in 2007, and is a masterpiece of contemporary Islamic architecture. Commissioned by the UAE’s first president, the late Sheik Zayed, whose mausoleum is incorporated into the grounds, it is one of the world’s largest mosques, and spacious enough to hold up to 40,000 worshippers.

Explore the glittering courtyards and colonnades with your guide as you hear how this imperious place of worship was created using white Greek and Macedonian marble, and decorated with vast amounts of gold and precious stones. Admire the intricate floral designs inlaid into the courtyards and walls, and take in the more than 80 domes, pillars, pools, and four 351-foot (107-meter) high minarets that grace the building.

Continue inside to view the immense main prayer hall, adorned with gigantic crystal chandeliers and finished with the world’s largest loomed carpet — a vision of intricate Arabian designs that took two years to make.

As you explore, hear about the importance of the mosque in UAE history and culture, and learn interesting facts about its construction, architectural design, and the religious rites held here. Feel free to ask any questions of your guide, who will happily share their comprehensive knowledge of this incredible building.

After about four hours of exploring, your tour ends when you say goodbye to your guide at the mosque.

Please note: visitors to the Grand Mosque must be dressed modestly in loose-fitting clothes. Arms and legs must be fully covered, with no t-shirts, shorts, or short skirts or beachwear allowed.

In addition, women will also be required to wear an abaya (gown) and headscarf, both of which can be provided by the mosque. Alternatively, women can choose to wear their own headscarves. Men may also be required to wear a thobe (white gown) provided by the mosque. All visitors will be required to remove their shoes during their visit.