Are you planning a trip to the UAE in March 2026 and wondering whether the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi will remain open during Ramadan this year? The answer is YES!
Ramadan 2026 is likely to commence on 17 February 2026 and run until 19 March 2026, subject to moon sighting.
Contrary to popular belief and what may have occurred in the past during Ramadan, the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi will remain open during the Holy Month of Ramadan in 2026 (1447).
The hours are slightly adjusted, and there is an evening closure over Iftar. During this time in the evening, the iftar cannon (Madfa al iftar) is fired, signalling the end of the day’s fasting and Maghrib prayers.
Grand Mosque Opening Hours over Ramadan 1447 (2026)
Timings for the Grand Mosque during Ramadan are usually split into the first 20 days and the last 10 days – please observe the exact timings based on moon sightings.
First 20 days of Ramadan 1447 (approx 18 Feb to 9 March)
- Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM & 9:30 PM to 1:00 PM
- Fridays: 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM & 9:30 PM to 1:00 AM
Last 10 days of Ramadan 1447 (approx 10 March to 19 March)
We are awaiting confirmation if they are changing the hours for the last 10 days of Ramadan, as presently there is only one set of opening hours advertised for Ramadan 1447.
- Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Fridays 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Guided cultural tours will continue throughout Ramadan. There is no need to book; details will be available when you arrive.
Entry to the Grand Mosque in 2026
Entry to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque remains free for tourists, and the cultural tours are free.
Pre-registration is required to enter the Grand Mosque; there are no longer any COVID restrictions or “Green Alhosn” needed.
For Muslims, please observe the following prayer timetable issued by szgmc.gov.ae.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi over Eid
The mosque is open from Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, during the first day of Eid Al-Fitr (the Feast of Breaking the Fast) and Eid Al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice).
More Resources For Planning Your Trip To The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque operates with a strict dress code for visitors.
Since 2020, the ability to hire a free abaya or Kandura has been suspended for health and safety reasons. You will need to ensure you are appropriately dressed for the Grand Mosque before arriving or within the grounds of the Grand Mosque.
There is now a small souq (market) where inexpensive clothing can be bought—for example, a cheap abaya costs around AED 40 – 80 at Souq Al Jami.
You can find our complete guide on how to appropriately dress for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque here
If you cannot attend the Grand Mosque in person, you can Follow the live feed for the Tarawih Prayer here.
Visiting from Dubai? We share our tips over here on how to visit the Grand Mosque on a day trip from Dubai. These are some tour companies you can use to visit the Grand Mosque during Ramadan in 2026:
More About Ramadan In Abu Dhabi
- Head over here if you would like to know more about what is expected of tourists during the Holy Month in the UAE.
- When it comes to breaking the fast, you’ll want to check out our guide to the best Abu Dhabi Iftars this year. We also guide you through the late evening tradition in Abu Dhabi of suhoor dining out.
- We also have a further guide here to opening hours, deals, and offers during Ramadan in Abu Dhabi 2026.
Ramadan is indeed a special time to visit the United Arab Emirates. A trip to the country’s largest mosque and the most beautiful landmark building will only enhance your cultural experience in this proudly Islamic country, open to all.
You may also want to check out a cultural visit to the Louvre and Qasr al Watan during your visit to Abu Dhabi, both will remain open during the Holy Month with their regular opening hours. The Abrahamic Family House is another intriguing new cultrual attraction for your Abu Dhabi itinerary.
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
Take me back to the Abu Dhabi Travel Blog
Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.
Abu Dhabi Travel Planner