Is the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi open during Ramadan this year? The answer is YES!
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 2023 (1444).
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 1444 (2023)
Timings have been split between the first 20 days and the last 10 days of Ramadan (Night of Power) – please observe the exact timing based on moon sightings, dates below are currently estimated.
First 20 days of Ramadan 1444 (23 March to 11 April 2023)
- Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM & 9:30 PM to 1:00 AM
- Fridays: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM & 9:30 PM to 1:00 AM
Last 10 days of Ramadan 1443 (12 April to 21 April 2023)
- Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Fridays 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Guided cultural tours will continue to run throughout Ramadan. No need to book; details will be available when you arrive for walk-ins.
Entry to the Grand Mosque in 2023
Entry to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque remains free, 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.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi over Eid
The mosque is open during the first day of Eid Al-Fitr (Feast of Breaking the Fast) and Eid Al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), from Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
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 COVID, 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, around AED 40 – 80 for a cheap abaya.
You can find our complete guide on how to appropriately dress for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque here.
If you are unable to attend the Grand Mosque in person, you can Follow the live feed for 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 2023:
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 the breaking of the fast, you’ll want to check out our guide to the best Abu Dhabi Iftars this year; plus, we 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 2023.
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 agenda.
Before you go… Important things to consider 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 as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Check the most up-to-date COVID entry rules for Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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