Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi Ticket Price

Undoubtedly, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will be on your list of must-see attractions when visiting the United Arab Emirates. But you are probably wondering what does it cost to visit the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi?

Would you believe us if we told you it was completely Free to see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque!?

Well, let’s take a step back. Entry to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi doesn’t cost you a dirham; it’s a public house of worship made for the people. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some costs to think about though, when planning your Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque visit.

What Does it Cost to Visit the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi?

So entry is free, but here are some costs to consider that will not only enhance your journey but are necessary to enjoy the mosque as a tourist.

Transportation to the Grand Mosque

No matter where you are setting out from, you are likely going to need some sort of transportation to get the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as it is not situated immediately adjacent to any accommodation.

• Staying in Abu Dhabi, you can take a local bus service from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. You will need a Hafilat Bus Card to use the Abu Dhabi public transport system. This journey will cost you 2 AED.

• If you have an Abu Dhabi Hop-on-hop-off bus ticket with Big Bus, you can use the Green Route to travel from Abu Dhabi Mall to the Grand Mosque every 2-hours, as part of your ticket.

• Departs Abu Dhabi Mall at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
• Departs Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM

• If you have booked your tickets to other attractions with Abu Dhabi Tourism, you may be able to catch one of their courtesy buses

• From anywhere in the city, it’s quite straightforward to hail one of the silver Abu Dhabi taxis to the Grand Mosque. Equally, there is always a full taxi rank outside the mosque waiting to take guest to their next destination. Your journey could cost anywhere from 15 AED (minimum fare) to 60 AED, depending on where you set out from. Careem is also a rideshare app option.

• If you are in the Emirates for a while and are a confident driver, you may like to hire a car to have some flexibility in your itinerary. Driving to the Grand Mosque is relatively well sign-posted (just don’t get stuck on the circular loop of freeways), then there is ample visitor parking under cover at the main entrance.

• Take in the Grand Mosque as part of a tour. Setting out from either Abu Dhabi or Dubai, you can pay to join a tour, which whilst not entirely free, will cover your transportation costs.

Here are some of the most popular options to consider from Dubai; we have a complete detailed guide to visiting the Grand Mosque from Dubai over on our Dubai website.

Cost of Tours of the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi

• Free cultural tours of the mosque are provided by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center every hour during regular operating hours from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. They operate on a reduced schedule over Ramadan. These tours last 30-45 minutes. It’s strongly suggested to get to the meeting point, clearly signposted 10 minutes beforehand; they may be free but can also be crowded which makes listening in with your headset a challenge.

• If you have come as part of a tour for your transportation, you may have a private tour guide included. Great if your on an individual tour with just your small group, not so great if you’re with a coach full.

Dress Code for the Grand Mosque

You may be aware that entering a mosque, there is a strict dress code that needs to be complied with, which involves having all skin on your arms and legs covered for women, as well as a head covering. Men need their legs covered and shirt sleeves.

Whilst it’s relatively straightforward for men to comply with the rules, most non-Muslim women do not own an abaya, a head scarf or appropriate head covering. If you turn up without the appropriate clothing, security will point you to the small souq attached to the Grand Mosque to pick up the right items of clothing.

These are relatively inexpensive, starting from around 40 AED, but should be factored into your budget for visiting the Mosque; Consider it a souvenir from your trip.

NB – the mosque used to rent abayas to women and kanduras to men for free, but they stopped this practice during covid and the BYO system has been in place ever since.

Registering to Enter the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi

Entry to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is free, but visitors are still asked to register before their visit.

Doing this online will save you time when you want to enter. At peak times when all the tour buses arrive this can be quite the time saver.

So you do need to show an entrance ticket to get into the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi as a tourist, but it will not cost you other than your incidentals in getting transportation to the mosque and dressing appropriately.

More Free & Cultural Attractions in the UAE

You may also be interested to check out next:

• Our guide to 40+ Free Things to do in Abu Dhabi
• 15 Beautiful Landmark Buildings in Abu Dhabi
• The Best Cultural Attractions in Abu Dhabi

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