The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi will now be accessible to visitors 24/7, which is ideal for transit visitors to the capital who often have many hours to kill between flights during the night.
This latest innovative change has been made possible with a guided tour called ‘Sura’ (Arabic for night walk).
‘Sura’ Evening Cultural Tours
These tours will offer a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at night, allowing access to the mosque 24 hours a day. The tours are designed to cater to travellers, especially those in transit, who wish to visit the mosque without the hassle of waiting for their connecting flights.
If you’re thinking, ‘But surely overnight, that’s when the cleaning and maintenance happens’, you’re absolutely right. Part of the beauty of the overnight cultural tour is not just understanding the religious significance and visual architecture of the building but the hard work that goes into maintaining the visual beauty, with maintenance and cleaning work that takes place in the tranquillity of the night.
Guests are provided with a multimedia guide device, El-Dellel, available in 14 international languages, including options for the visually impaired and deaf people. The tour is designed to last for 40 minutes.
Night Hours at The Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi
Regular open hours during the year see the Grand Mosque open year-round the general public, from 9:00 AM to the last entry at around 9:30 PM (Sometimes these hours adjust for Ramadan).
The new Sura cultural tours of the mosque allow you to book online for time slots from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
The special night tours can accommodate groups of up to 20 people and cost 20 AED (normally daytime tours and entry to the Grand Mosque are free).
Worshippers can always visit the mosque 24/7 through a separate entrance.
What to wear on a night tour to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
The express dress code of the Grand Mosque must still be followed, no matter what time you visit.
Please note that the mosque no longer lends guests free abayas/kanduras. During the day, these modest garments can be purchased from the attached underground shopping arcade Souq Al Jami’, but this souq closes at 10:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 PM on weekends.
If you plan to visit the Grand Mosque overnight for a ‘Sura’ tour, please be prepared to bring something suitable to wear in your carry-on luggage.
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
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