1. Opening Time of Sheikh Zayed Mosque:
One cannot visit the mosque after 10 PM and before 9 AM from Saturday to Thursday will its opening time is from 4:30 PM to 10 PM on Friday. The mosque entry will close thirty minutes before closing time. On the Friday morning only the worshipers can enter the mosque and visitors are not allowed.
2. How to reach Sheikh Zayed Mosque?
If you are staying in Dubai or Abu Dhabi then taxi is one of the best option to take you to Grand Sheikh Zayed mosque. From the mosque you can also find a taxi easily available which will take you back from Grand Mosque.
3. Entry, Security and Dressing in Sheikh Zayed Mosque:
There is no entry fee to enter the mosque and this Grand mosque is free to visit. However you cannot enter to mosque in you dress if not according to Islamic teachings. When you enter the mosque you have to pass from an X-ray machine and in a room you will be provided with the clothes if you are not fit.
4. Dress Code to enter Sheikh Zayed Mosque:
Basically the mosque is not a visitor place but a worship place. It beautiful structure attract the visitor to visit for tour along with worshipers who come for prayers. This is purely a site to pray so you must come with a full modest dress which covers your full body. For the ladies the compulsory dress code is to where the dress of ankle length trouser or shirt. Head should be covered and no tight dress but loose one. On the entry you have to wear the traditional scarf i.e Abaya. The mosque administration have different colors of Abaya usually these are black, blue and pink in color.
4.1. What to wear on Foots?
You must wear the socks as you cannot go with your shoes in the mosque. The mosque floor may be hot because of very hot temperature and you do not have to walk barefoot.
5. Guides and Timing of Sheikh Zayed Mosque:
Guided tours are free and are available on a walk-in status. It is advised that you show up around 15 minutes before the scheduled tour is to start and the tours usually run for 45 minutes to an hour. Check the website for tour times.
6. Photography in Sheikh Zayed Mosque:
No need to be the first one inside to get good photos here. Visitors are not allowed to walk through the center of the mosque, which means photos get a clear view pretty much any time of day (unless you want clear photos of the hallways)! Sunrise viewings are not possible, so if you’re more interested in golden hour light, go for sunset which gives the mosque an entirely different look and mood! I didn’t get to do the free tour, but I’ve heard you’re able to jump the ropes during the tour allowing for better photos than the average visitor.
7. Refreshments in Sheikh Zayed Mosque:
The only place nearby for food and drinks is the Coffee Club which serves salads and sandwiches, so make sure you fuel up before the adventure.
8. Time Required to Visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque?
About 1-2 hours is a good amount of time to allow yourself to view all parts of the mosque and enjoy refreshments afterwards if you’d like.
9. Things not Allowed in Sheikh Zayed Mosque:
Personal food and refreshments are not allowed inside the mosque and will probably be confiscated at security. Also, if you are a professional video graphy or have very large professional equipment with you beyond just a simple DSLR, you may be questioned. This is not official information, but I was told by friends on Instagram that tripods are not allowed inside the mosque. There is also a mention in their FAQ that professional media personnel are required to fill out this Media Form. Don’t look conspicuous and you’ll probably be fine.
