Abu Dhabi Mosque Tour - Guided Tour by UAE National Guide

1. Overview

This tour aims to introduce first-time visitors to the splendour of the mosque's architecture and give a good understanding of the cultural and religious side of the UAE. This interactive 3-hour tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is conducted by a UAE National Historian Guide and is one of the most sought-after cultural experiences by visitors of varying interests and ages. Tours operate on a daily basis, during which your guide will accompany you around the mosque while explaining various aspects of Islamic architecture, art, and culture. Unlike other Grand Mosque tours, this one is led entirely by a UAE national and historian, born in Abu Dhabi, and is a Department of Culture and Tourism-certified tour guide. Additionally, the guide has led numerous tours of the Grand Mosque for foreign visitors to Abu Dhabi.

You will learn about the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's vision and how his vision led him to initiate the construction of this mosque. You can also see the dedication of expert teams from different parts of the world, including 1,300 Iranian craftsmen who hand-knotted the largest carpet in the world for the main prayer hall. On your tour of the marbled halls, you'll also witness unique gems like gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the enormous marble mosaic artwork in the courtyard, and gigantic pools that reflect some of the numerous columns with amethyst and jasper embedded in them.

You can continue your conversation with your Emirati tour guide over coffee at the New Visitor Center & Plaza at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Extension (Souq Al Jami) after the mosque tour is finished. Ask anything you want about UAE culture, tradition, cuisine, attire, celebrations, marriage customs, and the country's goal.

2. What's included

Included

3 hours guided tour by UAE national Guide
A Coffee with a local Emirati and a Chat
Bottled water
All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions

Transportation (can be arranged)

3. 360 Virtual Tour Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi

4. Itinerary

Pickup From Hotel

Learn more about Sheikh Zayed

Learn more about Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founding father, and how his vision led him to construct one of the largest mosques in the world.

Mosque

You will see one-of-a-kind treasures on your tour of the marbled hallways, such as gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the enormous marble mosaic artwork in the courtyard, and pools that reflect some of the numerous columns with amethyst and jasper embedded in them. View the mosque's four magnificent minarets, which stand at 106 meters, when you are outdoors by looking up.

Visit the great chamber

An iconic prayer hall

An iconic prayer hall, 1,096 columns with amethyst and jasper inlaid, 82 white marble domes, reflective pools, gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, and a courtyard with one of the largest marble mosaic artworks in the world are all features of the mosque complex. You did not need to put much effort into getting the ideal aesthetic picture.

Souq Al Jami

To learn more about UAE culture, tradition, food, clothing, celebration, marriage style, and the country's vision, head to Souq Al Jami for a one-on-one Emirati guide session.

5. Cancelation Policy

You must cancel at least 48 hours before the tour's start date to receive a complete refund.

6. Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi Ticket Price

There are two ways to do this private grand Abu Dhabi Mosque Tour: either you travel alone to the mosque for the tour, or we can arrange for pick up from any Abu Dhabi hotel.

Duration	Adult	Child	Infant
3 hours tour direct reporting in mosque	260 AED (70 USD)	190 AED (51 USD)	Free (If parents joining the tour)
3 hours tour with return hotel transfer	460 AED (126 USD)	390 AED (106 USD)	Free (If parents joining the tour)

We can also combine several Abu Dhabi tours to create a full-day excursion that includes both a city tour and a desert safari in Abu Dhabi

7. Meeting Point & Timing

Meeting point: Depending on the traffic condition at the mosque, we may adjust the meeting location. Typically, we meet at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's visitors' entrance in Abu Dhabi. If you book with hotel pickup, our driver will meet you in the hotel lobby.
Daily Availabluty time: 3 hours
Time slots for tours: 9.00 am and 3.00 pm.

8. Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque Dress Code

The Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque holds pios place in the hearts of Muslims. Visitors need to abide by certain rules and show respect by adhering to all the instructions specified below.

Dress Code for Women at the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque

Your arms and legs have to be fully covered.
Your head and hair must be covered with a scarf or shawl.
Only the skin of your face, hands and feet can be visible.
If your dress doesn't adhere to the approved criteria (which is something most tourists face), you will be directed to the changing room, where you can hire an Abaya( a cloak-like dress to cover your body) and Shayla (a head-cloth). Consider this a cultural experience and embrace it.
This doesn't mean you can show up wearing revealing clothing, as you will have to line up with other Muslim tourists, and you must respect the country's customs and rules throughout your Abu Dhabi visit.

Dress code for men at the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosquee

Men are urged to wear long trousers with their legs fully covered and a long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt that is at least elbow length.
If you arrive at the premises wearing shorts, you will be directed to the changing room, where you can rent a Kandura (free of charge) for your visit.

Dress code for children at the Grand Mosque

There is no strict dress code in place for pre-pubescent children.
Children from early puberty and beyond, especially girls, are encouraged to follow the dress code for women when entering the Grand Mosque.

9. Tips While Planning Abu Dhabi Mosque Tour

After a meal

Because the Grand Mosque Tour involves a lot of walking, we schedule all of the tours after breakfast or lunch. We urge all our guests to have a meal before they arrive for the tour. Coffee and water are provided at the end of the tour. You can also purchase some snacks if you wish from Souq Al Jami, which is in the vicinity of the mosque.

Best time

There is no specific time as such. Any time that is convenient for you is a good time. But, it is better to choose a morning or late evening tour during summer because the afternoon heat is unbearable. If you are a photography enthusiast, the best time to visit is just before sunset or during the golden hour to guarantee some amazing photos of you and the mosque complex.

Bring sunglasses

Your sunglasses are undoubtedly something you wouldn't leave behind, considering UAE's strong sunlight. Make sure you do not forget them because the sunlight reflects off the white building, which can be blinding.

Prepare the question

This could be your first time interacting with a local Emirati, so you are free to brainstorm a list of questions that you can ask at the end of your tour during coffee time.

Private Abu Dhabi Mosque Tour - Guided Tour by UAE National Guide