September 2023
On my way back from Socotra to Europe, I have a few hours’ layover in Abu Dhabi. I’ve never been, so I decide to make the most of it and visit the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, just a few kilometres from the airport.
Getting there from the airport
I leave my luggage in the airport’s luggage storage and head out for a quick visit. You can reach the mosque by public transport, but the fastest and most comfortable option is a taxi. The round trip costs about €40.
My Bangladeshi driver is incredibly helpful and chatty. On the ride, we talk about his life, Bangladesh, and his time in Abu Dhabi.
Arrival and entrance area
As soon as I step out, I realise the actual entrance is still a fair walk from the mosque itself. It’s not a problem—the visitor route winds through a mall with souvenirs and refreshments, making the walk easy. Long stretches are covered by banks of escalators.
Soon I reach the first checkpoint—the dress code. Check it before you go. My shorts just above the knee are accepted, but in general you shouldn’t show shoulders or legs. Definitely avoid anything too revealing.
Entry is free and the security screening is quick.
First impressions
I arrive in the evening, just after sunset. It’s quiet—no crowds. Monumental domes, white marble and reflecting pools, all washed in atmospheric lighting, make for a stunning sight. The blue-hour light is perfect for shooting exteriors.
Photography and getting around
The mosque’s website says tripods are allowed only outdoors. In practice, I can use mine throughout the visit—no one minds. Photography is permitted almost everywhere.
Staff keep an eye on things—if I stray off the marked route, they politely guide me back. My camera gear sparks curiosity among visitors and staff, who make it clear they’re pleased by my interest in the mosque.
I step inside. It’s grand, yet also rather cool and sterile. Some areas are for viewing only—you can photograph them from the threshold, but entry isn’t allowed.
Long colonnades alternate with more modest sections adorned with vivid mosaics. Corridors lead me to the main courtyard, arguably the most photogenic spot. It’s the busiest area, and at a few iconic viewpoints you might have to wait a moment for a clean shot. Still, everything feels calm and respectful. Even here, my fairly large tripod doesn’t bother anyone.
Leaving and heading back to the airport
The visit takes about an hour. Afterwards I hop on the small shuttle bus that takes me back to the on-site mall. If you forget to pick something up on the way in, this is your second chance.
I call my favourite Bangladeshi taxi driver again, and we even squeeze in a quick McDrive stop on the way to the airport.
Conclusion
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is exactly the kind of place you see once in a lifetime. Easy access, free entry and slick organisation make it a great addition to any stay in Abu Dhabi. With more time, I’d happily have explored more of the city’s icons, but on this transfer there just wasn’t time.
Facts about the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Official name: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
City: Abu Dhabi
Built: 1996–2007; the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates
Entry: Free
Photography: Allowed (tripods officially outdoors only, but commonly tolerated indoors too)
Visit duration: approx. 1 hour