Located in the central neighborhood of Al Mushrif in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, the Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque offers a unique window into the nation's commitment to religious co-existence. Originally built in 1989 as the Mohammed Bin Zayed Mosque—named after the Ruler of Abu Dhabi—the site underwent a meaningful transformation on June 14, 2017. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan chose to rename the mosque to honor Mary, Mother of Jesus, who remains a deeply respected figure in Islam. This thoughtful initiative highlights the shared values and harmony among different faiths within the UAE.
Visiting this site allows you to appreciate a landmark that actively bridge cultures and beliefs. As you explore the area, you will notice its remarkable location at one corner of a vibrant Christian community. The mosque stands right beside numerous church complexes, including St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Church of St.
Anthony, and St. Andrew's Church. Seeing a prominent Islamic place of worship side by side with historic Christian churches provides a powerful, real-world reflection of interfaith unity in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
What to see at Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque
- Originally constructed in 1989 as Mohammed Bin Zayed Mosque
- Renamed in 2017 to honor Mary, Mother of Jesus, a respected figure in Islam
- Serves as an initiative exemplifying values of religious co-existence in the UAE
- Situated in Al Mushrif, a central neighborhood of Abu Dhabi
- Located directly alongside several church complexes, including St. Joseph's Cathedral
Visiting tips
Take time to explore the surrounding Al Mushrif neighborhood to see how the mosque stands directly alongside neighboring churches like St. Andrew's and St. Joseph's Cathedral.
How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque is easy to reach on Abu Dhabi’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Louvre Abu Dhabi. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Abu Dhabi travel guide.
See the full Abu Dhabi travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.