Sheikh Zayed Mosque 🇦🇪

As the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi serves as the country's key place of worship for daily Islamic prayers and stands as a globally celebrated architectural marvel. Launched by the late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to unite the cultural diversity of the Islamic world with modern architectural values, this serene white marble complex spans over 12 hectares.

You will discover inspiration drawn from Persian, Mughal, Moorish, and Indo-Islamic heritage, featuring 82 domes, four 107-meter minarets, and over 1,000 columns. Explore the vast courtyard showcasing the world's largest marble mosaic, embellished with intricate floral designs by British artist Kevin Dean using marble inlaid with lapis lazuli, amethyst, and mother of pearl.

Inside the main prayer hall, marvel at the world's largest hand-knotted carpet—woven with over two billion knots—and gaze up at one of the world's largest chandeliers incorporating millions of Swarovski crystals and 24-carat gold. Beyond its stunning design, the complex houses a specialized library in its northeast minaret offering multi-language publications on Islamic arts, sciences, and calligraphy.

What to see at Sheikh Zayed Mosque

• The world's largest hand-knotted carpet in the main prayer hall, crafted by over 1,200 knotters.
• Seven Faustig chandeliers incorporating 24-carat gold gilding and millions of Swarovski crystals.
• The world's largest marble mosaic courtyard decorated with vibrant floral inlays designed by Kevin Dean.
• The Qibla wall featuring the 99 names of God written in traditional Kufic calligraphy with fiber-optic lighting.
• Reflective arcade pools that showcase illuminated columns and dynamic lunar-phase projections at night.

Visiting tips

Visit the library located in the northeast minaret to browse classic books and rare publications covering Islamic arts, sciences, and calligraphy in English and other languages.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening

How to get there & what’s nearby

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is easy to reach on Abu Dhabi’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Louvre Abu Dhabi and Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Abu Dhabi travel guide.