Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

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The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates' largest mosque, stands as an ambitious synthesis of Mughal and Moorish architectural traditions designed by architect Yusef Abdelki. Constructed between 1994 and 2007, the sprawling complex covers more than 12 hectares and measures approximately 290 by 420 meters, with its main axis rotated 12° south of true west to align toward Mecca. Commissioned by the late UAE president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan—who was buried in its courtyard following his 2004 death—the mosque was conceived to unite the cultural diversity of the Islamic world with both historical and contemporary architectural values. The facility houses administrative offices, a library in the northeast minaret containing rare Islamic publications in multiple languages, and serves as the principal place of daily Islamic worship in the country. Since its inauguration in December 2007, it has hosted numerous state visitors and has twice been ranked by TripAdvisor as the world's second favorite landmark.