A visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the popular things to do in Abu Dhabi, but visitors should now plan for a small entry charge. According to a report updated on September 18, 2026, entry to the landmark is no longer free for all visitors.
UAE residents holding a valid Emirates ID will be charged AED 5, while tourists visiting Abu Dhabi will have to pay AED 10. The new fee applies to visitors entering the mosque complex, making it important to check the ticket details before planning a visit.
There are also categories that can enter without paying the standard fee. Visitors aged over 60 can get free entry, while children below the age of three and people of determination are also eligible for free access.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Entry Fee And Exemptions
The new pricing structure keeps the entry cost relatively simple, with the amount depending on whether the visitor is a UAE Emirates ID holder or a tourist. UAE residents with an Emirates ID pay AED 5, while international visitors pay AED 10.
The exemption for senior visitors, young children and people of determination means that not everyone visiting the mosque will need to purchase a paid ticket. Visitors should check the applicable requirements when making their reservation.
Tickets can be booked through the official website of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. Visitors can also make their reservations up to one month before their planned visit, which can be useful during busy travel periods.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Visiting Hours
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomes visitors for most of the week, although Friday timings are divided into two separate periods. From Saturday to Thursday, visiting hours are from 9 AM to 8:30 PM.
On Fridays, visitors can enter from 9 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by an afternoon and evening visiting period from 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Those planning a Friday visit should therefore keep the midday closure in mind.
The mosque is not only a place of worship but also an important cultural attraction in Abu Dhabi. Its opening hours allow tourists and residents to explore the complex while also learning more about its history and cultural significance.
Cultural Tours Are Also Available
Visitors who want more than a self-guided visit can also take part in cultural tours organised by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. These tours generally last between 30 and 45 minutes.
The tours focus on the mosque’s cultural role and its message of coexistence and tolerance. They also provide information about the history and story behind the construction of the grand landmark.
Cultural tours are available at fixed times during the week. From Monday to Sunday, tours are scheduled at 11 AM, 1 PM and 5 PM, while Friday tours are available at 11 AM and 5 PM.
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Remains A Major Abu Dhabi Attraction
The introduction of an entry fee comes as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque continues to attract millions of people. In the first half of 2026 alone, the mosque welcomed more than 3.12 million guests, including worshippers, people attending Iftar and visitors from different nationalities.
The figures included 1,841,305 worshippers and people attending Iftar, while 1,241,808 visitors came from different nationalities. This highlights the mosque’s role as both a religious site and a major visitor attraction in Abu Dhabi.
The mosque is also the largest mosque in the UAE and was envisioned by the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Its architecture has made it one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UAE.
What Makes Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Special?
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is known for its striking white marble architecture, huge courtyards and detailed Islamic designs. The complex features 82 white marble domes and more than 1,000 columns, creating its distinctive appearance.
One of its major attractions is the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, along with large crystal chandeliers that form a major part of the mosque’s interior. These features continue to draw visitors interested in architecture, culture and photography.
For tourists visiting Abu Dhabi, the mosque offers an opportunity to experience an important part of the UAE’s cultural and religious heritage. With the new entry fee now in place, visitors should check their applicable ticket category, book ahead when required and keep the visiting hours in mind before arriving.