Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi Dress Code and Etiquette Guide 2025

The Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi dress code must be followed; as spiritual feelings are important to the Muslim community. The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi always remains at the top of every visitor’s list of destinations to visit. The Grand Mosque is one of the finest destinations in the city and the largest in the UAE. The question arises whether visitors should know about the dress code of the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi before arriving. This is beneficial as visitors arriving at the destination should wear clothes according to mosque regulations.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is Abu Dhabi’s jewel. The iconic destination is easily accessible via Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street or Airport Road. Tourists arriving in Abu Dhabi and willing to witness the city’s famous landmark can visit its official website and get the necessary details. Entry to the mosque is free. You do not need to purchase any tickets. Read on to know more.

Design and Structure of the Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque was built by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Grand Mosque is a pleasant blend of various architectural styles, including Islamic, Moorish, Ottoman, and modern architecture. It is spread over an area of 22000+ sq. feet. The build-up area of the Grand Mosque is 240000 square feet, which includes the main hall for prayer, courtyard, and various other sections of the mosque. Apart from the main prayer Hall, the mosque has a lecture Hall and a library where you can gain knowledge about Islamic history & its development over the years.

Dress Code in Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi

There are different dress codes for men and women entering the Grand Mosque. You can learn about the Mosque dress code through the Grand Mosque website. The correct dress code for both men and women is given in details on the website. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque dress code that needs to be followed before entering the mosque’s premises is stated on the information board. It is clearly written in both English and Urdu. In addition, photos in the mosque show how and what to wear.

Women’s Dress Code for the Grand Mosque

The mosque dress code for female visitors in Abu Dhabi includes wearing modest clothing. Women travelers willing to visit the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi should follow specific dress code guidelines. The dress code ensures that they provide respect to the Muslim community, culture & religion.

• Women’s Clothing attire: Women visiting the mosque should ensure that their outfit covers their arms, legs, and chest. Long-sleeved tops and full-length skirts are appropriate to wear on the premises.
• Head Scarf: Women visiting the mosque should cover their hair with a headscarf. The mosque’s administration has proper arrangements to provide free abayas and headscarves for visitors who do not have them.
• Loose-Fitting Clothes: Women visitors are welcome to wear loose-fitting attire. Visitors must keep in mind that the body, head, and hair must be covered.
• Wear Closed-Toe Shoes: While shoes are not worn inside the prayer areas, closed-toe shoes are advisable as they are easy to remove and put on.
• Avoid Revealing Clothes: See-through clothing is strictly prohibited, and avoid wearing miniskirts and high heels.
• No Tight-Fitting Clothes: Dresses that are too tight and accentuate your body shape are unacceptable.

Dress Code for Men in The Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi

Men travelers who want to visit the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi should also follow specific dress code guidelines. Their dress code must show that they provide respect to the Muslim community, culture & religious values. Here are the essential guidelines:

• Long Pants: Men must wear long trousers that cover the legs completely. Shorts are not allowed.
• Covered Shoulders: Shoulders must be covered, so sleeveless shirts or tank tops are prohibited. A long-sleeved shirt or at least a T-shirt with sleeves is appropriate.
• No Transparent Clothing: Clothing should not be transparent or see-through.
• Respectful Attire: Men should avoid clothing with offensive slogans or images. Their dress should be modest and respectful of the religious setting.

Dress Code for Children at The Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi

The dress code for children wanting to go to the Grand Mosque is very similar to that of adults. The rules of attire emphasise modesty and respect for the religious and cultural significance of the masterpiece.

1. For Boys:
Long Pants: Boys should wear long trousers that fully cover their legs. Shorts are generally not permitted; this rule is strictly applied to slightly older children.
Covered Shoulders: Exactly like adults, boys should wear full-sleeve shirts that cover their shoulders, and sleeveless tops are not allowed.
Kufii: You must wear taqiyah or kufi, also called a Muslim topi.

2. For Girls:
Modest Clothing: The girls’ attire requirements include dress material that covers their arms and legs. They opt to wear knee-length skirts, and tops that cover the shoulders are recommended.
Headscarf: When it comes to girls of younger age groups, they may not be strictly required to cover their heads. For older girls, this is mandatory for those who have reached the age of puberty. The mosque provides headscarves if needed.

General Guidelines:
No Transparent or Tight Clothing: Children’s clothing should not be tight-fitting or see-through.
Shoes & Sandals: Shoes should be kept out in separate cabinets kept outside the mosque.
Maintain Silence: Though it is not mandatory to keep quiet, speaking in a light tone is preferred as it is a place of worship.

Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi Etiquettes & Tips

There are several etiquette rules that must be followed during your visit to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. To ensure a respectful visit, follow all the rules related to the mosque. Here are some key etiquette and tips:

• Dress Modestly: People visiting the mosque must follow the dress code, which requires modest attire for both men and women. Women are advised to cover their hair with a scarf and wear an abaya or long, loose clothing. Men are advised to wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves.
• Remove Shoes: The visitors must remove their shoes before entering the mosque’s prayer areas. Shoe racks are provided at the entrances where you can keep your shoes.
• Maintain Silence: Yes, the Grand Mosque is a great place to visit and admire the beauty of the structure and different aspects of the masterpiece. Still, it remains the fact that a mosque is a place of worship; it is essential to maintain silence within the premises of the building. Visitors must avoid loud conversations and keep their mobile phones in silent mode.
• Photography Etiquette: You can take photos on the mosque’s premises, but you must get permission before taking pictures of individuals. Steer clear of offensive or suggestive poses.
• Respect Prayer Times: If you are going to visit the Grand Mosque during prayer times, be respectful and avoid walking in front of those praying.
• Prohibited Items: No laptops, cigarettes, lighters, food, or beverages are allowed.
• Mandatory Visitor Registration: All visitors are required to register. To obtain a ticket, visitors must input their personal information into a unique registration system. Security may ask to see this ticket multiple times during your visit, so keep it with you.
• No Smoking Allowed: It is completely forbidden to smoke on mosque property.
• Restricted Access for Men: Men are not permitted in the women’s prayer area.
• Respect Restricted Areas: Pay attention to any signs that are posted because access to some locations, such as those designated for worshippers, may be restricted.
• Observe Phone Etiquette: Put your phone on silent mode before you enter the mosque. Make sure no one else can hear you if you are wearing headphones to listen to music.
• The Ideal Season to Visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque: Since the mosque’s appearance varies during the day based on the sunshine and, after nightfall, special lighting effects, it is challenging to provide a definitive response to this question. Many tourists are enthralled by the stunning illumination at night or the enchanted sunset, while others like the noon vista. Choose the time that works best for you by taking into account what most appeals to you.
• Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi Timings: The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is open all days. It has specific visiting hours for the general public. Here are the general timings:
• Regular Visiting Hours: On normal days, the Grand Mosque is open for the public to visit from Saturday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays. On Friday, the visiting hours are from 9:00 AM to 12 noon, after which the mosque closes for Friday prayers. It reopens at 3:00 PM and remains open until 10:00 PM as usual.

Note: The mosque is closed to visitors on Friday mornings to accommodate the Jummah (Friday) prayers.
During Ramadan: The mosque is open even during the month of Ramadan. However, during Ramadan month, admistration and visiting hours may be changed. Typically, during Ramadan, the mosque is open to the public later in the afternoon and remains open until later in the evening. Visitors should check out the specific timings during Ramadan.

Highlights of The Grand Mosque

The mosque has the most extensive handmade carpets covering the main prayer Hall. The Grand Mosque can accommodate as many as 40,000 worshipers at a time. The main dome measures 85 meters in height and 32.8 feet in diameter. It is a popular attraction among visitors. In addition to the main dome, there are 107 smaller domes in the mosque.

One of the mosque’s main highlights is the chandelier in the main dome. It is counted among the most enormous chandeliers in the world. The central chandelier is 33 feet in diameter and 49 feet in height and is made of 24-carat gold.

FAQs: Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi Dress Code and Visitor Etiquette

Final Words

Seeing Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque is more than just taking in its stunning architecture; it’s a spiritual and cultural experience that calls for awareness and respect. By adhering to the dress code and etiquette rules, you not only respect the mosque’s sanctity but also help create a more welcoming and courteous atmosphere for all guests. Each gesture, whether it’s dressing modestly, acting politely, or adhering to photography guidelines, improves your visit and creates a lasting sense of respect.