Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE
This is much further away from the airport and so you can take a moderately priced taxi or take bus E100 from the Bur Dubai bus station (located next to the Al Ghubaiba metro stop) to Abu Dhabi. Alternatively, you can take bus E101 from the Ibn Battuta Metro Station as well.
In this post, you’ll see my latest photos from this spot and tips on how to get there.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque, A Brief History
Commissioned by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father and first president of the United Arab Emirates, the mosque was intended to unify cultural diversity and celebrate Islamic architecture on a grand scale. Construction began in 1996 and took over a decade to complete, officially opening to the public in 2007. The design incorporates elements from Persian, Mughal, and Moorish architecture, blending traditional Islamic styles with modern craftsmanship.
Built to accommodate over 40,000 worshippers, the mosque features 82 white marble domes, more than 1,000 columns, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. Its reflective pools and intricate floral mosaics create a serene and majestic atmosphere, particularly at sunset and during nighttime illumination. Beyond being a place of worship, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque serves as a cultural landmark that promotes tolerance, education, and a deeper understanding of Islamic values.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Photos
How to get to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque
If you're planning a visit to the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, here's a step-by-step guide on how get there, including flight details, transportation options, and estimated costs.
You can fly into the Abu Dhabi International Airport (Airport Code: AUH) which is the closest airport to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Upon landing, your options for reaching the mosque include:
Taxi or Private Car
Duration: 25-30 minutes from AUH to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Cost: 70-90 AED ($20-$25 USD).
Ride-Sharing Services (Uber, Careem)
Duration: 25-30 minutes.
Cost: Around 70-90 AED ($20-$25 USD).
Public Bus (A1 Route)
Duration: 45-60 minutes.
Cost: 4 AED ($1 USD).
Bus Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Hotel Shuttle (if available)
Duration: 30-45 minutes depending on your hotel.
Cost: Free or included with your hotel package; check with the hotel.
The Dubai International Airport (Airport Code: DXB) is a much more connected airport in the region that most travelers fly through. You can also fly here and reach the mosque using the options below:
Taxi or Private Car
Duration: 1.5-2 hours from DXB to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Cost: 250-300 AED ($70-$80 USD).
Ride-Sharing Services (Uber, Careem)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Cost: Similar to taxis, approximately 250-300 AED ($70-$80 USD).
Intercity Bus (E100 Route)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Cost: 25 AED ($7 USD).
Bus Frequency: Runs every 30 minutes from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Car Rental
Duration: 1.5-2 hours drive.
Cost: Prices vary based on rental company and car type, typically starting around 150 AED ($40 USD) per day.
Some other visitor information to consider about the Sheikh Zayed Mosque include:
Opening Hours of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM (closed Fridays until 4:30 PM).
Dress Code: Modest attire required; women should cover their hair.
Entry Fee: Free entry for all visitors.
When to see the Sheikh Zayed Mosque
As mentioned before the opening hours of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque are from 9a, to 10pm everyday and is closed on Friday until 4:30pm. Most people opt for sunset and night time for great photos. I went during the day since my layover dictated I had to be near the airport during the sunset time period.
Photographing the Sheikh Zayed Mosque
There is no denying the opulence of this mosque, and surely it is fascinating to see what a place of worship as this would look like with unlimited financial resources. The decorations are elaborate and ornate and every part of this mosque, inside and out, is impressive. You will have to take off your shoes upon entering (standard procedure for a muslim place of worship and conservative dress is strongly suggested, covering the knees and shoulders, and for women, the head). Also, tripods are NOT allowed in the mosque.
Here is a breakdown of places to photograph in and outside of the mosque:
Exterior & Courtyard
Main Entrance Archway
Perfectly frames the mosque’s main domes with architectural symmetry.
Best captured at sunrise or sunset for warm, glowing marble tones.
Reflective Pools Along the Colonnade
Stunning mirror effect of arches and domes, especially during blue hour or nighttime when the mosque is illuminated.
Ideal for long-exposure or smartphone reflection shots.
White Marble Courtyard (Sahan)
Massive open space with floral tilework and iconic domes in the backdrop.
Wide shots work best to emphasize symmetry and scale.
Domes Viewed from the Outer Garden
Beautiful angle framed by palm trees or greenery.
Best photographed during golden hour or sunset for soft contrast and depth.
Symmetrical Courtyard Reflection (from North Gate)
Clean, geometric shot with domes, arches, and marble all in frame.
Perfect for minimalist compositions and centered shots.
Interior & Architectural Detail
Main Prayer Hall
Home to the world’s largest carpet and grand chandelier.
Use a wide lens to capture the scale; great for ornate close-ups too.
Colonnade Arches with Gold-Tipped Columns
Repeating arches and floral-inlaid columns offer dramatic depth.
Fantastic for leading lines, silhouettes, or portrait backgrounds.
Interior Archways Framing the Chandeliers
Shoot through the inner arches to create framing effects around the massive Swarovski chandeliers.
Best in soft lighting or during natural light transitions.
Ceiling and Dome Interiors
Look up to photograph intricate dome patterns, Arabic calligraphy, and gold accents.
Perfect for detailed architectural close-ups.
This is the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral in Lille, France. My time in Lille was such a pleasant surprise, probably because my only French experience was in Paris. This cathedral, at least from the air, is gorgeous and the interior is just the same as well. It was a peaceful place to be and made my Lille trip quite memorable.