Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Dress Code & Rules (Quick Guide)

Dress Code For All Visitors To The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Mosques are deeply respected places of worship in the Muslim world. Therefore, wearing conservative clothing is essential when visiting any mosque. The Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque enforces particularly strict clothing requirements, as it welcomes large numbers of tourists daily. So, what should you know?

• Both men and women must cover their arms and legs.
• Skirts and shorts shorter than ankle-length should not be worn.
• The mosque strictly prohibits transparent, tight-fitting, and figure-revealing clothing.
• The principle of modesty applies not only to clothing but also to accessories. Avoid large, flashy jewelry. If you still choose to wear accessories, prioritize modesty and minimalism.

Women’s Dress Code:

• Arms must be covered up to the wrists, and legs up to the ankles. You can wear long, loose-fitting trousers or a long dress. Choose breathable fabrics such as cotton.
• Clothing should not highlight body contours, so jeans, tight pants, fitted shirts, or similar garments are not suitable. Clothing must be completely loose-fitting.
• Shoulders and neckline must be covered.
• Hair must be fully covered.
• The only visible body parts should be the face, hands, and feet.

If you don’t have appropriate clothing, don’t worry. You can visit a small souk near the mosque to purchase a full-body garment and a headscarf at a reasonable price. Since this is a sacred place for Muslims, it’s essential to respect the site and its traditions. Dress conservatively and follow the recommendations.

Men’s Dress Code:

• Men’s clothing must cover the legs, so avoid wearing shorts. The best option is long, loose-fitting trousers.
• For the upper body, choose long-sleeved shirts. You can wear T-shirts, but they must not have short sleeves. The shortest acceptable sleeves should reach the elbows.
• Avoid clothing with decorative patterns, images, or text.
• Like women, men should wear loose-fitting clothes that do not emphasize body shapes.

If men’s clothing doesn’t meet the dress code, staff will direct them to a place to purchase appropriate garments.

Source: The official website of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

General Rules For Entering The Sheikh Zayed Mosque

• Do not bring laptops, cigarettes, lighters, food, or drinks.
• Every tourist must be registered. Visitors need to enter their personal details into a special registration system to receive a ticket. Keep this ticket with you throughout your visit, as security may ask to see it several times.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited within the mosque grounds.
• You can take photos on the mosque’s premises, but you need permission to photograph people. Avoid posing provocatively or inappropriately.
• Men cannot enter the women’s prayer area.
• Follow all posted signs, as some areas, such as those reserved for worshippers, may have restricted access.
• Before entering the mosque, set your phone to silent mode. If you are listening to music through headphones, ensure that others cannot hear it.

Best Time To Visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque

It’s difficult to give a definite answer to this question, as the mosque’s appearance changes throughout the day depending on the sunlight and, after sunset, special lighting effects. Some visitors find it most enchanting in the morning light, others prefer the midday view, while many are captivated by the magical sunset or the breathtaking illumination at night. Consider what appeals to you most and choose the time that works best for you. Or perhaps you have the entire day to explore? If so, you’re truly fortunate!

In my opinion, the best time to visit the Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque is early in the morning, right after it opens, or later in the evening, about two hours before closing. This is when the crowds are smaller, and you can enjoy a peaceful, serene atmosphere

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Visiting Hours

• Saturday to Thursday: The mosque is open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Fridays: Visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., after which the mosque closes for Friday prayers. It reopens at 3 p.m. and remains open until 10 p.m. as usual.

Please note that visiting hours may change due to Ramadan, holidays, or other events, so check official sources before planning your visit.

Best Photography Spots

While walking around the mosque, pay attention to the marked photography points where you can capture stunning views of both the interior and exterior. I’m confident you’ll take many amazing shots, but if you’re looking for an extraordinary photo, head to the Wahat Al Karama Memorial. This unique viewpoint offers a breathtaking, distant view of the mosque. Since it is located outside the mosque grounds, I recommend visiting it after your tour. The view is especially impressive at sunset, when the mosque glows with its nighttime illumination.

To reach the Wahat Al Karama Memorial, the best option is to take the shuttle bus, which runs daily every half hour from 10:00 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., departing from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque visitor area. You can also reach the memorial by taxi or on foot via the pedestrian bridge, which takes about 10–15 minutes.