If people ask me about how many wonders are in the world, I think my answer will be eight, not seven, because the 8th wonder is The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, also known as White Pearl of the Gulf. Plan your trip to the magical place you will remember the whole life. It is crazy to know that the Mosque capacity is 41,000 people. This place is voted third favorite landmark in the world by Trip Advisor.
I have been to the place with Cruise Ship a couple of times every time I feel it a more beautiful and peaceful place. If you are coming with a cruise ship, then you can take tours from cruise ships to this beautiful place with a tour guide who can share a lot of information while you are roaming in the area, or you can take a taxi from outside the port. It will take 15-20 minutes from the cruise port to this magical place.
Facts about the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest in the UAE and 3rd most extensive in the world.
The carpet within the main hall is the largest within the world.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque holds a number of the foremost beautiful chandeliers, and one among them is that the third-largest within the world! The chandelier has Swarovski crystals and imported from Germany.
There are 96 columns within the main prayer hall, inlaid with mother of pearl and marble.
ENTRY FOR THE SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE
The best thing about the Mosque is it’s free of cost to enter, so you don’t have to think about money. One more bonus point is that you can join free guided tours (check it here.)
You have to fill a form in Ipad when you go inside, and you get a ticket. I think it is to know how many people are coming to the Mosque. You don’t have to feel uncomfortable about this because it will not ask for any private information, just the country you come from and some general questions.
Opening times for THE SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE
09:00am – 10:00pm Saturday to Thursday
04:30pm – 10:00pm Fridays
The best time to visit the place is in the evening until the night it is wonderful. You can go in the morning also, but please bring sunglasses because it’s all white and on a nice sunny day it’s bright for the eyes.
Ramadan times are different
09:00 am – 10:00 pm Saturday to Thursday
04:30 am – 10:00 pm Friday
In Ramadan, the tours are only at 10:00 am so be prepared.
If you are also a photographer, then you can visit the place at sunset time. It is stunning, and also I been in the night in front of the Mosque with an artificial pond filled with water, and you can click reflection of the Mosque.
Dress Code
You are in UAE, a Muslim country, so you have to be prepared to cover up the body adequately. The dress code is pretty strict inside the Mosque. If you are a woman, they will give you Abaya, and that also costs nothing. You can also choose the color and size for you. There are two different lines for women and men, so that you will get Abaya after a security check. Please go to the Mosque in Proper dress and check on the website if Abayas are available or not.
Click here for information about the dress code.
As a photographer now my Tips for the Mosque
If you are planning to stay 3-4 days in the UAE, it is a great chance to click some amazing pictures, follow my idea. You have to cover the site in Day and also in the evening and the night. It is terrific, and you can always check Pinterest for ideas. Tripods are not allowed in The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Don’t even think about the flying drone. I know it will be cool shot with the drone, but it is not permitted.
In the evening, the lights are so beautiful that it almost looks magical. Try to go in front of the Mosque across the road for the best picture.
Click here if you want to know how I make 360° photos.
Drinks and food are not allowed inside the Mosque, and they will check your bag in the security when you come inside, so don’t take any food. If you want to eat or drink coffee you can before going to the Mosque and there are a lot of cafes on the road.
UAE is hot, especially in the summertime, and if I say hot, I mean extremely hot, so be prepared for it.
So this is all, and I hope you will enjoy the place as I do. If you want to hear one more tip, then I can say sit somewhere for some time alone. It will give you so much peace in your heart. Last but not least, click as much as possible and share with me on Instagram and tag me with hashtag #travelwithvineet.
