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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Layover Exploration
Discover the architectural wonder of Abu Dhabi with a short 4-6 hour tour to the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an iconic symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage. Open daily from 9 am to 10 pm, this mosque stands as a testament to Islamic artistry, showcasing intricately designed domes, reflective pools, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. Whether you're on a layover or simply searching for an unforgettable experience, this short tour offers a glimpse into the traditions and marvels of the United Arab Emirates.
Embark on your journey with the completely free Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle bus, designed to give explorers easy access to the city's wonders. To reach the Sheikh Zayed Ground Mosque, take Bus #8 from Abu Dhabi Airport Stop 27 with departure timings at 9:05, 12:05, 16:05, and 19:05. Return trips to Abu Dhabi Airport Stop 27 are equally convenient, departing from Sheikh Zayed Ground Mosque Stop 22 at 11:15, 14:15, 18:15, and 21:15. If you prefer a personalised ride, Taxis, Uber, and Careem are readily available, ensuring a seamless experience in exploring Abu Dhabi.
Highlights
4 hours
Bus, Car
Highlights
4 hours
Bus, Car
Day 1 highlights
Get ready to experience Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a symbol of architectural grandeur and cultural richness. Travel effortlessly aboard the free Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle bus, and upon arrival, embrace the tranquillity of this iconic site. Don't miss the reflective pools, intricate domes, and the main prayer hall with its hand-knotted carpet and Swarovski chandeliers.
Dress modestly or rent attire on-site, explore the mosque's library, and take advantage of the available guided tours for an enriching experience. With well-maintained facilities and convenient return options, this short tour is a snapshot of Abu Dhabi's elegance and hospitality.
Stop 1
Recommended Time: 1 hours
With more than 50 airlines flying to and from some 102 destinations in over 56 countries, Zayed International Airport has been recognised by the World Airport Awards, with the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ accolade going to this airport more than once.
The airport’s Terminal 1, with design and architecture reflecting traditional Emirati elements set in a high-end, ultramodern ambience, delivers a five-star travel experience.
The home of Etihad Airways – the national airline of the United Arab Emirates – Terminal 3 welcomes travellers to plush Etihad lounges and an award-winning concierge-style check-in. Impressive retail is managed by DFS, the world’s largest luxury retailer, and is complemented by upmarket restaurants and cafés.
The soon-to-come Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), a centrepiece of Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s (ADAC) multibillion-dollar investment programme, will provide a full terminal building, passenger and cargo facilities, duty-free shops and restaurants for between 27-40 million people a year in the future.
Are you flying into Abu Dhabi? Click here for full flight information.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is also well connected to the rest of the emirate by numerous bus services. For more information on bus services, fares and schedules, or to download bus routes, click here.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Stop 2
Recommended Time: 1 hours
When you enter Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you will understand why it is such a special place. Here, people from all walks of life come together to take in the architecture's beauty and gain a deeper understanding of religion and culture in the United Arab Emirates. The mosque is one of the world's largest and was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - the Founding Father of the UAE. He envisaged the creation of a welcoming and cultural haven that inspires people from all backgrounds.
Even the construction was a cultural collaboration. The grand structure was designed and built by skilled teams from all over the world, including 1,300 Iranian artisans who hand-knotted the main prayer hall's carpet - the world's largest.
On your journey through the marbled halls, you'll see one-of-a-kind treasures, including gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the courtyard's vast marble mosaic artwork and reflective pools that mirror some of the many amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns. When you're outside, look up to see the mosque's four stunning minarets that proudly stand at 106 metres.
Stop 1
Zayed International Airport
Recommended Time: 1 hours
With more than 50 airlines flying to and from some 102 destinations in over 56 countries, Zayed International Airport has been recognised by the World Airport Awards, with the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ accolade going to this airport more than once.
The airport’s Terminal 1, with design and architecture reflecting traditional Emirati elements set in a high-end, ultramodern ambience, delivers a five-star travel experience.
The home of Etihad Airways – the national airline of the United Arab Emirates – Terminal 3 welcomes travellers to plush Etihad lounges and an award-winning concierge-style check-in. Impressive retail is managed by DFS, the world’s largest luxury retailer, and is complemented by upmarket restaurants and cafés.
The soon-to-come Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), a centrepiece of Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s (ADAC) multibillion-dollar investment programme, will provide a full terminal building, passenger and cargo facilities, duty-free shops and restaurants for between 27-40 million people a year in the future.
Are you flying into Abu Dhabi? Click here for full flight information.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is also well connected to the rest of the emirate by numerous bus services. For more information on bus services, fares and schedules, or to download bus routes, click here.
