The white marble exterior gleams so brightly in the desert sun, it’s as if the walls have their own internal lighting source. Green manicured gardens, reflecting pools lined with azure blue tiles, and gem-colored flower mosaics, and hundreds of gold-topped pillars add sparkles of color that somehow increase the image of purity against the otherwise stark canvas. Unfortunately, a handful of ill-mannered visitors have a habit of smudging that purity. But a little thoughtfulness and a desire to be culturally competent can keep you from being one of those tourists.
Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is regularly cited as one of the most impressive buildings in the world – superlative in many ways. It is the third largest mosques in the world. It contains the world’s third largest chandelier, covered in a rainbow of countless Swarovksi crystals. The 180,000 square foot courtyard is the largest example of marble mosaic in the world. And the prayer hall is covered in the world’s largest hand-woven carpet, covering over 60,000 square feet, with over 2.2 hand-tied knots.
Opened in 2007 and named after the founder and first president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, the mosque is also an Islamic cultural center with a mission to “to be a global pioneer in highlighting the tolerant Islamic culture and enhancing cross-cultural communication.” With a public mission of sharing Islamic culture with those from other traditions, the mosque is open to visitors, regardless of faith, except for Friday prayer times. As a religious house of worship, however, there are certain rules and traditions that visitors must follow. Unfortunately, some visitors instead choose to live up to the ugly tourist stereotype.
Yes, it is hot in the UAE. But forget the fact that shorts and tank tops would be inappropriate – for men or women – in many settings throughout Abu Dhabi; this is religious building. Dressing scantily wouldn’t be acceptable in a Christian cathedral, a Jewish synagogue, or a Buddhist temple; the same is true here. To be clear, appropriate dress for a mosque is long, loose-fitting, trousers or skirts for men or women, and sleeves that cover the upper arms. Women are required to wear headscarves, but the mosque generously lends scarves to visitors free of charge, allowing those who don’t have their own an opportunity to visit.
Unfortunately, the number of selfie-obsessed Westerners who continuously flout these rules for their own selfish desire to have a picture without a bit of cloth on top of their heads is disheartening. Despite the blatant and all too regular disrespect of some tourists, the security guards remain patient, politely reminded people that clandestinely slipping off their headscarves is not acceptable. While these fashion rules may not by your tradition, if you choose to visit, you should respect the rules. That’s what travel is all about. Experiencing a culture on its terms is the only way to truly appreciate it. Even if we ultimately decide particular foods, traditions, or experiences aren’t for us, at least we’ve lived the experience and have an informed position from which to speak. But if we treat the world as if it’s just a backdrop for the perfect selfie to decorate an Instagram feed, we are missing the whole point of travel.
Getting there: The Mosque is located at the intersection of Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street and 5th Street near where several of the major routes out of the city cross to the mainland. There is free onsite parking.
Hours: Saturday – Thursday 9:00 am to 10:00 pm; Fridays, 4:30 – 10:00 pm
Admission: Entrance is free. If you need a headscarf, go to the visitor’s center upon arrival.
Website: for more details and updated free guided tour times, visit http://www.szgmc.ae/en/mosque-opening-hours