20.05.2026
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Is it worth going to Dubai for the mosques or are they merely a beautiful backdrop for photographs? Dubai is a city where ultra-modern skyscrapers stand alongside magnificent mosques. Of the emirate's more than 700 mosques, very few are accessible to non-Muslims. This article will tell you which places you can actually visit, how to get there, and what you need to know in advance.
Who will find this information particularly useful? Those visiting the UAE for the first time who want to experience Islamic architecture without making any mistakes. You will learn about dress-code requirements, opening hours, route options and practical tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
Dubai has more than 700 mosques. The majority are intended exclusively for worshippers — non-Muslims are not permitted to enter. Only a handful of them offer non-Muslims the opportunity to experience Eastern religious culture from the inside. Mosques are just as integral a part of the city as the skyscrapers, the beach and the Gold Souk.
Jumeirah Mosque is officially open to tourists and accepts organised tours for guests of any faith. The Grand Mosque of Dubai is one of the oldest in the city — an active place of worship in the historic Bur Dubai district, close to the Dubai Museum.
The building has 45 domes and a tall minaret. Tourists can view the façade and courtyard from the outside; access to the interior is restricted, as the mosque is intended primarily for Muslims and worshippers.
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Many travellers include Sheikh Zayed Mosque in their itinerary. It is located in the neighbouring emirate of Abu Dhabi, approximately 130 km away from Dubai. This is one of the largest mosques in the world, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. It is open to tourists of all faiths. The majority of UAE tours include it as an essential stop.
Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few mosques in Dubai officially open to non-Muslims. Its motto is "Open minds, open doors." The building is admired for its traditional Islamic beauty and is considered one of the city's main attractions.
In the evening the mosque is illuminated — a glowing, snow-white silhouette against the night sky. The best time to photograph it from the outside is at sunset or just after.
The mosque was built in the 1970s and rebuilt in 1978. The architectural style is Fatimid Islamic. White marble and stone, two slender minarets and a large central dome create a distinctive silhouette against the urban backdrop. The façade is adorned with carved decorative elements. In front of the entrance is a small pool in which the dome is reflected.
The mosque is among the largest in Dubai. The interior of the prayer hall is captivating — austere and solemn at once. Adjacent to it is a well-kept courtyard, a pleasant place to stroll after the tour. For many travellers, this is their first encounter with Islamic art and the architecture of the modern UAE — a unique experience that is difficult to find in other mosques.
Tours for non-Muslims are held according to a set schedule. These are usually morning sessions from Saturday to Thursday — Friday is excluded as the day of prayer. The ticket price includes a guided tour, refreshments, and, if necessary, appropriate attire in accordance with the dress code.
Advance booking is recommended, especially during the high season from October to April. Schedules and reservations are available in advance on the mosque's official website.
The mosque is located on Jumeirah Beach Road, in the Jumeirah district — the address is easy to find on a map. From the city centre it takes approximately 15–20 minutes by taxi. It is also possible to get there by bus, though the route may require transfers. Tourists staying in hotels in the Jumeirah area or in Dubai Marina often make the journey by taxi in 10–15 minutes. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel serves as a useful landmark.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, approximately 130–140 away km from the centre of Dubai. The journey takes around 1.5 hours. Entry for tourists is free and the mosque is open to visitors of all faiths.
It is one of the largest mosques in the world and the main attraction of the UAE capital — its splendour draws millions of travellers every year. At night the mosque is particularly breathtaking: the snow-white domes glow in the darkness like a fairytale palace.
The mosque is named after the founder of the UAE — Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His mausoleum stands nearby. Construction took more than ten years and the mosque was inaugurated during the month of Ramadan. The cost of construction exceeded 600 million euros. Craftsmen from Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, Iran and other countries took part in the construction.
The entire building is clad in high-quality white marble. Eighty domes, four minarets approximately 115 metres tall, more than a thousand marble columns. The inner courtyard, covering approximately 17,000 sq m, is laid with a mosaic of floral patterns made from different varieties of marble.
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Fountains in the courtyard complete the composition — their reflection in the polished floor creates a special atmosphere. The décor incorporates 24-karat gold, lapis lazuli, amethysts, natural pearls and rock crystal.
The mosque impresses with its scale and detail. Several achievements are listed in the Guinness Book of Records: one of the world's largest carpets and one of the world's largest chandeliers.
The main prayer hall accommodates thousands of worshippers. The carpet, covering 5,627 sq m and weighing 47 tonnes, was created by 1,200 weavers and contains more than two million knots. Seven gilded chandeliers were crafted in Germany: the largest is approximately 10 metres in diameter and approximately 15 metres in height.
The Qibla wall — 23 metres tall and 50 metres wide — is decorated with the 99 names of Allah, rendered in Quranic verses in Kufic calligraphy.
The distance from the centre of Dubai is approximately 130–140 km. There is no direct public transport, so it is worth selecting a convenient mode of travel in advance.
It is best to allow a full day for the trip — factoring in the journey and the visit itself.
The clothing requirements are the same for all mosques in the UAE. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Shorts, vest tops, beachwear and form-fitting clothing are prohibited. Shoes are removed before entry, so flip-flops are the most practical option.
Loud conversation, embracing and kissing on mosque grounds are prohibited. During prayer times, tourists are asked to leave the prayer hall. Women are required to cover their heads with a scarf or shawl.
Below is a summary table of requirements by visitor category.
| Who | Clothing requirements | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Long trousers, a sleeved shirt, closed shoes or socks | Shorts and vest tops are not permitted |
| Women | Covered shoulders and knees, head scarf, loose-fitting clothing | An abaya and scarf are provided at the entrance if required |
| Children | The same requirements as for adults | Children are permitted; quiet behaviour is recommended |
Important! Failure to comply with the dress code is grounds for refusal of entry. It is better to check your clothing in advance rather than at the mosque gates.
At Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Jumeirah Mosque, staff at the entrance will provide a shawl or scarf if needed. Nevertheless, it is better to arrive already prepared — this will save time and spare you unnecessary inconvenience.
Opening hours and visiting conditions vary for each site. Jumeirah Mosque admits tourists according to a set schedule during morning hours from Saturday to Thursday — admission is paid and advance booking is recommended.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque is open daily and admission is free; however, it is closed to visitors during the five obligatory prayer times. On Fridays a special schedule applies. Visiting on weekdays is preferable, as the number of tourists is noticeably lower.
Below is a comparison table for the three main mosques.
| Mosque | Opening hours | Admission | For tourists | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jumeirah Mosque | Sat–Thu, morning hours | Paid | Open, guided tour | Advance booking recommended |
| Sheikh Zayed Mosque | Daily, except during prayer times | Free | Open to all | Special schedule on Fridays |
| Grand Mosque of Dubai | No restrictions outside | Free (outside) | Outside — freely accessible | Internal access is restricted |
For those who prefer an organised format, group and individual tours are available, some of which are conducted in Russian. Day trips from Dubai to Abu Dhabi typically include Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Qasr Al Watan palace and the Corniche waterfront — a full-day itinerary that allows you to appreciate the character and grandeur of the UAE capital.
During the high season — from October to April — places fill up quickly, so it is best to book well in advance. Popular routes often also include walks through historic neighbourhoods and a visit to the local bazaar — for souvenirs and atmosphere.
The mosques of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are more than religious sites; they are architectural masterpieces in the very heart of the United Arab Emirates, open to tourists from all over the world. Jumeirah Mosque offers the opportunity to admire traditional Islamic architecture and learn about UAE customs right in Dubai.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is worth a dedicated trip — its splendour leaves an unforgettable impression that stays with you long afterwards.
Preparing properly takes minimal effort: suitable clothing, advance booking and an understanding of the schedule, and your visit should proceed without any difficulties. The United Arab Emirates welcomes tourists openly; it is enough to show respect for local traditions.
Yes, but only Jumeirah Mosque — it is officially open to tourists of any faith. All other mosques in Dubai are closed to non-Muslims. Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi also admits all visitors.
Advance reservation is strongly recommended. During the high season — from October to April — places are taken quickly. Tours are held according to a set schedule during morning hours from Saturday to Thursday.
Clothing must cover the shoulders, arms and knees. A head covering is mandatory. At the entrance to Jumeirah Mosque and Sheikh Zayed Mosque, an abaya and scarf are provided if needed. It is better to arrive already wearing appropriate clothing — this will save you from waiting at the desk.
The journey one way takes approximately 1.5 hours. It is worth setting aside a full day for the trip, taking into account travel in both directions, the visit to the mosque itself, and, if desired, other attractions in Abu Dhabi.
No. Entry for tourists is free. The mosque is open daily, except during the five obligatory prayer times. On Fridays a special schedule applies — it is best to check the timetable in advance.
Yes, children are permitted at Jumeirah Mosque and Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Dress-code requirements apply to them as well. Inside, quiet behaviour is expected.
Article header image source: Bo Zhang / unsplash.com
