When talk to people about traveling to the UAE perhaps the most common question we get is regarding the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi Dress Code. No trip to Abu Dhabi is complete without making a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque but it does require a bit of planning especially in relation to your outfit. In this guide we round up the Sheikh Zayed Mosque Dress code alongside some outfit inspiration and information for your visit.
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi Dress code
Whenever you are visiting a Muslim country I think the main question you have is regarding dress code. And this is of course amplified when you are visiting a religious site in an Islamic country i.e. the Blue Mosque in Istanbul for instance.
Overall I would say that the key to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is to dress modestly. This includes:
- keeping yourself covered from ankles to wrists
- no overly tight or revealing clothing
- nothing see-through.
And these rules apply to both men and women. For some reason people tend to think rules are religious sites (i.e. at churches in Italy. such as the Vatican City or temples in Thailand or Bali), only apply to women but this really isn’t the case.
So how does this dress code translate to what to wear to in the mosque itself!
What to Wear to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for Women
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque dress code for women means that you must be covered from ankles to wrists. Also it is one of the few places in the UAE where you will be required to cover your head.
However your outfit for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi will depend on whether you plan to wear an abaya over the top of your outfit or not.
We often get a lot of questions about whether you need to wear an abaya at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. I think the reason for this is because you see many people in photos wearing them. And the truth is you do not have to wear an abaya if you are appropriately dressed.
This means that you must be covered to your ankle and your wrist as well as not having overly revealing, see through or tight clothing.
Therefore the best things that you could wear to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as a woman that would meet the dress code include:
- A Maxi Dress – this would need to be down to your ankle with no slit that reveals the leg. Have long sleeves and not be low on the back or your chest.
- A Maxi Skirt – this would need to be down to your ankle with no slit that reveals the leg.
- Loose Cool Cotton or Linen Trousers
- A Blouse – It would need to be loose and long sleeved and not revealing on the chest. And although we recommend light weigh fabrics the blouse should not be sheer even when hit by light.
When I go to the Grand Zayed Grand Mosque I usually wear Long loose trousers or a Maxi Skirt paired with a long sleeved dark coloured blouse.
I also always take a pashmina with me wherever I go in Abu Dhabi or the Middle East generally for an extra layer or for modesty. However this is necessary for the Mosque where you will need a head scarf to cover your hair.
However even though my outfits usually comply with the Abu Dhabi Mosque dress code I usually opt to borrow one of the mosque abayas anyway. The reason I do this is because I feel like it is a more respectful and authentic experience however this is personal choice.
However if you plan to get an abaya there I would advise wearing loose and cool clothes anyway as to prevent overheating and also to be respectful in the entrance hall.
Please note: please check with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque re abaya rental as the rules have been changing since Covid.
What to wear at Sheikh Zayed Mosque for Men
The Sheikh Zayed Dress Code for men means that like for women you must be covered to your ankle and wrist.
When my husband visits the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi he wears cool cotton ankle length trousers and a long sleeve shirt.
Shorts are not permissible for men or women at the mosque and in many other places in Abu Dhabi. For more information check out this Abu Dhabi Dress Code.
Best Shoes for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
As with any mosque, you are required to remove your shoes to enter the mosque building. Therefore for this reason we recommend wearing slip on shoes.
We either choose to wear slip on slip off sneakers such as Go Walks by Sketchers when we visit Abu Dhabi during Winter or after the rain (the marble in the mosque can get VERY slippy) or in the summer we wear sandals with arch support.
How to dress Children for a visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
It is worth noting that small children do not need to adhere to the same regulations as adults who it comes to dress code if they are yet to hit puberty.
However I always dress my little ones respectfully when in religious sites and longer length items can also help with sun protection.
Other Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque top Tips.
Posing for photography
Photography is permitted at the Mosque in Abu Dhabi and trust me you will want to take lots of photos. The building is truly stunning. However please be respectful in your posing. Rihanna was kicked out of the mosque (rightly so) for inappropriate posing.
Food and drink at the sheikh zayed grand mosque
Food and drink is not permitted at the mosque and will be confiscated at security before you enter. However if you do need food or drink while at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque please note that there is an outlet serving coffee within the grounds.
But we always try and hydrate well before we head to the mosque.
FAQS About Abu Dhabi Mosque Dress Code
Can you wear shorts to the Grand Mosque at Abu Dhabi?
No you can’t wear shorts to the grand mosque. You need to be covered to the ankle so shorts are not permitted to be worn at the Mosque.
Can you wear jeans to Grand Mosque?
Yes you can wear jeans to the Grand Mosque providing that they are not ripped and go down to your ankle. However we would not recommend skinny jeans for the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque as this goes against the ethos of the rules.
Just consider that in the summer jeans may be very hot to wear at the mosque.
Can you wear ripped jeans to Grand Mosque?
No you can’t wear ripped jeans to the Grand Mosque unless you wear an abaya over the top.
Can you wear skinny jeans to Grand Mosque?
You shouldn’t wear skinny jeans to the grand mosque unless you plan to wear an abaya on top as these are too tight fitting to be appropriate mosque wear.
Do you have more questions about the Abu Dhabi Mosque Dress code? Leave any questions below and we will answer as soon as we can.