Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Introduces Entry Fee of Dh5 for UAE Residents and Dh10 for Tourists as Landmark Draws Over 3 Million Guests in First Half of 2026

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi has introduced an entry fee for visitors effective mid-September 2026, charging Dh10 for tourists, Dh5 for UAE Emirates ID holders, and Dh8 for those visiting through tour operators. Worshippers and visitors aged 60 and above continue to enter free of charge, and guided cultural tours remain free for individuals and groups. The change represents a significant shift for the landmark, which has traditionally offered free general access to visitors, though the mosque has also introduced additional paid experiences including entry to the Light & Peace Museum and Diya, a 360-degree immersive experience, at Dh25 each or Dh40 together. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre welcomed 3,127,607 guests during the first half of 2026, comprising 1,841,305 worshippers and fasting guests, 1,241,808 visitors from various nationalities, and 44,494 users of the Centre's recreational walking track. International tourists accounted for 78 percent of visitors, highlighting the mosque's growing prominence in global cultural tourism. Asia accounted for 52 percent of visitors, followed by Europe with 31 percent. By country, India ranked first, followed by China, Russia, the United States and Germany. The mosque was built between 1996 and 2007 and opened in December 2007, envisioned by UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as a place promoting tolerance, coexistence and dialogue between cultures. The introduction of admission charges comes as the mosque experiences growing international demand and reflects a broader shift in how Abu Dhabi's cultural attractions are positioned and managed. Visitors must book tickets via the official website szgmc.gov.ae, with visiting times from 9am to 8:30pm Saturday through Thursday and from 9am to 11:30am then 2:30pm to 8:30pm on Fridays. Guests are asked to secure their bookings no longer than one month before the visit date. The centre no longer lends abayas to visitors who arrive wit