Inside Sheikh Zayed Mosque: the main prayer hall
The main prayer hall holds about 7,800 worshippers under large domes, with columns, a carpet that covers the whole floor and three chandeliers overhead. Two further halls, one for men and one for women, hold 1,500 people each.
Those numbers describe prayer use, not the number of visitors who can be in the hall at once. Visitors follow set routes through the building. Ask at the visitor centre which areas are open to you and whether any extra charge applies.
For hours and Friday rules, see the opening hours page. To see the interior with a guide, look at Sheikh Zayed Mosque tours.
The interior in numbers
Figures for the finished interior. Where values differ slightly, a range is given.
| Feature | Figure | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Main prayer hall | About 7,800 worshippers | Prayer capacity, not a visitor limit |
| Men's and women's halls | 1,500 each | Separate prayer halls |
| Carpet | 5,400 m², 35 tonnes | Up to 5,700 m² is quoted |
| Carpet material | About 70% New Zealand wool, 30% cotton | Nine pieces joined on site |
| Chandeliers | 7 | 3 in the main hall, 4 smaller in the foyers |
| Largest chandelier | 12 m wide, 15.5 m high | 15,500 LEDs |
For the figures on the domes, columns and minarets, see the architecture page.
Our pick: inside with a guide
A guide explains the prayer hall, the carpet and the chandeliers on this half day with mosque entry.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided visits to Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Guided half-day tours and day trips that include the mosque, with live prices and availability. Check whether the mosque entry fee is included and which areas the tour visits.
The hand-knotted carpet
The carpet covers the floor of the main prayer hall. It weighs about 35 tonnes and measures 5,400 m². It is made of about 70% New Zealand wool and 30% cotton. It was made in nine parts that were sewn together on site.
About 1,200 craftspeople worked on it for roughly two years, from design to knotting. It was listed by Guinness World Records in 2007 as the largest hand-knotted carpet. The wool is from New Zealand, which does not say where the carpet was made.
Whether you can step onto the carpet or only look at it depends on the visitor route on the day, so do not count on walking across it.
The seven chandeliers
The mosque has seven chandeliers: three hang under the domes of the main prayer hall, and four smaller ones hang in the foyers. They are made of gold-plated stainless steel with a 24-carat coating and set with Swarovski crystals. The date palm is the design motif.
The largest chandelier is 12 m across and 15.5 m high, and it contains 15,500 LEDs.
Marble, inlay and glass in the entrance halls
The parts of the interior that most visitors see first are the foyers.
Entrance hall
The south atrium has a chandelier and richly decorated walls.
Floral inlay
Flowers made of semi-precious stones are set into white marble walls, and similar inlay work appears on the outer columns.
Marble floors
The floor of the foyer carries marble inlay, so look down as well as up.
Glass flowers
A glass window with a flower motif brightens the anteroom.
A decorated dome with a lamp covers the anteroom of the prayer hall.
What visitors can see
Visitors enter through the visitor centre and follow marked routes. Access to the interior areas, including the prayer hall and the carpet, depends on the route, the time of day and prayer times. Do not assume a particular room will be open.
Dress rules apply for everyone. Women wear loose, opaque clothing to the ankles, with sleeves to the wrists and hair covered. Men avoid transparent, tight or sleeveless tops, and covered legs are recommended. Keep your voice low and your phone silent.
Private photos are allowed at the marked photo stops. Professional shooting needs permission.
Timing your visit for the interior
The interior is where timing matters most. Outside Ramadan, visitor hours run from 09:00 to 20:30, with the last entry at 20:00. On Fridays the mosque closes to visitors from 11:30 until 14:30, and the main prayer hall can stay closed until 15:00. If you want the hall, avoid Friday mornings and plan for a weekday.
The free public cultural tours start at 11:00, 13:00 and 17:00 on most days, and at 11:00 and 17:00 on Fridays. A tour lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, sometimes up to 60. It is a good way to hear the story of the carpet and the chandeliers while you stand in front of them. All times are on the opening hours page.
During Ramadan, the schedule and the tour times change. Check the current timetable before you go.
Inside Sheikh Zayed Mosque: frequently asked questions
How many people fit in the main prayer hall?
About 7,800 worshippers. The men's and women's prayer halls hold 1,500 each. These are prayer numbers, not visitor limits.
How big is the carpet?
About 5,400 m² and 35 tonnes, made of about 70% New Zealand wool and 30% cotton. Up to 5,700 m² is quoted.
How many chandeliers are there?
Seven: three under the domes of the main hall and four smaller ones in the foyers. The largest is 12 m wide and 15.5 m high.
Can visitors enter the prayer hall?
Visitors follow set routes, and access to interior areas depends on the route and the time of day. On Fridays the main hall can be closed to visitors from 12:00 to 15:00. Ask at the visitor centre on the day.
Does it cost extra to see the interior?
Ask at the visitor centre whether any extra charge applies to the area you want to see. Entry fees are on the tickets page.
Is this the official website of the mosque?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not the website of the mosque, its visitor centre or any government body.