The Grand Zabeel Mosque, officially named the Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Mosque, is one of the largest mosques in Dubai and a landmark of the Za’abeel district. Completed by Dubai Municipality in 2012 in Za’abeel 1, near Zabeel Palace, Dubai World Trade Centre and Zabeel Park, it holds around 4,000 worshippers inside and features two minarets, a grand arched courtyard and a separate ladies prayer hall. The mosque is a place of worship that is not open to the public for tourism or sightseeing, so this guide shares its history, architecture, location and the attractions, hotels and food spots around it.
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Table of Contents
Grand Zabeel Mosque at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Mosque (Zabeel Grand Mosque) |
| Address | 25th Street, Za’abeel 1, Dubai |
| Completed | 2012, built by Dubai Municipality (work started in 2008) |
| Capacity | About 4,000 worshippers inside, with more in the courtyard during Eid |
| Built up area | 14,255 square metres |
| Main use | Five daily prayers, Friday prayers and Eid prayers |
| Public access | Not open to the public for tourism or sightseeing |
History and architecture of the Grand Zabeel Mosque
Dubai Municipality began building the mosque in 2008 and handed it over in 2012. It was named after the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the ruler who led Dubai’s early growth into a modern city. According to the Dubai Municipality project page, the mosque has a built up area of 14,255 square metres.
The building spreads over two floors. Worshippers enter through a large open courtyard framed by arches and decorative ceilings with star and geometric patterns, which leads into the main prayer hall for 3,000 people. A separate daily prayer hall holds 500, and the ladies prayer hall on the first floor holds another 500 with its own side entrance and parking. Two minarets, an ablution building, sabeel drinking water points and landscaped grounds complete the complex.
Where is the Grand Zabeel Mosque located?
The mosque sits on 25th Street in Za’abeel 1, a central district between Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Rashid Road and Oud Metha. It is a few minutes by car from Dubai World Trade Centre, DIFC and Downtown Dubai, and roughly 15 to 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport, depending on traffic.
- Address: 25th Street, Za’abeel 1, Dubai.
- Nearby landmarks: Zabeel Palace, Dubai World Trade Centre, Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame and the Museum of the Future.
- Nearest metro stations: Max (formerly Al Jafiliya) and World Trade Centre on the Red Line.
- Nearest bus stop: Qasr Zabeel Road, about 500 metres away.
Is the Grand Zabeel Mosque open to tourists?
No. The Grand Zabeel Mosque is not open to the public for tourism or sightseeing. There are no tours, tickets or visitor programmes, and it is not listed as a tourist attraction. It serves the Za’abeel community and official religious occasions and Eid prayers.
If you would like to step inside a mosque with a guide, visit Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai, which hosts cultural tours for non Muslim guests, or plan a day trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi. Dubai’s Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque, is another beautiful mosque worth seeing.
Mosque etiquette in the UAE
- When you visit a UAE mosque that welcomes guests, such as Jumeirah Mosque or the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, wear loose, modest clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and knees.
- Women are asked to cover their hair before entering.
- Shoes are removed before stepping onto the prayer carpet.
- Keep phones on silent and speak quietly.
- Never photograph worshippers during prayer.
Interesting facts about the Grand Zabeel Mosque
- It honours the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the ruler who led Dubai’s growth into a modern city.
- Dubai Municipality lists a capacity of 4,000 worshippers inside: 3,000 in the main hall, 500 in the daily prayer hall and 500 in the ladies hall.
- The complex covers a built up area of 14,255 square metres and has two minarets.
- Its arched courtyard has decorative ceilings with star and geometric patterns.
- It is different from the Grand Mosque in Bur Dubai, an older mosque near the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood with Dubai’s tallest minaret.
Things to do near the Grand Zabeel Mosque
Although the mosque itself is not open to tourists, Za’abeel is one of Dubai’s most central districts and home to some of the city’s best known attractions:
- Zabeel Park: A large green park with picnic lawns, a lake and jogging tracks.
- Dubai Frame: The giant picture frame inside Zabeel Park with views of old and new Dubai.
- Museum of the Future: The landmark torus building on Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Zabeel Palace: The royal palace is not open to the public, but its gates and gardens can be seen from outside.
- Dubai World Trade Centre: Hosts major exhibitions and events throughout the year.
- Al Seef Dubai: A heritage style waterfront on Dubai Creek, close to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the Grand Mosque in Bur Dubai.
Hotels near the Grand Zabeel Mosque
These hotels are close to the mosque and are listed for information only:
- One&Only One Za’abeel: A luxury hotel in the One Za’abeel towers next to Dubai World Trade Centre.
- Jumeirah Emirates Towers: A classic business hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road near the Museum of the Future.
- voco Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road: A modern hotel near the metro, good for city breaks.
- Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai: A practical choice for event visitors.
- Rove Trade Centre: A budget friendly option close to Max metro station and Zabeel Park.
- Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre: A boutique luxury stay in DIFC.
Where to eat near the Grand Zabeel Mosque
- Karama: Just beside Zabeel Park, famous for affordable Indian, Pakistani, Kerala and Filipino eateries.
- One Za’abeel and DIFC: Upscale restaurants, cafes and rooftop dining a few minutes away.
- Al Seef and Bur Dubai: Emirati restaurants, creekside cafes and traditional Arabic coffee spots.
- Satwa: A local favourite for shawarma, grills and late night bites.
For more ideas, read our Dubai travel guide for food lovers.
Plan your Dubai trip with White Sky
Planning a trip to Dubai to explore Za’abeel and the city’s landmarks? White Sky Travel and Tourism can arrange your flights, hotels and transfers, and you can spread the cost with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card instalments for up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to plan your trip.
Related Articles
Keep exploring Dubai and the UAE with these guides:
- Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai: History, Location, Timings and Visiting Tips
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi UAE: Visitor Guide
- Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque: A Visitor’s Guide to Dubai’s Blue Mosque
- Zabeel Park Dubai: Timings, Entry Fee, Gates and Things to Do
- Visit and Book Dubai Frame Ticket: Get Tickets with Tamara or Tabby – Skip the line
- Visit Museum of the Future in Dubai
- Zabeel Palace UAE: Discover Royal Luxury and History
- Al Seef Dubai: Things to Do, Restaurants, Hotels and How to Get There
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Grand Zabeel Mosque located?
The Grand Zabeel Mosque is on 25th Street in Za’abeel 1, Dubai, close to Zabeel Palace, Dubai World Trade Centre, Zabeel Park and the Dubai Frame.
What is the official name of the Grand Zabeel Mosque?
Its official name is the Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Mosque, named in honour of the late Sheikh Rashid, a pioneer of modern Dubai. It is also called Zabeel Grand Mosque or Zabeel Mosque.
How many worshippers can the Grand Zabeel Mosque hold?
Dubai Municipality lists a capacity of about 4,000 worshippers inside: 3,000 in the main prayer hall, 500 in the daily prayer hall and 500 in the ladies prayer hall. The courtyard and arcades take larger crowds during Eid.
When was the Grand Zabeel Mosque built?
Work began in 2008 and Dubai Municipality completed the mosque in 2012. It has a built up area of 14,255 square metres.
Can tourists visit the Grand Zabeel Mosque?
No. The Grand Zabeel Mosque is not open to the public for tourism or sightseeing and has no tours or tickets. Travellers who want to see inside a mosque can join a cultural tour at Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai or visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Is the Grand Zabeel Mosque the same as the Grand Mosque in Bur Dubai?
No. The Grand Mosque in Bur Dubai is a separate, older mosque near the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood with Dubai’s tallest minaret. The Grand Zabeel Mosque is in Za’abeel 1 and opened in 2012.
What is the nearest metro station to the Grand Zabeel Mosque?
There is no metro station inside Za’abeel. The closest are Max and World Trade Centre stations on the Red Line. The nearest bus stop is Qasr Zabeel Road, about 500 metres away.
Does the Grand Zabeel Mosque have a prayer area for women?
Yes. The ladies prayer hall is on the first floor with its own side entrance and a separate car park for women.
What attractions are near the Grand Zabeel Mosque?
Nearby attractions include Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame, the Museum of the Future, Dubai World Trade Centre and Zabeel Palace, which can be seen from outside.
Conclusion
The Grand Zabeel Mosque, or Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Mosque, is one of Dubai’s largest and most significant mosques, known for its elegant arched courtyard, capacity for around 4,000 worshippers and its role as a place of worship for the Za’abeel community. It is not open to tourists, but the Za’abeel district around it is home to Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame and the Museum of the Future. When you are ready to plan your Dubai trip, contact White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 for flights, hotels and transfers with easy instalment options.
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