Look: With night tours, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque now open to visitors 24 hours daily

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) has unveiled the 'Sura' Evening Cultural Tours, a unique program offering exceptional service and enriching cultural exchange within the mosque premises.

These exclusive tours, offered from 10 pm to 9 am, allow visitors to explore the mosque after hours, immersing them in its beauty and serenity. Reflected in the Centre's strategic plan, these evening tours elevate the visitor experience to international standards, sharing a message of tolerance and cultural unity globally. This solidifies the mosque's position on the world tourism map.

The 'Sura' Evening Cultural Tours cater to time-constrained visitors, especially those on international transit flights, providing a distinctive chance to experience the iconic religious, national, and cultural landmark beyond regular hours. Acknowledging these time constraints, the Centre has expanded visiting hours to accommodate both domestic and international travelers.

By extending hours beyond the official schedule, the mosque ensures 24/7 accessibility for everyone to experience its magnificence. Visitors can book and request to join the "Sura" Evening Cultural Tours through SZGMC's website: https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/club-car-bookings-night.

The name "Sura" reflects the mosque's commitment to reviving Arab and Islamic cultural heritage, emphasising the Arabic language's vocabulary and meanings, chosen for its significance in symbolizing the night march and its presentation within the mosque's premises.

The 'Sura' Evening Cultural Tours cater to time-constrained visitors, especially those on international transit flights, providing a distinctive chance to experience the iconic religious, national, and cultural landmark beyond regular hours. Acknowledging these time constraints, the Centre has expanded visiting hours to accommodate both domestic and international travelers.

The evening tours also unveil the mosque's Islamic architecture in a breathtaking new light, synchronised with a mesmerising lunar illumination system.

The illumination begins with a subtle blue light synchronised with the crescent, gradually intensifying until it reaches a radiant white colour in harmony with the full moon. Subsequently, the brightness diminishes, transitioning into a deep blue shade corresponding to the moon's disappearance. This enchanting cycle repeats, offering a truly captivating experience.

Lasting 40 minutes, the ‘Sura’ Evening Cultural Tours unfold through the El Delleel multimedia audio guide. This innovative device takes participants on a captivating journey, seamlessly blending engaging virtual reality technologies with the mosque's real-world splendor. The experience comes alive with immersive sensory clips, synchronised audio and visual effects, and interactive virtual activities that leave a lasting impression.

The tour further engages visitors with interactive 3D maps, projecting real-time elements of the mosque along their route. Children can enjoy a dedicated program of games and activities.

To ensure inclusivity, the guide offers content in 14 languages and caters to diverse needs, including accessibility features for the visually and hearing impaired. This thoughtful approach allows everyone to discover the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre's vital role in fostering a tolerant Islamic culture and building bridges of understanding across diverse communities.

Beyond its breathtaking architecture, the tour delves into the mosque's vibrant life, showcasing its unique features in worship, initiatives, and diverse activities. The architecture is inspired by the finest achievements of Islamic civilization throughout history, reflecting the beauty of cultural harmony and diversity in one creative work.