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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Countries in the atlas · Middle East and North Africa

UAE

Beyond the skyscrapers of Dubai: the marble Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Hajar Mountains at Hatta and the dunes of the Empty Quarter by the Liwa Oasis.

Russian passport: visa-free · 90 daysprices ×1.9 vs Russia

Photo: PotatoWitch · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Photo: PotatoWitch · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Access 1/5 · easyJFMAMJJASOND

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest in the world: white marble, reflections in the pools, chandeliers and floral inlay. At sunset the marble changes colour.

The mosque is open to visitors; clothing should cover arms and legs, and women need a headscarf.

Getting there
From Dubai, about 1.5 hours by car or bus; from Abu Dhabi airport, 20 minutes.
Fees and tickets
Entry for visitors from abroad is 10 dirhams with online registration at szgmc.gov.ae; free tours are in English and Arabic.
Sources (4)
Hatta
Photo: Clintonrebeiro · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dubai, UAE

Hatta

Access 2/5 · fairly easyJFMAMJJASOND

Hatta is Dubai’s mountain enclave near the border with Oman. A turquoise reservoir among the rocks, kayaks, trails and cycling routes — the opposite of the city.

Here too is an old heritage village with fortified towers. The season is the cooler months, from November to March.

Getting there
From Dubai, about 1.5 hours by car or on the Hatta Express bus.
Sources (2)
Liwa Oasis and the Rub’ al Khali
Photo: Clémence Jacqueri · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Liwa Oasis and the Rub’ al Khali

Access 3/5 · needs planningJFMAMJJASOND

South of the Liwa Oasis begin the dunes of the Rub’ al Khali, a sea of sand the size of several European countries. Moreeb Dune is one of the highest in the world.

People come here for the silence, the stars and the sunrise over the sands. Moreeb Dune hosts a festival with 4x4 races and camel races.

Getting there
From Abu Dhabi, about 2.5–3 hours by car; into the dunes only by 4x4 with an experienced driver.
Why it’s hard
An ordinary car cannot get into the dunes, and summer heat above 45 °C is dangerous. You need a 4x4, an experienced driver, water and a way to stay in touch — or a tour.
Sources (1)

Before you go

UAE: entry, safety, money, flights, laws and budget — with sources.

Entry

Russian citizens: visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days (2018 agreement). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

Rules for any passport

Checked 2 November 2026. These are the rules for a Russian citizen with an international passport on a tourist trip. For other passports and purposes, see the official website — the button above.

Sources (4)

Safety

The Russian Foreign Ministry advice to refrain from travel, issued on 03.03.2026 because of fighting in the region, was lifted on 19.06.2026. On 15.07.2026 the Ministry urged those in the Persian Gulf countries to be careful: stay in touch with your tour operator and airline, take shelter if there is a missile threat, and do not film air defence in action.

Sources (4)

Money and cards

The Mir card does not work, and UnionPay cards of Russian banks are not accepted everywhere. Bring dollars in cash — changing them into dirhams is easy.

Sources (1)

Flights

Direct flights by Aeroflot and other airlines to Dubai and Abu Dhabi resumed in June 2026; Dubai and Abu Dhabi are major hubs for onward connections.

Sources (6)

Laws and bans

  • Sheikh Zayed Mosque: a strict dress code, photography only in marked areas, no food, drinks or e-cigarettes; flying over the mosque only with permission.
  • Controlled medicines (strong painkillers, sleeping pills) may be brought in only under UAE rules — check on the official website in advance.
  • UAE rules on photographing people, public decency and drones are strict; for this page they could not be officially checked.
Sources (1)

Budget

prices ×1.9 vs Russia · price level 0.69 (US = 1), 2025

Prices are almost twice as high as in Russia. Entry to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque for visitors from abroad is 10 dirhams; summer is cheaper, but the heat goes above 45 °C.

The price level is the ratio of purchasing power parity for household consumption to the market exchange rate (World Bank). These are national averages: resorts and capitals cost more, the countryside less. Flights are not included.

Sources (1)