As mentioned at the beginning , I had to decide which time of the day to visit.   

In the summer months bear in mind the heat which can get pretty uncomfortable - but then also will have less people visiting during the day especially high noon. 

Otherwise if you are looking to photograph the mosque with less people around ,then try to be the first to get into the mosque as soon as it opens or before it closes.       

A popular time for visitors is 5:30pm which could mean a crowd but then you are able to catch the mosque with the sunset and the blue and golden hours which I am sure you have seen on Instagram. 

Entrance to the mosque is Free, However you have to pre-register your visit online from this link   

You will receive an email confirmation with a QR code that you can print out or scan from your phone. If you did not register don't fret! there are still kiosks to register before the security check at the mosque.

*Tip: Do the pre-registration from home before your visit to save time of doing it on-site.

As a place of worship, the dress code is strict here. Take care to follow the guidelines. The most common thing that gets ladies turned away is the bare ankles showing - if the gown is not long enough to cover the ankles. A quick fix is to wear long socks. Ensure that you have a head scarf for covering your hair. 

People could rent abayas from the mosque in the past, but this service has been discontinued. 

If you are looking to buy reasonably priced abayas : check out the shops in the underground mall of the mosque. The shops above are more pricey. 

Keep in mind that there is a security check point to pass through before being allowed entrance to the mosque. To make things smoother : just don't bring anything that could make passing through difficult. In other words , just bring what you need.

I had with me my handbag with my wallet with a small water bottle, mobile phone, my Sony Alpha camera with an additional lens. I breezed right through. 

I decided to leave my tripod behind. Reason behind is it is not clear if a tripod is allowed. The officials from the mosque says that tripods are allowed outside of the mosque but not inside ???  It is understandable that you should be sensitive to photograph people who are praying - you definitely should get permission from the person you wish to photograph. 

I decided to leave my tripod behind. Reason is it is not entirely clear if a tripod is allowed. The officials from the mosque says that tripods are allowed outside of the mosque but not inside ???  It is understandable that you should be sensitive to photograph people who are praying - you definitely should get permission before taking the picture.

There are security people all over the place keeping a watchful eye that the visitors keep to the areas that is allowed. Therefore if there are many people during your visit, the security people could hurry you along and you will have no chance to setup your tripod. 

My advice is , if you have to bring it, then choose something smaller and less conspicuous. 

*Tip: Try to avoid bringing what some might consider professional looking photography gear - as there is another form to fill if it looks like the photo shoot is for formal purposes. 

Not officially - however you are advised to approach the security staff for assistance and they could help keep your belongings in the cloak room. 

The usual length inside is from 1 - 2 hours to marvel at the Mosque. In the end , there is a limited path where you can walk around in. However if you are interested to photograph the mosque then absolutely more time is required. 

Yes. There are timed tours conducted for free by the mosque officials known as the Cultural tour.  Check here for the tour timings. These tours last about 30 - 45 minutes. 

The famous singer was asked to leave the mosque for posing inappropriately for photos in 2013.  The mosque is a sacred worship place and it is deemed disrespectful for fanciful striking poses. 

*Tip: If they can kick Rihanna out ....