Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must see for any visitor to Abu Dhabi! Established by the founder of the U.A.E. Sheikh Zayed, its brilliant white domes (there are 82 of them!) topped with gold finials greet every visitor as they head into Abu Dhabi. The Mosque is uniquely situated between all three bridges connecting the island with the main land and when you drive by at night the Mosque will be lit with different shades of bluish grey depending on which phase the moon is in.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Beyond all of the domes, one of the other striking qualities of the Mosque is the pure white marble cladding of the external surfaces. On the inside courtyard of the Mosque, white marble columns are inlaid with floral designs and topped with gold palm features.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The courtyard is also inlaid with intricate mosaic floral designs and some of the ceilings feature raised vine and leaf patterns keeping with the peaceful garden theme that runs through the design of the Mosque. Reflecting pools and water features surround the Mosque creating a beautiful and tranquil environment.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The main prayer hall features the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet featuring an Islamic medallion design. The main prayer room has space for 10,000 worshipers and the exterior courtyard room for an additional 30,000! The main prayer hall also features a massive 12 ton crystal chandelier embedded with Swarovski crystals. There are several other smaller chandeliers inside the halls and foyers that also feature Swarovski crystals.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open for visitors Saturday-Thursday from 9 am to 10 pm. There is a daily ‘walk-in’ tour that I recommend. It is free and was in English. This was a nice way for us to get a little more information, context and history from our Mosque visit. Note that the tour times are different during the Holy Month of Ramadan so you will want to check if you plan to visit during that time. For more info including appropriate Mosque dress code and behavior please visit The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center site.
My parents at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
