Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Abu Dhabi
Assalamualaikum, and Welcome to My Journey through Abu Dhabi!
As I continued my exploration of the Middle East, we ventured southwest to the quieter yet culturally rich capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. Often overshadowed by its flashy neighbor, Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a city on the rise, with a slower pace of development that gives it a more exclusive feel. Although public transportation like a metro isn’t fully in place yet, this adds to the charm and exclusivity of the city. But today, I’m here to take you to one of its most stunning landmarks—the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Marvel of Islamic Architecture
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late president of the UAE, had a vision of transforming Abu Dhabi into a global attraction. His dream took form in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a place of awe-inspiring beauty, luxury, and grandeur.
Welcome to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, spanning over 30 acres (not including parking and landscape areas). Completed in 2007 after 11 years of meticulous work, this mosque is an architectural wonder with details sourced from over 13 different countries.
Key Features of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Incredible Minarets and Domes: The mosque boasts 4 minarets, each standing 107 meters tall, and 82 domes of varying sizes. The entire exterior is covered in pristine white marble from Prilep, Macedonia, symbolizing purity and unity.
World’s Largest Carpet: The mosque is home to the largest carpet in the world, located in the main prayer hall. Designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi, this magnificent carpet spans over 5,000 square meters and took around 2 years to complete with the help of over 1,300 artisans.
Magnificent Chandeliers: Imported from Munich, Germany, the mosque features seven chandeliers, adorned with millions of Swarovski crystals. These chandeliers are among the largest in the world, second only to Reflective Flow in Doha.
Unique Water Features: Surrounding the mosque are beautifully designed reflective pools, which highlight the columns of the structure. By night, the lighting design adds a magical glow to the mosque, bringing it to life under the stars.
Mother of Pearl Columns: The 96 columns in the main prayer hall are decorated with intricate mother-of-pearl inlays, showcasing a rare and exceptional level of craftsmanship.
The Qibla Wall: This striking wall features the 99 names of Allah in Kufic calligraphy, illuminated by subtle fiber-optic lighting that creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere for worshippers.
A Historical and Spiritual Landmark
Another unique feature is the mausoleum of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, located on the north side of the mosque. Though photography is not allowed, it’s a beautiful and serene resting place for the visionary leader who brought this architectural marvel to life.
Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a deeply spiritual experience, even if you're not Muslim. It’s a place of reflection, beauty, and awe—a must-see for any visitor to Abu Dhabi.
Final Thoughts: An Unforgettable Experience
This was my third visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and I’m still in awe every time I see it. I’ll be sharing more photos from my visit on Instagram—so stay tuned!
If you’re planning a trip to Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque should be at the top of your itinerary. It’s more than just a mosque—it’s a testament to the cultural and architectural brilliance of the UAE.
Until next time, as I continue to explore the beauty of Abu Dhabi!
وداعا (Goodbye!)
