Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Shiekh Zayed Grand Mosue is symbol of unity and peace. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in the capital city of Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is named after the founding father of the UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque the mosque is a symbol of cultural and spiritual unity that reflects the Islamic heritage of the country and architectural brilliance. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was opened in 2007 for public and it serves as a place of worship, a center for learning and a breathtaking attraction for visitors from around the globe.

 

Features of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a stunning masterpiece of Islamic architecture that blends traditional and contemporary design elements from cultures around the world. It is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty, intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance as one of the largest mosques in the world. Below is the detailed look at its key features:

·         Grand Scale and Architecture: The mosque spans over 22412 square meters which is equivalent to the size of five football fields and it can accommodate over 41000 worshippers at a time. Its mean it is a huge place. The design of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque draws inspiration from Islamic, Moorish, Mughal and Ottoman architectural styles that reflect a harmonious blend of global cultures at one place. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is constructed using pure white marble which was imported from Greece and Macedonia to symbolize purity and peace. The mosque is adorned with semiprecious stones, gold, crystals, ceramics and glass mosaics which makes it one of the most intricately designed structures in the world.

·         Domes and Minarets: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features 82 domes of varying in size and design. The largest dome in Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is  located in the main prayer hall. This is one of the largest dome in the world which is measured 85 meters high and 32.8 meters in diameter. The mosque has four minarets each standing 107 meters tall and positioned at the four corners of the courtyard that represents traditional Islamic architectural elements.

·         Largest Hand Knotted Carpet: The main prayer hall houses the largest hand knotted carpet of the world that spans over 5700 square meters and weighing approximately 35 tons. This carpet was created by 1200 artisans from Iran. The carpet features intricate floral and geometric designs inspired by traditional Persian art. This carpet is made from wool and cotton which is dyed with natural colors for a rich and vibrant finish.

·         Grand Chandeliers: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features seven chandeliers with the largest being 15 meters tall, 10 meters in diameter and approximately 12 tons in weight. This chandelier is hanging in the main prayer hall. It is the third largest chandelier in the world. These chandeliers are made from millions of Swarovski crystals, with gold plated brass and stainless steel. The chandeliers combine Islamic geometric patterns with contemporary design, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

·         Reflective Pools: The reflective pools surrounding the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are among its most enchanting features beauty and serenity of mosque. The reflective pools are located along the exterior corridors of mosque to complement the pristine white marble facade. The pools create a mirror like effect that doubles the visual grandeur of the mosque. When the mosque is lit at night, the reflective pools enhance the celestial glow to give a breathtaking view. Reflective pools are a common feature in Islamic architecture to symbolize purity, peace and the connection between heaven and earth.

·         Intricate Calligraphy: The interior and exterior of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque walls are adorned with calligraphy of Quranic verses which is written in Thuluth, Kufic and Naskh scripts by renowned calligraphers. The mihrab is adorned with stunning Quranic calligraphy which is a semicircular niche in the main prayer hall and indicates the direction of Mecca. The inscriptions are crafted in gold and other precious materials that reflect Islamic devotion to artistic excellence. The calligraphy serves as a visual reminder of teachings of Islam to foster a sense of spirituality and reverence among worshippers and visitors.

·         Unique Lighting System: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has a unique lightening system based on theme of moon light. This unique lighting system reflects the phases of the moon.The intensity of the lights changes based on the cycle of moon to create a serene and celestial ambiance. The mosque emits a soft bluish white glow at night to enhance its ethereal beauty.

·         Main Prayer Hall: The main prayer hall of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the heart of this architectural marvel. Main prayer hall spans over an impressive space that can accommodate over 7000 worshippers at once. The hall is adorned with 96 columns and each column is crafted from white marble and inlaid with intricate floral patterns. A breathtaking 15 meter high chandelier adorned with millions of Swarovski crystals and gold plated finishes dominate the ceiling. This is the third largest chandelier of the world. The floor of the main prayer hall has largest hand knotted carpet of the world which covers 5700 square meters of area. This carpet is made by over 1200 artisans in Iran which showcase intricate Persian designs. Quranic verses in gold calligraphy embellish the walls and the qibla wall of the main prayer hall. The 99 names of Allah are written on the walls in Kufic script and illuminated by fiber optic lighting. The main prayer hall exemplifies the fusion of Islamic tradition and modern artistry that leaves visitors and worshippers alike in awe of its spiritual and architectural beauty.

·         Courtyard: The courtyard of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a breathtaking space that spans approximately 17,000 square meters. This is one of the largest mosque courtyards in the world. The courtyard of Shiekh Zayed Mosque can accommodate tens of thousands of worshippers during Friday prayers and Eid celebrations. The courtyard is adorned with an exquisite floral mosaic design which is crafted from semi precious stones such as amethyst, lapis lazuli and mother of pearl. The design of courtyard seamlessly blends traditional Islamic architecture with modern artistic techniques and it is surrounded by elegant arches and colonnades. The courtyard transforms into a magical space as it reflects the moon inspired lighting system of mosque at night which create a serene and celestial atmosphere. The open air setting combined with its intricate details and sheer scale invite worshippers and visitors alike to experience the spiritual and cultural magnificence of the mosque.

·         The Qibla Wall: The Qibla Wall of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a stunning focal point within the main prayer hall. showcasing both spiritual significance and architectural brilliance. Facing Mecca, the Qibla Wall indicates the direction Muslims face during prayer facing Mecca which makes it a sacred and essential element of the mosque. The wall is adorned with 99 names (attributes) of Allah which are written in elegant Kufic script. These names are illuminated with fiber optic lighting to highlight the divine names.

Accessibility:

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is designed to be highly accessible and conviently located on the SHiekh Zayed Road in Abu Dhabi. Visitors from all walks of life can experience its grandeur and spiritual ambiance with ease by visiting the mosque without any hindrance. The mosque is located just a 15 minute drive from the city center of Abu Dhabi and approximately 90 minutes from Dubai which make it conveniently reachable by car or public transport. The mosque offers ample free parking spaces for visitors including designated spots for people of courage. Wheelchair access is prioritized with ramps, wide pathways and elevators to ensure smooth navigation for visitors with mobility challenges inside the mosque. Guided tours are available in multiple languages to offer insights into the history and architecture of mosque. The thoughtful planning and inclusivity of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque makes it one of the friendliest landmarks to visit in the UAE.

 

Abayas for Visitors at Shiekh Zayed Mosque:

Abayas are available for female visitors at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. These are provided free of charge and can be borrowed at the visitor center of mosque located near the entrance. Female visitors are required to wear these abayas to ensure that everyone adheres to the modest dress code required when entering this sacred space. The abayas are traditional long robes which come with a hood to cover the hair as a sign of respect for Islamic customs and traditions. The process of borrowing abaya is very simple and visitors can pick up an abaya after presenting valid identification such as a passport or an ID card and it may be held temporarily until the garment is returned. The staff ensures that the abayas are available in a range of sizes to accommodate all visitors comfortably. It is suggested to take time in getting abaya of your own size.

 

Photo Opportunities at Shiekh Zayed Mosque:

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most photogenic landmarks in the world. It offers countless opportunities for stunning photography. Its pristine white marble facade, majestic domes, and towering minarets create a picture perfect backdrop. The reflective pools surrounding the mosque add a magical touch which doubles the beauty of its intricate architecture. The grand courtyard is adorned with floral mosaic designs, provides a captivating perspective for wide angle shots. The main prayer hall with its dazzling chandeliers and intricate columns inlaid with mother of pearl offers breathtaking details to capture inside the mosque. At night mosque transforms into a glowing spectacle which is illuminated by its moon inspired lighting system to make it an enchanting subject for evening photography. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque guarantees unforgettable images whether you are capturing wide landscapes or intricate details.

 

 

Visitor Guidelines

·         Dress Code: Modest attire is required during visit of Shiekh Zayed Grand mosque. Women must cover their heads and wear abayas  which are available at the mosque for free and men must wear long trousers.

·         Shoes: Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the prayer halls.

·         Behavior: Visitors must maintain decorum and respect the sacred environment as a place of worship.

·         Opening Hours:

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to tourists daily to provide ample opportunities to explore this architectural marvel.

The general opening hours for visitors are as follows:

Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Friday: Open for visitors from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, as the morning is reserved for Friday prayers.

The mosque welcomes tourists all year round but it is advisable to check for special timings during Ramadan or other religious events.

 

·         Why visit Shiekh Zayed Grand Mosque?

·         The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not just a place of worship but a symbol of cultural harmony and artistic excellence. Its awe inspiring design, rich history and serene atmosphere make it a must visit destination for anyone traveling to the UAE. The mosque offers an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression on everyone whether you are marveling at its architectural grandeur, learning about Islamic traditions or simply soaking in its peaceful ambiance.