A tour of the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi 

Written By Chris Shirley MA FRGS

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a breath-taking architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Islamic culture, unity, and spiritual reflection. As the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, it is a key landmark that draws millions of visitors annually, offering an extraordinary blend of tradition and modernity.

© Images by Hiatus.Design

Spanning an area of 22,412 square metres (approximately the size of four football pitches), the mosque can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. Its design seamlessly combines traditional Islamic architecture with contemporary influences, reflecting the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.

Completed in 2007, the mosque stands as a testament to his dedication to creating a cultural and spiritual space that welcomes people from all walks of life.

 

The mosque’s beauty is unparalleled, featuring 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and seven gold-plated chandeliers adorned with millions of Swarovski crystals. The main prayer hall houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, spanning over 5,700 square meters, and the largest chandelier, which measures 10 metres in diameter and 15 metres high, weighing an impressive 12 tons.

These intricate details, combined with materials sourced from around the world, including white marble from Greece and India, create a space of extraordinary elegance and serenity.

Visitors to the mosque are invited to experience its grandeur through guided tours or self-exploration. Key highlights include the stunning reflection pools, the Qibla wall featuring 99 names of Allah in traditional Kufic calligraphy, and the mosque’s iconic white marble exterior, which appears to change colour throughout the day depending on the sunlight. At night, the mosque is illuminated with a unique lighting system that mimics the phases of the moon, adding to its spiritual ambiance.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a cultural landmark that fosters understanding and respect among people of different religions and backgrounds. Entry to the mosque is free, and visitors are required to dress modestly in respect of Islamic customs, with abayas available for women if needed.

Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the mosque is easily accessible by car or public transport. Open daily, it offers a serene and awe-inspiring experience for anyone visiting the UAE. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is more than just a building—it is a symbol of faith, harmony, and artistic achievement, making it a must-visit destination for travellers and worshippers alike.

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Chris Shirley MA FRGS

About the Author:

Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a mission-driven branding and website design company that works with clients all over the world.

Over the course of his life, he has travelled to more than 60 countries across six continents, earned two Guinness World Records, completed the legendary Marathon des Sables, summited Mont Blanc and unclimbed peaks in Asia, become a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), rowed across the Atlantic Ocean and obtained a Masterʼs degree in Business Management (MA).

https://www.hiatus.design
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