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Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a unique architectural wonder. It is a beautiful, tranquil, and culturally significant location that draws tourists from all over the world. This mosque beautifully displays Islamic architecture with its stunning white marble exterior and meticulous detailing. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about visiting this destination.
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Where is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in the eastern part of Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.
How to Get to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Getting to Abu Dhabi
There’s a few different ways to get to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Luckily, Abu Dhabi has a large international airport that receives flights from many different countries.
If it is easier to fly into Dubai, you can easily take a 1.5-2 hour bus to reach Abu Dhabi.
Getting to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
From the Abu Dhabi airport, you can either take a bus, taxi, or Uber to the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque.
I recommend taking the A1 bus. This bus runs 24/7, takes about 45 minutes to reach the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and only cost 4 AED ($1.10 USD in 2023, see current rates here).
Tour to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
There are dozens of tours to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with options from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and some tours that combine multiple experiences. This is a great option for those who want to see as much as they can in a short time.
History of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Who Was Sheikh Zayed?
The mosque was built in honor of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was the founder and first President of the UAE. The mosque is named after him and serves as a testament to his vision to combine the Islamic world with the architecture and art of the modern world.
Construction of the Mosque
Construction on the mosque began in 1994 and was completed in 2007. It was designed by Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky, who drew inspiration from a variety of Islamic architectural styles, including Ottoman, Mughal, and Fatimid.
The result is an impressive mix of traditional and modern elements that reflects the diversity of Islamic culture.
Features of the Mosque
The mosque is constructed of white marble and features intricate carvings, gold-leaf details, and colorful mosaics. It’s surrounded by lush gardens and water features, which emphasizes its calm and peaceful atmosphere. The mosque is large enough to contain over 40,000 worshippers at any given time and features several large courtyards, 80 domes, and four minarets that stand over 300 feet tall.
In addition to being a place of worship for Muslims, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is also a cultural and educational center for the community. It hosts a variety of events, including lectures, workshops, and exhibitions, which aim to promote understanding and harmony between different religions and cultures. They offer material in several different languages, including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, and more.
Interesting Facts About Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- This is the largest mosque in the UAE and one of the largest in the world.
- The mosque is made of white marble that was imported from Italy, India, and China. It took over two million cubic feet of marble to build the mosque.
- The mosque is home to the world’s largest hand-woven carpet, which was made in Iran by a team of around 1,200 artisans. The carpet measures over 60,000 square feet, has over 2 billion knots, and weighs 35 tons.
- The mosque’s minarets are adorned with over 25,000 individual pieces of gold leaf.
- The mosque’s main chandelier is made of gold and Swarovski crystals and is one of the largest in the world. It weighs over nine tons, is nearly 50 ft high, and is suspended from the ceiling of the main prayer hall.
Can Non-Muslims Enter the Mosque?
Although the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a place of worship for Muslims, all people of faith are welcome to visit. In reality, promoting tolerance and concord across other religions and civilizations is one of the mosque’s objectives. Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque and learn more about its significance and history.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Dress Code
All visitors to the mosque must adhere to a dress code. Men must wear long pants that cover their legs, but can wear short-sleeved shirts. However, avoid wearing any clothing with profanity on it. Shirts without sleeves are not allowed.
Women must wear ankle-length trousers or skirts. They must also wear long sleeves and a shirt with a high neckline. Tight or transparent clothing is not permitted for anyone.
Off-Limit Rooms for Non-Muslims
There are certain rooms in the mosque where only worshipers can enter. Don’t try to sneak into these rooms or take photos of the people inside. There are plenty of signs and security guards to direct you to where you are allowed to go.
Why You Should Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is more than just a religious site. It’s a true work of art that reflects the culture and traditions of the region. It’s a place of beauty, peace, and cultural significance that’s well worth a visit.
Photography
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is also a well-known location for photographers because of its exquisite architectural elements and magnificent surrounds.
Outside of the main prayer hall, visitors are permitted to take photos, but it’s important to show respect and refrain from taking photos during prayers or other religious rituals. It is very popular for photographers at night due to the blue spotlights that illuminate the outside of the mosque.
Learn More About Different Cultures
Perhaps the most important reason to visit the mosque is to help promote understanding between different cultures. By visiting the mosque, people can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Islam and the role it plays in the UAE. This can help foster greater respect and understanding between different cultures and religions.
Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has types of accommodations that suit travelers of every budget.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
