The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque takes the name of the first ruler of the UAE, the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Late Sheikh’s burial space is located right next to the mosque, making it an emotional location for UAE residents. These are made of marble like the rest of the mosque and carry details in gold-glass on top of them. From the columns to the walls of the entrance, to the main prayer hall, visitors can marvel at the intricate detail of the flowers, giving a pop of color to the beautiful white walls. However, there is, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | © mohamad atif mohamad nadzir/Flickr. There isn’t very much information on display throughout the mosque, so I would highly recommend joining one of the free tours they give. Over 3,000 workers and 38 contractors who worked together to finish this mosque. His final resting place is located on the grounds beside the same mosque. A Canadian expat in Hong Kong who loves to travel and eat. The mosque has 22 light towers for outdoor illumination during the evening hours, but even the lighting of the mosque is special. I can promise you that the photos of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque don’t do it justice. The mosque can hold 55,000 worshippers, has 82 domes, four This is one cultural icon that must be seen in person in order to fully appreciate it. The floors are covered by what is the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. The Late Sheikh’s burial space is located right next to the mosque, making it an emotional location for UAE residents. The “smaller” chandeliers in the hall weight 8 tons each. The striking white and gold colours shining in the sun are transformed at night by a unique lightning system … Completed in 2007, it cost a whopping US$5.45 million and currently stands as the largest mosque in the country (it can hold up to 40,000 people). During the day, the sun beats down on the mosque lighting everything up. Whether you’re in the United Arab Emirates for a few days or over a week, visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an absolute must. Khaleej Times Recommended for you The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is one of the biggest mosques in the world, with a capacity of 40,000. You can also hire a private driver, go there with a tour group (which I wouldn’t recommend as you’ll be on a time constraint), or there is a bus stop about a 10 minute walk from the mosque. There wasn’t much on my list of things to see or do in Abu Dhabi besides pay a visit to this mosque – it pretty much pops up as number one on any tourist guide to the area. Ten years on, we trace its journey from construction to a place of worship to its emergence as a tourist destination Built with 100,000 tonnes of white marble imported from Macedonia, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi stands today as the epitome of purity. This is a sign of enormous devotion and respect. Abu Dhabi's star attraction, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, is also one of the world's favorite landmarks, attracting millions each year. The Grand Mosque has been strongly wanted from Sheikh Zayed, father of … Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was initiated by the late president of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, was constructed as a monument to consolidate Islamic culture, and to act … The tour was a great opportunity to learn about the mosque and about Emirati culture from our friendly and informative tour guide. The mosque's first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried at the site. The color white is one of the most astonishing characteristics of the mosque; chosen by the late Sheikh Zayed as an illustration of purity. H.H. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one the world’s largest mosques and a massive architectural work of art that intentionally blends different Islamic architectural schools. During the tour, we were able to go into areas of the mosque that other visitors were not allowed in – we stood inside the mosque on the largest carpet in the word. Men must also ensure their legs are fully covered (no shorts). The largest of these domes is located atop the main prayer hall. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! We literally spent hours walking around the mosque (both in and outside), completely mesmerised and in awe. It features 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, 24-carat To get to and from the mosque, we just took a taxi. Keywords: Mosque; Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; UAE; Islamic Political Thought; Theoretical Models. The intricate detail, thoughtful architecture, and serene beauty of this place can only be fully appreciated and understood if you’re there. The main well which faces Mecca where the Iman stands on the Pulpit or Menbar while conducting prayer, is decorated with the 99 names of Allah in Arabic. If you’ve come across photos of this mosque on social media, it’s easy to see the beauty, architecture, and thought that went into its construction. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opened on December 20, 2007. How Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque prepares UAE’s LARGEST Iftar - Duration: 6:10. Here’s why you should visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.. The walls of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque were built entirely of marble from Macedonia. There is no entrance fee to get into the mosque – it’s completely free for visitors. The prayer hall is a work of art of its own. 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