The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has become immensely popular among tourists for its striking white marble structure and unique features. The Sheikh Zayed grand mosque is the third-largest in the world and serves as a prayer house for thousands of worshippers from UAE. The mosque flaunts the world’s largest loomed carpet, attractive chandeliers, and walls crafted with floral designs. Situated in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque delights every visitor with its stunning architecture and outstanding interiors.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque construction details
The construction of Sheikh Zayed Mosque started in 1996, under the guidance of the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who visualized this landmark and chose the location for the same. The Sheikh Zayed mosque is spread across 22,400 sqm and can hold up to 40,000 visitors.
The construction of this landmark was completed after twelve years, and in 2007 the mosque was open to worshippers and visitors. More than 3000 artisans and workers from 38 companies worked hard to create this classic monument. Artisans from India, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Germany, and China showcased their talent in creating this everlasting beauty.
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Syrian architect Yousef Abdel designed the Sheikh Zayed mosque. The structure represents Mughal and Persian architecture designs, with a glimpse of Moorish style.
Interior Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The minor detailing in the interior of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque makes it more appealing.
The main hall features the world’s largest carpet. Weighing around 35 tonnes, the rug was hand-knotted by 1,300 Iranian artisans. It was made from New Zealand wool and Iranian cotton; it took two years for the artisans to stitch this carpet. The carpet weighs 35 tonnes, and it covers almost 5,630 square meters. The stunning Persian carpet was rimmed into nine parts and assembled to create a single piece.
Another masterpiece in the mosque is the world’s second-largest chandelier made from sparkling Swarovski crystals and has a 24K gold plating on its outer surface. The sheikh zayed grand mosque chandelier is as high as 15m and looks appealing at first sight. With a gorgeous chandelier hanging over your head and a hand-knotted carpet on the floor, the main prayer hall gives a delightful and divine experience.
Outstanding Exterior
The exterior looks as elegant as the interior and has 82 domes. These domes are of different sizes, and the most extensive crown in the center measures about 85 meters high and 32.8 meters in diameter. The mosque has four sky-high minarets, all 106 meters high. These minarets elegantly represent Islamic culture blended beautifully with Mamluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid architectural styles.
While the colorful mosaics and Middle eastern style arched doorways look enchanting, the white marbles stand for peace and purity. It is estimated that approximately 1,00,000 tonnes of white marbles from Macedonia were used to construct this gorgeous masterpiece. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque stands on 1,1192 pillars, of which 96 support the interior prayer hall. The pillars are decorated in floral designs with delicate mother of pearls.
How to reach Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
If you are in Abu Dhabi, the best way to get there is to get a taxi, which will drop you at the entrance.
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Those who are in Dubai, and planning to visit the mosque, can hire a taxi for a safe trip to Abu Dhabi. A 90-minute drive from Dubai will get you to the mosque at AED 250 one way. Many taxi drivers will be waiting outside the Sheikh Zayed Mosque to take you to your next destination.
What to wear
Islamic mosques are very strict with the dress code, and so is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. So, the visitors are advised to dress up in decent clothing.
Men with shorts are not allowed to enter the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Women should wear loose and comfortable clothes which are non-transparent. They must wear full-length shirts and long pants. Women will be asked to wear Abaya or Hijab before entering the mosque. You can change into the dressing room and will be provided a Hijab free of charge.
Behave respectfully while you are in the mosque. An interesting fact is that Rihanna was asked to leave the mosque for her disrespectful behavior in 2013.
Most importantly, do not forget to take your sunglasses. The marble walls of the mosque are so reflective on most days, and you’ll screw up your eyes all the time.
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The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque visiting time
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open for visitors from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm from Saturday to Thursday and from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm on Fridays.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque also offers free guided tours in English and Arabic. These tours are conducted three times daily (except Fridays) at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, and 5:00 pm.
Best time to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
An ideal time to visit the Sheikh Zayed mosque is on weekdays, as the place gets overcrowded with visitors on weekends. Also, avoid visiting during the opening time for the same reason.
The best time to go is late afternoons when you have plenty of time on hand to explore the place, and you can also enjoy breath-taking views of the sunset from the Sheikh Zayed mosque.
How much does sheikh zayed mosque tour cost to explore this marvel?
A visit to the mosque is free. The mosque welcomes Muslims as well as non -Muslim visitors and worshipers without cost.
Interesting facts about the Sheikh Zayed Mosque
- The sheikh zayed grand mosque facts was named after UAE’s first president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He aspired to have a Sheikh Zayed grand mosque in UAE, and his wish was to make this mosque his resting place. Now his divine body is residing in the mosque’s courtyard.
- The Grand Mosque is the largest in the UAE and the third-largest worldwide.
- Approximately 40 million green, red and yellow crystal balls were used to design the chandelier. The mosque has six more chandeliers which makes the place more attractive.
- The sheikh zayed grand mosque total cost of construction of this mosque was approximately $545 million.
- The mosque features a lighting system projecting colors onto its exterior, reflecting the lunar phases. The moonlight illuminates the gorgeous landmark emanating different shades of light every night.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, is a marvelous wonder and an epitome of Islamic culture and grandeur. The jumeirah Mosque is celebrated by visitors from all religions and is an iconic landmark in Abu Dhabi. This majestic structure looks even more alluring in the golden hour and welcomes the visitors to explore the religious place without any cost. So, add this place to your itinerary and enjoy the spiritual journey with your family.
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