In Focus: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Standing as an exquisite embodiment of Islam’s peace, diversity, and tolerance, the breath-taking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is undeniably one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. This incredible mosque brings guests from across the world together, under the umbrella of Islam, through exceptional architecture and phenomenal storytelling.
Envisioned by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as a welcoming and cultural haven for every culture, the mosque is both enriching and awe-inspiring in equal measure. The building is one of the most renowned UAE landmarks and one of the most popular sights for guests visiting Abu Dhabi.
A Record-Breaking Symbol of Islam
From the moment you first see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you capture the essence of building’s majesty. Constructed from over 90,000 tonnes of pure white marble imported from Macedonia, the intricate floral designs and details decorating the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi give the architecture a truly ethereal feel.
As you walk through the marbled halls, you’ll be greeted by treasures and artwork unlike anything you’ve witnessed before. The exquisite gold-leaf calligraphy decorating the hollows of the mosque’s 82 domes, and the gorgeous columns magically reflecting from the tranquil pools are a visual delight that capture the graceful, spiritual ambience of the Mosque. You will be awed by the three sparkling gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, with the largest weighing close to 11 tonnes.
Once again proving that anything is possible in the UAE is the world’s largest loomed carpet, hand-knotted by 1300 Iranian artisans to decorate the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s main prayer hall. Taking over two years to complete, the record-breaking carpet spans across 5,700 square metres and is guaranteed to leave any visitor admiring the sheer beauty of this expansive hall.
Worth mentioning is also the stunning and intricate glasswork throughout the mosque. Traditional Islamic designs are portrayed through repetition and symmetry using carved and sand-blasted glass. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque also boasts four magnificent minarets, each standing at approximately 106 metres and made up from three geometric shapes.
Welcoming Every Faith
One of the few mosques in the region to welcome non-Muslims, the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi has an open-door policy that allows each visitor to experience true Arabian hospitality. Despite how grandiose the venue is, it brings about an air of peace and tranquillity, providing guests an unmatched insight into the rich Emirati culture and Islamic traditions.
Although Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is visited by thousands of tourists daily, it’s worth remembering that it is actually an active mosque, which sees up to 50,000 worshippers every day. This means respectful and modest clothing should be worn at all times and it’s wise to check the tour timings while planning your visit.
A great way to explore the sublime Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, is to book our Private Abu Dhabi City Tour. This is an amazing way to experience the magic of the spectacular mosque while also checking off various other iconic landmarks from your Abu Dhabi bucket list.
Book your Abu Dhabi adventure
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of our many signature attractions in Abu Dhabi. The Grand Mosque is included in the itineraries for our Highlights of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Wonders and Abu Dhabi City Tours.
To book your trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as part of our many Abu Dhabi tours, you can book directly on our website, call our team on 800 ARABIAN, send a WhatsApp to +971 4 274 8803, or email us at aaonline@arabian-adventures.com. We look forward to showing you the incredible Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque!