Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Abu Dhabi

In the heart of the United Arab Emirates, in the capital of Abu Dhabi, there is one of the most impressive works of contemporary architecture – the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It is not only the largest mosque in the country, but also a symbol of national identity, peace and unity. Every year it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world who come here to admire its breathtaking beauty and feel the spiritual atmosphere of this place. What makes this mosque so special?

History and symbolism of the Great Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was built on the initiative of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates. It united the seven emirates in 1971, ushering in a new era for the region. Construction of the mosque began in 1996 and lasted for over a decade, ending in 2007. The mosque is a testament to Sheikh Zayed’s vision of creating a place that would unite different cultures and religions, promoting dialogue and tolerance. Its monumental architecture and scale are intended to symbolize the unity of nations, cultures and religions. Sheikh Zayed wanted the mosque to be a place that would remind us of the fundamental values ​​of Islam – peace, mercy and cooperation between people.

Architecture that delights

The mosque is a true masterpiece of engineering and art, combined with elements of Islamic architecture from around the world. Built of white marble, decorated with gold, crystals and precious stones, it arouses admiration with its perfection and details. There are a few unique features worth noting:

1. The largest dome – The mosque boasts one of the largest domes in the world, 85 meters high. Its majestic appearance is visible from a distance and is the main landmark of Abu Dhabi.
2. 72 domes – In addition to the main dome, the building is decorated with 72 smaller domes that create an amazing effect of harmony. Each dome is hand-decorated with traditional Islamic motifs, which adds a unique character to the mosque.

3. White marble from Greece and Italy – The highest quality marble imported from Greece and Italy was used to build the mosque, which gives it a pristine white glow, especially impressive in the full sun of the desert.
4. Minarets – The mosque has four 107-meter-high minarets that decorate its main entrances. They represent the four schools of Islamic law, another symbol of unity in diversity.
5. Interiors – The interior of the mosque is no less impressive than its exterior. Particularly noteworthy is the world’s largest hand-woven carpet, which covers the prayer hall. This carpet, made by 1,200 Iranian weavers, weighs 35 tons and covers an area of ​​5,700 square meters!
6. Chandeliers – The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque also boasts one of the largest chandeliers in the world, made of Swarovski crystals. The main prayer hall is illuminated by seven chandeliers that fill the space with their glow.

Spiritual Center and Place of Worship

A mosque is primarily a place of prayer and spiritual concentration. Its main hall can accommodate as many as 40,000 believers, making it one of the largest places of prayer in the world. Friday prayers (Jumu’ah) are regularly held here, as well as prayers during the most important Islamic holidays, such as Ramadan and Eid al-Adha. Despite its religious function, the mosque is also open to tourists, regardless of religion. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the culture and religion of the region, immerse yourself in peace and quiet, and admire the amazing work of human hands and minds.

Interesting facts about the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:

Inspiration from different countries – The mosque combines architectural elements from different parts of the world. The project was inspired by mosques from Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, Egypt and even India, which emphasizes its symbolic nature as a meeting place for cultures.

Lights at night – Every night, the mosque is illuminated in a unique way – the colors change depending on the phase of the moon. At night, the white walls take on a bluish tint, symbolizing the connection between Islam and nature.

Mosque and world peace – In 2019, Pope Francis visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which was the first visit by the head of the Catholic Church to the United Arab Emirates. It was a symbolic step in promoting peace and interreligious dialogue.

Important information:

Entry to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is free for both tourists and worshipers. However, to visit the mosque, several conditions must be met:

1. Online registration (optional):
   Although entry is free, it is recommended to register online in advance on the mosque’s official website to speed up the entry process and avoid queues. You can also come without prior registration, but the admission process may be longer. After online registration, QR codes will appear at the very end, remember to save them in your phone because they are very necessary to enter at the gates.

Reservations can be made HERE!

It is worth remembering that the mosque attracts many tourists, especially in the afternoon and evening, so it is worth planning your visit in advance.

2. Outfit:

Women: Modest clothing covering arms, legs and hair is required. It is very strictly checked at the entrance. I was wearing a T-shirt and a white cotton blouse with long sleeves and they didn’t let me enter because the T-shirt was see-through 🙁 luckily, men can enter in short-sleeved T-shirts and my husband gave me his hoodie.
Men: Should wear long pants and cover their shoulders (no tank tops). Short shorts are not allowed.

3. Rules of conduct:

Peace and respect: As a religious place, the mosque requires calm and respectful behavior. Avoid loud conversations and run around the area.
Footwear: You must remove your shoes before entering the main prayer hall.

4. Opening days and hours:

The mosque is open to tourists every day except Friday morning prayer hours (Jumu’ah). Tourists can visit the mosque after 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
It is worth checking the opening hours on the official website, as they may change depending on the season and religious holidays.

5. Guided tour:
   The mosque offers free guided tours, which are a great opportunity to learn more about the history and architecture of the site. Tours run regularly throughout the day and last approximately 45 minutes.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only a place of prayer, but also a must-see on the tourist map of the United Arab Emirates. It is one of those places that surprises with its size, details and the atmosphere of peace and majesty. Whether you are interested in architecture, culture, or simply looking for a moment of silence, the mosque provides an unforgettable experience and inspires reflection on the beauty of the diversity of human heritage.