The mosque is one of the largest in the world and serves as a prominent landmark for the city. It was named in honour of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first President of the UAE.
Location
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque can be found near the Abu Dhabi International Airport in the UAE. If you’re staying at a hotel like Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel, you can get there in 10 minutes or less. The mosque spans an area of approximately 22,412 square meters and has the capacity to host up to 41,000 worshippers concurrently.
Concept
The concept behind this sacred site was to create a symbol of unity that represents the diversity of the Islamic world. The mosque was designed to incorporate elements of various Islamic architectural styles, including Persian, Mughal, and Moorish. The mosque also features modern architectural elements, such as the use of glass and steel.
Architecture
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque boasts stunning architectural features and visiting this mosque is one of the most popular things to do in Abu Dhabi for tourists and locals. The mosque has 82 domes of different sizes, with the largest measuring up to 85 meters in height. The mosque’s four minarets, each standing 107 meters tall, are made of white marble and adorned with intricate floral designs.
Interior
The interior of the mosque is just as impressive as the exterior. The main prayer hall is decorated with intricate floral designs and boasts the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, covering about 5,627 square meters. The mosque also houses seven chandeliers, with the largest being the third-largest chandelier in the world, weighing about 12 tons.
On your visit
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to visitors of all faiths and nationalities. Visitors are required to dress modestly, with women being required to wear an abaya (long black dress) and a headscarf. Guided tours are available for visitors who want to learn more about the mosque’s history, architecture, and culture.
