Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

I visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

I believe that the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is worth a trip to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on its own. I was right. There is only one way to describe it: absolutely spectacular!

Some facts on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi was built between 1996 – 2007. I was told that it is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and can accommodate some 40,000 worshippers at a time.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque has over 80 marble domes. The main dome with its 32 m diameter is the largest in the world.

Quit amazing, the entire external of the building totals 115,000m2 and is all cladded with Sivec tiles. Some 100,000 tons of white Greek and Macedonian marble were used in its construction.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features the largest marble mosaic courtyard

I found the courtyard with its floral mosaics measuring some 17,000 m2 quite amazing. It is considered to be the largest in the world.

I was amazed by the floral inlays at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

I was really impressed by the floral inlays in semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, amethyst, jasper, agate and mother of pearl. I could observe these floral inlays  on the floor, the walls and the 96 columns.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features the largest carpet in world in the main prayer hall

The main prayer hall hosts the world’s largest carpet measuring some 5,700 m2 and weighing 35 tons. Some 1250 carpet workers knotted the 2 billion knots.

Chandeliers in the Grand Mosque

Millions of Swarovski crystals are imbedded in the seven imported chandeliers.

The largest of the chandeliers measures 10 m in diameter and 15 m in height.

Get a taste of the size

I would like you to note how small the people are compared to the size of the chandelier.

The Grand Mosque at sunset

During the day, I could see the sun reflection on the snow white surfaces of the Grand Mosque. It was blinding, beautiful and startling.

However, as the sun sets, I was astonished to see the mosque taking up a totally different atmosphere.  The golden tones reflecting on the white marble made it even more beautiful. It softened its contours.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at night

I went back to the mosque after sunset and incredible transformation had taken place.

Blue lights illuminate the outside of the mosque as well as the internal courtyard transforming it into a nearly ghostly mirage.

The intensity of the blue light increases or decreases according to the phases of the moon.

My recommendations of some facts on visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

The Grand Mosque is one of the few mosques where non-Muslims are free to enter. However, there are some parts that are only open to Believers.

I was free to take all the photos I wanted

I was free to take as many pictures as I wanted.

My attire to enter the mosque

I had to take off my shoes and needed to cover up with an abeyya provided at the entrance.

Opening hours of the Grand Mosque

Entrance is free. The mosque is open for visitors every day from 9 to 22:00.

Friday mornings it is closed in the morning hours but does open again for visitors from 16:30 to 22:00.

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I have prepared separate posts on :

• Desert Safari and Dune Bashing around Abu Dhabi
• Best of Abu Dhabi Town
• Routes of the Big Bus in Abu Dhabi

Enjoy the read!