November 17, 2022 | 13 min read
You may read or hear the biggest Mosque in Abu Dhabi is Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, but when you visit the Mosque that is the time you will see why it is the biggest Mosque not only in Abu Dhabi but in the world.
The Grand Mosque is among the most visited places or mosques in Abu Dhabi and attracts people worldwide. Visit the Mosque to learn about the culture and religion in UAE while others admire the architectural design and beauty of the Mosque.
The Grand Mosque is located in UAE's capital city, and its founding father was the UAE's first president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He envisioned the establishment of a hospitable and cultural sanctuary that would serve as an inspiration to individuals of varying origins. Hence why, during construction, there was cultural collaboration.
The magnificent building was conceived of and constructed by teams of highly trained labourers from all over the world, notably 1,300 Iranian artisans who hand-knotted the world's largest carpet to be placed in the main prayer hall.
Not only will the Mosque's design astound you, but its warm and inviting atmosphere will also leave you speechless. Visitors worldwide, from families to groups, solo travellers to congregations, are encouraged to take advantage of the open-door policy. They will not only witness the beauty of the Emirate but also gain a deeper understanding of the culture of open dialogue that is prevalent there.
It is important to remember that the structure continues to serve as an operational mosque, which sees anywhere from 50,000 to 70,000 worshippers daily. Visitors are welcome to visit and enjoy the building's beauty.
Visitors to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque must wear respectful attire to enter the Mosque. The main prayer hall is off-limits to guests between 12 and 3 to accommodate the Friday prayers held there.
The Grand Mosque is adorned with 82 domes carved out of white marble, 96 inside columns encrusted with jewels, 1,096 external columns, and Swarovski Crystal Chandeliers cast in 24-carat gold. A water pool can be found that runs parallel to the arcades.
The placement of lights surrounding the pool is the most interesting aspect of the entire structure. At night, the Mosque is a dazzling facility because of the work of the company Speirs and Major Associates, which sculpted the lights to reflect the many stages of the moon's cycle. This Mosque is also recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest carpet in a mosque and the second-largest chandelier ever installed in a religious building.
Previous guests will encourage you to participate in one of the free guided excursions. Specialists will lead your eyes and ears to things that the average person might overlook, such as the gold-leaf writing that encircles the hollows of the astonishing 82 domes that make up the Mosque.
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque again after the sun has set to see the entire facade illuminated with an even greater sense of magnificence.
It is highly advised that you plan your evening excursion to include a stop at the moving Wahat Al Karama memorial and dinner in the Al Qana neighbourhood.
The Mosque is so big that it can't be fully explored without a tour guide. On Saturdays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, tours start at 11:00 in the morning. On Fridays, tours start at 5:00 in the afternoon.
Also, ensure you always have your sunglasses because the temperature there can get pretty high. Choose a tour that starts early in the morning or late in the afternoon to have a humble time exploring the Mosque. During the tour, you will also have the chance to look around the Grand Mosque and learn more about it. You can also;
Worship: If you're a religious person, you're welcome to go to the Mosque when it's open for prayer.
Take in the beauty: The Grand Mosque is full of beautiful things to see, from the fancy chandeliers to the tall columns. During your trip, you should make it a point to look at every part of it and take a lot of pictures.
Stay until the end of the tour and watch the sunset: The best way to end the tour is to wait until it's over and then watch the sunset while sitting by the pool.
You should try to see the Grand Mosque both during the day and at night if you have the chance.
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