Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the one of the most beautiful structures in UAE that shows the heritage and culture of the country. It is the first majestic structure that people will see from the Airport. It is the project of the late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and this eventually became his final resting place.
The largest mosque in the country, it is the key place of worship for daily prayers, Friday gathering and Eid prayers. During Eid it may be visited by more than 41,000 people.
It was designed by Syrian Architect Yousef Abdelky and it took 11 years to finish the construction of the project. Everything inside is hand-made or hand carved and not a single 3d printing machine was used. The mosque was inspired from Persian, Mughal and the Alexandrian Mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi in Egypt.
This architectural work of art is one the world’s largest mosques, with a capacity for an astonishing 40,000 worshippers. It features 82 domes, over a 1,000 columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world’s largest hand knotted carpet. The main prayer hall is dominated by one of the world’s largest chandeliers –10 metres in diameter, 15 metres in height and weighing twelve tonnes. The mosque’s first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried at the site.
– VisitAbuDhabi.ae
– VisitAbuDhabi.ae
How To Get There?
1. If you are coming from Abu Dhabi city, you can take bus 32, 34, 44 or 54. It’s cheaper to go to the mosque through bus and it will only take about 30 minutes travel time from city proper to the mosque. You can also take a taxi and it will cost for about 35 AED
2. If you are coming from Dubai, you can take an intercity bus from Ibn Battuta or Al Ghubaiba bus station to Al Wahda mall and then from Al Wahda mall you can take city bus 54. Travel time is about 15 minutes.
Things to remember:
1. Dress modestly, no shorts, sleeveless, see-through clothes. Women are also asked to wear abaya which are provided in the mosque. (Visitors can also bring their own abaya if they want.)
2. Smoking and food are not allowed inside.
3. Before entering the mosque, visitors will be asked to remove their shoes.
4. Be very respectful of the place.
5. Of course there are no entrance fees. Mosque is open to visitors daily for 9 am to 10pm except for Friday mornings for worship.
Don’t forget to enjoy the calming and scenic view of the Mosque!
