The cultural life of the United Arab Emirates is inseparable from its religious component. Given the fact that all life in the country is based on the canons of Islam, mosques are of the greatest interest. It so happened that historically it was customary to embody all aesthetics and architectural excesses in these religious temples.

Abu Dhabi Mosque The history of the SHEIKH ZAYED Mosque

At the same time, in many other states, symbols of faith have also become symbols, such as: Ala Sofia in Istanbul, the Taj Mahal in Agra, St. Peter’s Cathedral and many others. So, back in 1996, the construction of the largest mosque in the UAE, in the capital of the country, Abu Dhabi, began. Syrian architect Youssef Abdelki was chosen as the main ideological inspirer. Today, the Arab Emirates has accustomed the whole world to the pomp and scale of everything being created, and at the dawn of rapid construction and infrastructure development, a real flagship was created, a symbol not only of the city, but also of the whole country, with which, first of all, the mention of Abu Dhabi will be associated.

The project took eleven years to complete, and at the end of the work, a real masterpiece appeared to the light – a majestic structure made of snow-white Macedonian marble, which literally dazzles when looking at it on a sunny day.

The official opening took place on December 20, 2007, but even earlier – in November 2004, the father of the nation, beloved Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, was buried in the territory adjacent to the temple. This is exactly the man who not only founded the federation known today, but also the one who was able to build a prosperous economy and social policy that cares about its citizens like no other place on the globe. As a thank you for all his services, prayer is read over the sheikh’s grave twenty-four hours a day, never stopping. Well, the created shrine itself was named after him, which is not coincidentally considered a household name. This is how it was decided to express love and gratitude to one of the founders of the republic.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi

The scope of the project immediately became legendary. The budget alone amounted to almost two billion dirhams, which is approximately equal to 555 million dollars. The minarets at an altitude of 107 m, thousands of columns, as well as 82 domes combined with azure pools in the courtyard look fantastic. Also impressive are the beautiful mosaics laid out in the form of flowers represented in the local flora, such as lily, iris and tulip. They were created by British artist Kevin Dean, and the total area of the courtyard is 17,400 m2.

But the brightest pearls are hidden inside the spacious prayer halls. The total area of the premises is 5,627 m2 and can accommodate forty-one thousand visitors. The pompous chandeliers made of gold leaf and Swarovski crystals are especially surprising, the largest of them, located in the central hall, is considered the second largest on the planet. With a height of 15 m and a radius of 5 m, the chandelier weighs 12 thousand kg.

No less famous is the record-breaking large carpet made of cotton and wool, which was specially made in Iran by twelve hundred weavers. After that, it was delivered to the UAE and combined here into a single composition weighing 47 tons.

The Great White Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Today, the Grand Mosque is the main attraction of the capital, and is visited annually by millions of tourists from all over the world. This is possible due to the fact that, as an exception, non-Muslim persons are allowed to enter the territory here.

I was also lucky enough to visit this beautiful mosque in the spring of 2024.

There is a large surface parking lot in front of the dream, connected to the main building by a huge underground gallery.

Of course, the visit requires a proper form of clothing, which is assumed by the appropriate dress code., some of the items of which can be purchased at the gallery.

You can also use the audio guide or purchase printed materials with information.

The size of the mosque is amazing, the white color of the walls causes fabulous sensations. A huge marble hall is organized in the center, evoking unique emotions with its scope and grandeur.

By the way, not many people know that the northeast minaret contains a library with sources on a very wide range of topics, including Islamic calligraphy, science, civilization and art, presented in Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Korean.

Abu Dhabi Mosque in the evening

In the evening, thanks to the skillful illumination, the mosque is illuminated in various colors, which makes it especially picturesque, and the range of colors used on each individual day is not accidental, but alternates depending on the phases of the moon at one time or another. It is the moon that determines the calendar of Muslims, and also indicates the onset of the holy month for them – Ramadan.

The popular TripAdvisor resource has twice named the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque), as it is officially called, the second most popular attraction among all tourist destinations on Earth.