Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi
The Grand Mosque is one of Abu Dhabi's most well-known mosques and should not be missed. This architectural masterpiece is one of the world's largest mosques, with a capacity of 40,000 visitors. It features 82 vaults, more than 1,000 segments, 24-carat gold overlay light fittings, and the world's largest hand knotted cover.
The Grand Mosque, also known as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, is located in the magnificent city of Abu Dhabi and is the largest mosque in the UAE. Built between 1996 and 2007, the mosque is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates, who died in 2004 and was buried on the mosque grounds.
The building is an enigmatic piece of architectural design, with some of its most exotic features, such as being decorated with the world's largest carpet (60,570 square feet) and chandelier, as well as the ability to hold more than 40,000 devotees for prayers, making it an ideal worship destination. The structure is one of the most visited in the world, with visitors arriving all year.
Masterminded by architect Yousef Abdelky, the mosque's construction took 12 years and involved over 3,000 laborers and 38 different construction businesses, costing a stunning $2 billion in all. Its exquisite architecture draws inspiration from a variety of regions and mosques, including Alexandrian, Persian, and Mughal mosques, Egypt's Abu Al-Abbas Al-Muris Mosque, and Pakistan's Badshashi Mosque.
The Grand Mosque is embellished with Swarovski Crystal Chandeliers crafted in 24-carat gold, 96 interior columns encrusted with jewels, 1,096 external columns, and 82 domes carved from white marble. A water pool runs through the arcades.
The pool's most fascinating feature is the lighting design around it. Speirs and Major Associates designed the lights to replicate various phases of the moon, making the mosque a brilliant sight at night. This mosque has also made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for having the second largest chandelier and the largest carpet in a mosque.
Tour of the Mosque.
The Mosque is infinitely enormous, and there is no way to fully explore it without a tour. Tours are available from Saturday to Thursday beginning at 11:00 a.m., and on Fridays at 5:00 p.m. Also, remember to bring your sunglasses because the site can get pretty hot. To be safe, schedule a tour for early in the morning or late afternoon. The tour will also allow you to discover and learn more about the Grand Mosque.
- Pray: If you are a worshiper, you may attend the Mosque during prayer hours.
- Take in the Beauty: From the chandeliers to the columns, every nook of the Grand Mosque is worth seeing. So, while you're there, make sure to investigate everything and take plenty of photos.
- Enjoy the Sunset: Staying until the finish and watching the sunset near the pool is perhaps the greatest way to end the tour. If feasible, visit the Grand Mosque twice: once during the day and again at night.
Highlights
• The mosque, inspired by Ottoman culture, has a large courtyard that can hold nearly 30,000 people. • The mosque features 7 chandeliers made of brass, stainless steel, and 24 kt gold with 40 million Swarovski crystals. • The hall has nearly 76 columns that blend North African and Islamic architecture and style. The facility includes two mini side halls with a capacity of 10,000 people, specifically for ladies to pray. The main attraction is the Qibla wall, which faces Mecca and features 99 names of Allah written in Kufic calligraphy. This mosque also features reflective lakes that sparkle in the nighttime.
How to Reach
The mosque is about 19 kilometres from the Abu Dhabi airport. There are two ways to reach the mosque.
Take a taxi directly from the airport to the mosque. If you're staying near the airport, a round-trip cab ride can cost between Dh90 and Dh120. When traveling with family or friends, a round-trip taxi is always the best option.
There are also bus services, but they do not stop at the Grand Mosque, so you will have to take a bus to Zayed Sports City and then a taxi from there. The distance between Zayed Sports City and the Grand Mosque is 3.1 kilometers.
If you're on a quick trip or in transit, double-check the date and time before departing. If it is Ramadan, there is no use in visiting the place because it will be closed.
Best time to visit
The location is open to visitors all year. There are tours that begin as early as 11:00 AM. But the greatest time of day is late afternoon, when the temperature is cooler and more pleasant.
Places to visit near Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Saadiyat Beach
Perfect area to spend time with loved ones. Offers a variety of recreational activities, including yoga, windsurfing, and sailing. The beach tickets cost Dh 25 for adults and Dh 15 for children. The seashore is around 27 kilometers from the Mosque.
Marina Mall
The Marina Mall, one of Abu Dhabi's major malls, is ideal for shopping enthusiasts. The mall's features include a bowling alley, a movie theater, and an array of brand stores. The mall is around 20 kilometres from the mosque.
Ferrari World
Ferrari World is the ideal thrill-seeking destination, with over 37 thrilling attractions created for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Ferrari World tickets range from AED 295 for adults to AED 230 for youngsters. Ferrari World is around 19 kilometers from the Grand Mosque and is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day.
Emirates Palace
The hotel is a terrific spot to dine, with a wide range of cuisine options. Emirates Palace is just 19 kilometers from the Mosque, making it a perfect site to stay as well.
Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi
The location embodies everything Warner Brothers. From DC superheroes to supervillains and animation, it is an instant hit with superhero enthusiasts. Warner Bros is 29 kilometres from the Mosque, and admission can cost up to $82 per adult. The park opens at 10:00 AM, rides begin at 11:00 AM, and closes at 8:00 PM.
Food in the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Although outside food is not permitted in the mosque, there are numerous restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood that will certainly satisfy your hunger. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is located in a fully furnished area where you can get practically whatever you want to eat.
1. Mosaic Restaurant - Al Najda: One of the most prominent Lebanese restaurants near the mosque. Aside from Lebanese food, they also serve Arabic Grill, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines and are noted for their excellent customer service.
2. The Forge: The Forge is the best venue to eat European-style food in Abu Dhabi. This restaurant, located less than a kilometer from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, is well-known for its steakhouse and European-style food.
Al Jame Library at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Al Jame Library, located on the third level of the northern tower of Sheikh Zayed Mosque, opened in 2010. It is the country's first library to be housed within a mosque. This library has thousands of books, references, and magazines about 200-year-old Islamic culture, architecture, craftsmanship, science, and much more that one enjoys reading.
They also include some scientific research and documents for individuals who are very interested in the same topic. This library is one of the leading international learning institutions focused on Islamic civilizations as perceived and documented by world cultures. The number of books on the shelf is continually growing, allowing people to learn more about their culture.
Mosque Manners
During your time in the mosque, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Dress code: Each visitor must be adequately dressed. No shorts for males. Women must cover their full body, and a headscarf will be provided upon arrival. Note: It is no longer necessary to remove your shoes before entering the mosque. In a nutshell, relaxed clothing is greatly desired.
- Kissing and holding hands with your lover is also deemed impolite at the mosque.
- Taking photographs with your lover within the mosque is not permissible.
Tips for Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque
- You may find the entire admission process to be a little complicated, so it is best to be prepared ahead of time to save time. On busy days, it can take approximately 30 minutes to enter the mosque.
- While there are free guided tours available, if you want a more in-depth exploration, engage a private guide.
- Food, cosmetics, lighters, additional batteries, high-powered tools, cigarettes, telescopes, chewing gum, and alcoholic beverages are not permitted inside the mosque.
- To avoid being too hot, bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Take off your shoes and go barefoot outside.
