One of the most beautiful and largest mosques around the globe, The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, is a true marvel of architecture. This mosque is state-of-art and blends the virtue of various architectural designs of Islam. Regardless of the religion, every individual is welcomed here, representing the peace preached by Islam.
If you are planning a trip to Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must-visit tourist attraction. Mentioned below is everything you need to know before planning a trip here, from key features to the best time for the visit.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque| Key Features
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a mosque nestled in Abu Dhabi that has a strong historical impact. This architectural beauty is an ideal amalgam of various architectural styles and embodies the message of tolerance and peace. You can witness astounding Minarets and carpets.
Apart from that, there are 82 domes in Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It also features more than 1,000 columns and 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers. Every Inch of this mosque is a glorious sight that you shouldn’t miss out on in life. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has the largest knotted carpet, and one of the fanciest & largest chandeliers can be seen in the main prayer hall.
The minarets, chandeliers, and carpets are said to be the key features of this mosque. Let’s take a deeper look at these wondrous beauties.
Minarets
The mosque features four minarets, each measuring 106 metres in height. Three diverse geometric forms make up each minaret. The first is a square that serves as the base of the minaret. Its architecture is influenced by Moroccan, Andalusian, and Mameluke influences.
The second component of the minaret is octagonal in form, a design that dates back to the Mameluke period (13th to 16th centuries). The third piece is shaped like a cylinder, which is an Ottoman design feature (14th to 20th centuries). The Fatimid era is represented by the crowning lantern, which is decorated in a gold-glass mosaic (10th to 12th centuries).
Carpet
The world’s biggest hand-knotted carpet is housed in the main prayer hall of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Dr Ali Khaliqi, a third-generation carpet weaver and artist, created the elaborate Islamic medallion pattern.
The single-piece, mainly wool carpet, is 5,700 square metres in size and was handcrafted by around 1,200 workers. The entire project took two years to complete, including eight months for the design and twelve months for knotting.
Chandeliers
Seven crystal chandeliers by Faustig of Munich, Germany, may be seen in the mosque. The biggest one is 10 metres in diameter, 15 metres tall, and weighs 12 tonnes. In the main prayer hall, there are two smaller replicas of the same style. Each one weighs 8 tonnes.
In the foyer doors around the mosque, there are four blue-coloured chandeliers of comparable shape and size. The biggest, which is positioned in the main foyer entry, weighs roughly 2 tonnes.
Address – Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, 5th St. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours –
- Saturday to Thursday – From 10: 00 AM to 6: 00 PM
- Friday – From 3:00 PM to 6: 00 PM
Entry Price – There is no entry fee for entering Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
How To Reach Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The mosque is around 19 kilometres from Abu Dhabi International Airport. To go to the mosque, you have two possibilities.
From the airport, take a cab straight to the mosque. If you are staying near the airport, a cab ride will cost you between Dh90 and Dh120. If you’re travelling with family and friends, a round-trip cab is always the finest option.
There are bus services as well, but they do not stop at the Grand Mosque, so you will need to take a bus to Zayed Sports City and then a cab from there. Zayed Sports City is 3.1 kilometres from the Grand Mosque.
If you’re going on a brief vacation or in transit, double-check the date and time before departing. It would be pointless to visit the site during Ramadan because it would be closed.
FAQs
Q1 – Is there a dress code to enter Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Ans – Yes. Women and children are advised to wear full sleeve shirts and long, loose skirts or full pants. Shorts are strictly prohibited for both men and women. It is best not to wear clothes with visible shoulders.
Q2 – What makes Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque so special?
Ans – The blend of different architectural styles, with 24-karat gold glider chandeliers, and the larger hand-knotted carpet of the world makes it the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque special.
Q3 – Are guides necessary for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s tour?
Ans – Guides are not compulsory for people of the religion. For the rest, guides are necessary, not only to enter the mosque but to mesmerise the glory and historical essence of the Grand Mosque.
Q4 – What is the best time to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Ans – Sheikh Zayed Mosque is an all-season tourist destination. Visitors from all over the world come throughout the year. To enjoy the most pristine views, it is advised to visit the mosque in the evening. As the sunsets, the golden hues make this architectural marvel even more special.
