Sheikh Zayed’s Great Mosque Abu Dhabi is one of the grand structures and impressive architecture worth going to.
If you’re planning to visit Abu Dhabi, you should be sure to include Sheikh Zayed’s Grand Mosque to your itinerary. We are certain that this guide will assist you to plan your visit!
Abu Dhabi, being the capital of the emirate UAE It is somewhat under-shadowed and is less crowded than Dubai.
The largest city in the emirate is home to a number of stunning and spectacular attractions on its list. It could be the architectural marvel of Sheikh Zayed’s Grand Mosque, tranquil mangrove forest, or its urban feel, Abu Dhabi is second to any other!
As a lover of architecture I have to say that visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was one of our most memorable experiences. So, we thought there was the need to write an all-inclusive guide for others who are traveling.
In this article we’ve put together an exhaustive guideline of what you can expect at Grand Mosque, how to get there as well as dress code information that we hope you will find useful in your visit to Abu Dhabi.
How to get there Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi
We traveled across Dubai towards Abu Dhabi and it took us just under 1.5 hours to travel by road. If you’re relying on public transport, you can take regular buses that go from the Al Ghubaiba bus station in the Bur Dubai area , and continue to Abu Dhabi.
These are non-stop bus trips which take around 2 hours. From the Abu Dhabi bus station, you can hire a taxi, or bus line 032 that takes about 45 minutes to get to the mosque.
What is the reason to visit The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Exotic Architecture
Sheikh Zayed’s Grand Mosque considered to be one of the most modern architectural wonders that are of modern day. The modern mosque is frequently described as being similar with Taj Mahal. However, personally I wouldn’t make a an analogy between them after having seen both. They’re both distinct and distinctive in their own way. In reality the mosque is a worthy contender to any comparisons made.
The mosque is well constructed and is among the most impressive architectures I’ve seen in recent years. One glance of the mosque can give an impression as if the mosque is surrounded by snow. It is so clean, so white that it was able to blend into the surroundings. The towering minarets and domes dominate the skyline.
Intricate and Rich Interiors
Marvellous Domes
The artistic work on the domes merits an acknowledgement as well. The intricate and detailed Moroccan artwork featuring arabesque and floral designs. There are 82 domes of various sizes. The largest is situated in the middle of the main hall for prayer.
Crystal Chandeliers
One thing that is noticeable and makes you swoon is the chandeliers of the mosque. There are seven chandeliers made of crystal in the foyers and halls. The largest is located in the prayer room in which they gather. It is believed to be the one of the largest chandeliers in a mosque, weighing around 12 tons. Glass panels with Swarowski crystals were used in all of these chandeliers.
Three chandeliers as well as an overview of the central hall that can hold 40000 people. The main hall for prayer is home to the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. Most of the time, it is a woolen carpet. there are Islamic medallion designs and were made by around 1200 craftsmen and took about two years to create the knot, design and then transport.
The lighting system used in the domes is a representation of Lunar illumination that reflects the moon’s phases. Blueish Gray color is projected onto the exteriors and domes. Each day , the color alters according to the lunar phase. As the moon shifts through crescent phase to the full moon the lightening turns darker.
The fascination of seeing structures and monuments lit up at night never diminishes. The mosque was visited just prior to sunset. We were fortunate to be able to see the mosque in both day light and at night.
As it was the amazing hour came around the mosque was transformed into a vibrant array of colors, and sparkled throughout the night. We only caught an eerie glimpse of the mosque in daylight for a brief period of time, we had we had no complaints.
The evening sky added a sophisticated finish to the already luxurious mosque. The arches sparkled and were reflecting off the pool outside. It was a wonderful photograph opportunity for me. The pillars, which were tall and white, were decorated with gold top layer to look like a palm tree. The entrance to the mosque is through these massive columns, and the marble works are nothing short of stunning.
The extravagant mosque with its arches as well as the intricate carvings on the marbles, the magnificent carpet and chandelier made us speechless. It is certainly one of the stunning magnificent architectures of the UAE and a symbol for Abu Dhabi. Grand Mosque Grand Mosque is a symbol of grandeur, pure elegance and calm. If you’re in Abu Dhabi, there’s no doubt that you should add the Grand Mosque to your itinerary.
Keep In Mind Dress Code & Manners
- Conservative clothes for women that cover shoulders, hands, legs as well as the neck and head. Trousers for males.
- Women must wear an Abaya (traditional costume) as well as Shayla (headscarf) that is provided by the mosque.
- Avoid wearing transparent and tight clothing.
- Shorts are not permitted.
- Shoes should be removed prior to entering the mosque prayer room.
- The display of affectionate behavior or public displays of affection are not allowed.
- Don’t touch any display such as the Holy Quran or any other architectural elements of the prayer hall.
- Drinks and food are not permitted, and it is obvious that it’s the only smoking area.
