Last Updated on February 24, 2024 by Tia
Welcome to the 9 most Fascinating facts about Sheikh Zayed Mosque – commonly known as Abu Dhabi Mosque.
Nestled in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands as an architectural marvel, captivating visitors with its grandeur and spiritual significance.
Over 16 years, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomed over 67 million visitors, establishing itself as a prominent global destination.
Apart from being a breathtaking sight, it is also an intriguing destination with many interesting and little-known secrets!
So keep reading, to uncover the 9 Most Fascinating Facts About Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Table of Contents
1. The Most Expensive Mosque in the World
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is the third largest mosque in the world. It is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first President of the UAE.
The construction of the mosque was estimated to cost around 2 billion dirhams (approximately 545 million USD) when it was completed in 2007. It took 11 years to complete it – and somehow, I’m not surprised!
The whooping cost has earned it its title of the world’s most expensive mosque!
Who paid for the Grand Mosque?
This mosque is a gift from H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates, symbolizing the close ties between the two countries.
2. Architectural Opulence – Facts About Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque boasts an awe-inspiring architectural design, combining traditional Islamic artistry with modern innovation.
Its gleaming white marble exterior reflects the sun’s rays, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Housing 82 domes and four minarets adorned with intricate floral motifs, the mosque is an exemplar of grandeur and precision.
From the world’s largest marble mosaic floors to the distinctive bright domes topped with stunning gold leaf spires, every feature and detail in this dimension represents a form of global unity
3. The World’s Largest Hand-Knotted Carpet
Stepping into the prayer hall, visitors are greeted by the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, a remarkable feat of craftsmanship.
Woven by over 1,200 artisans in Iran, this stunning carpet covers an area of 5,627 square meters and took two years to complete.
The intricate floral patterns and rich colors contribute to the mosque’s opulent ambiance, showcasing the commitment to unparalleled excellence.
4. The largest Chandeliers in the world – Facts About Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Adding to the splendor of the mosque are seven colossal chandeliers, each adorned with millions of Swarovski crystals.
The main chandelier, located in the center of the main prayer hall, is one of the largest in the world, weighing an astonishing twelve tons.
Upon inspection, you will see they these chandeliers resemble an upturned palm tree, a symbol of prosperity in the UAE.
The stainless-steel chandeliers are adorned with 24-carat gold plates and Swarovski crystals, with nearly 40 million units of green, red, and yellow-colored crystal balls integrated into the design.
Illuminating the mosque with a soft glow, these chandeliers contribute to the ethereal atmosphere surrounding the mosque.
5. Built with the best materials from all over the world
The materials used to build this iconic mosque were imported from multiple countries around the world, bringing the best from each destination to achieve architectural brilliance.
The designers sourced building materials from countries such as New Zealand, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Pakistan, Italy, Germany, Austria, China and India.
6. Inclusive Architecture – Facts About Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a symbol of inclusivity, welcoming people from all walks of life. Its design incorporates elements from various Islamic cultures, representing unity and diversity.
Visitors marvel at the exquisite blend of Persian, Mughal, and Moorish architectural styles, creating a harmonious space that transcends cultural boundaries.
7. A lunar cycle-connected lighting system
Wow, right? The mosque glows softly at night, synchronized with the lunar cycle. The 360-degree lighting scheme shifts the mosque’s color from cool white during a full moon to gradually deeper blue as the moon wanes, changing every two evenings.
On the fourteenth night of the cycle, the moon is lit in its deepest blue, which signifies the ‘no moon’ in the sky.
Seriously impressive, and awe-inspiring technology!
8. Revered Final Resting Place:
The mosque is a place of worship and the final resting place for its namesake, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He is the founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates.
His tomb, located in a courtyard adjacent to the mosque, is a tranquil space where visitors can pay their respects to a visionary leader whose legacy lives on in the mosque’s magnificence.
9. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque can hold 40.000 people
Yes, you read it correctly! The mosque can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. The mosque is not only a place of worship but also a significant cultural and tourist attraction, attracting visitors from around the world.
The vast prayer hall, numerous courtyards, and other facilities contribute to its ability to host a large number of people.
When should I visit? Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Timings
One of the first considerations for any traveler is the timing of their visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Honestly its beautiful both morning, dusk, and night – but its also very different!
The mosque welcomes visitors throughout the week, offering a serene atmosphere for both worshippers and tourists alike.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque timings are carefully planned to accommodate different preferences.
It opens its doors early in the morning, allowing visitors to witness the ethereal beauty of the mosque in the soft morning light.
Evening visits are equally enchanting as the setting sun casts a warm glow on the pristine white marble.
Whether you prefer the tranquility of dawn or the allure of dusk, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque beckons you with open arms.
Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi Dress Code:
As you prepare for your visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, it’s essential to be mindful of the dress code. Afterall, it a testament to the mosque’s reverence and cultural significance.
The grandeur of the mosque demands a certain level of modesty in attire. Both men and women are required to dress conservatively.
For men, this typically involves long trousers and covered shoulders.
Women are expected to wear loose-fitting, ankle-length dresses or skirts and a headscarf. Sleeves must be full length, and no hair must be showing. Trousers are not allowed.
My sleeves were loose at the bottom and sometimes they rode up, so i kept my arms crossed most of the time.
And trust me; they check!
My skirt had a semi-sheer part at the bottom so I wore it over leggings to ensure my skin wasn’t showing at all.
I loved how this outfit looked in all my photos!
How much is the abaya for Sheikh Zayed Mosque?
On the way to the mosque, I saw several shops selling robes for the mosque, so don’t panic if you haven’t packed anything appropriate.
Just wear leggings and a long-sleeved top, and buy a cover-up with a headscarf on your way! Women can purchase an Abaya (robe) for AED 50 from one of the service desks before entry.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Opening Hours:
Understanding the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opening hours is key to planning your visit seamlessly.
The mosque operates throughout the week, with varying hours on Fridays, the Islamic day of congregational prayer.
It opens early in the morning, allowing early risers to witness the sunrise casting a magical glow on the pristine architecture. The mosque remains open during the day, providing ample time for visitors to explore its intricate details and absorb the spiritual ambiance.
Evening visits are equally captivating as the mosque is illuminated, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the night sky.
Be sure to check the specific Sheikh Zayed Mosque opening hours before your visit to make the most of this awe-inspiring experience. The usual hours are 9 am – 10 pm but times may vary due to religious holidays and Ramadan.
Conclusion:
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is more than just a place of worship. It is a testament to the vision, artistry, and cultural richness of the United Arab Emirates.
From its architectural opulence to the inclusive design and the extraordinary craftsmanship displayed in its interiors, every facet of the mosque tells a story.
As you explore the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, let these intriguing facts deepen your appreciation for this architectural marvel and the cultural tapestry it represents.
Thank you for reading this list of 9 fascinating Facts About Sheikh Zayed Mosque! I hope to have inspired you to visit the architectural marvel soon!
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Love, Tia x
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