The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a must-see landmark in Abu Dhabi. With its stunning white marble design, it is one of the world’s most beautiful mosques.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn all about the history, architecture, dress code, prayer times, and visiting this magnificent mosque.
A Brief History
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque honors the legacy of the UAE’s founder and first president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Construction started in 1996 and finished in 2007. The mosque can hold over 40,000 worshippers.
The Breathtaking Design
Everything about the mosque is grand. It covers 30 acres and the main prayer hall features the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. The mosque has 82 white marble domes floating between four minarets standing at over 100 meters tall.
Delicate floral designs crafted from marble, gold, and semi-precious stones decorate the mosque’s exterior and interior columns and walls. It took over 3,000 artisans and materials from across the world to create this Islamic architectural masterpiece.
Visiting The Mosque
The Prayer Halls
The main prayer hall features the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet at 5,625 square meters. This breathtaking floral carpet took around 1,200 artisans to handcraft using wool from New Zealand and cotton from India.
Smaller prayer halls are also available for daily use and an open prayer courtyard provides overflow space for major Islamic holidays.
Key Facts and Features
- Took nearly 12 years to construct from 1996 to 2007
- Marble was sourced from Macedonia, India, China, Greece, and Italy
- 82 white domes range from 7 to 32 meters in diameter
- Over 200,000 tons of stone from the UAE was used
- Interior lighting creates a glowing effect and changes color
- Minarets stand at 107 meters tall
- Open to non-Muslim visitors daily from 9am to 10pm
- Free guided tours available in English and Arabic
The Colossal Carpet
The main prayer hall houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet at 5,625 square meters. This stunning floral carpet was handcrafted by around 1,200 artisans using wool from New Zealand and cotton from India. The intricate Islamic medallion design features intricate arabesque motifs in floral patterns and vegetal designs.
The Gleaming Crystal Chandelier
Look up to admire the colossal Swarovski crystal chandelier hanging grandly in the center of the main prayer hall. This chandelier was designed by Faustig of Germany and measures 10 meters in diameter and 15 meters in height. The chandelier incorporates millions of crystals, glass panels, and lights and weighs over 12 tons. When illuminated, it radiates a kaleidoscope of colors.
How to Reach Sheikh Zayed Mosque
he Sheikh Zayed Mosque is located along Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street in downtown Abu Dhabi, near the Corniche. Visitors can take a taxi or public bus to the mosque. Those staying nearby can walk along the scenic waterfront promenade.
There is parking available at the mosque with spaces for cars and buses. The mosque provides wheelchairs for elderly and disabled visitors if requested.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Timings
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is open daily to visitors, except Friday mornings reserved for worshippers only…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Dress Code
To show respect when visiting the mosque, both men and women must follow the dress code. The visitors are requested to dress up modestly. The men have to wear full length trousers and shirts. Women are required to wear hijab headscarves and abayas. Hijabs and abayas are available at the mosque free of cost for any visitors who need them. Having modest attire ensures all visitors can properly experience the sanctity of the mosque.Make time to visit this magnificent mosque on your Abu Dhabi itinerary. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a stunning landmark showcasing Islamic culture and Emirati heritage.
