Speaking of Abu Dhabi’s iconic attractions, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque surely comes to the top of the list!
It’s not just a holy mosque for Muslims to pray in but a must-visit destination for all city visitors. This owes to its matchless design and architecture, which made it stand out and be one of the capital’s top touristic attractions.
Let’s go deep and let you know all the interesting information about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque!
Guide About Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This attraction is a real gem! With its 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, the mosque is a symbol of the diverse Islamic world. Open to visitors of all faiths, it serves as a meeting point for cultural understanding and spiritual contemplation.
This article will take you through all the information and details about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This includes its location, nearby communities, entry, and most importantly, why it’s an iconic attraction that you should visit!
Location
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located off Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi.
Nearby Communities
You can reach the mosque from different communities of the city; find below the nearest areas and their commute time to this attraction.
- Al Muntazah: 10 minutes away
- Rabdan: 10 minutes away
- Al Mushrif: 10 minutes away
- Al Bateen: 15 minutes away
Nearby Attractions
If you’re planning to spend a day out, there are a number of leisure attractions near the mosque, allowing you to have fun there after finishing your tour here. Have a look at them below
- Wahat Al Karama: 5 minutes away
- Khor Al Maqta’a Park: 5 minutes away
- Zayed Sports City: 5 minutes away
Interesting Facts
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is full of surprises. Home to the world’s largest carpet and a stunning crystal chandelier, this mosque is a must-see for anyone interested in art and culture. It’s more than just a place to pray; it’s a showcase of Islamic craftsmanship.
Find more details below about the mosque’s intersting facts.
1. Construction Materials From all Over the World
Yes, you read it right! The materials used to build the mosque were brought in from around the world. This is to bring you a matchless mosque with unique details.
The designs and intricate details are breathtaking. Besides, its floors feature the world’s largest marble mosaic and the bright domes are topped with stunning gold leaf spires.
The designers did an incredible job sourcing materials from all around the world, including:
- New Zealand
- Morocco
- Egypt
- Turkey
- Greece
- Pakistan
- Italy
- Germany
- Austria
- China
- India.
Using different materials from different areas brings a form of global unity, leaving you in awe. Besides, it’s amazing to see how all these different countries came together to achieve such an iconic attraction.
2. Iconic Chandeliers Resembling Upturned Palm Trees (a symbol of prosperity in the UAE)
The famed crystal chandeliers in the mosque are designed by Faustig, a German light manufacturer. They pay tribute to the late founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan.
Their design resembles an upturned palm tree, which symbolises the UAE’s sustenance and prosperity, so every detail carries a message.
Besides, the impressive stainless-steel chandeliers are decorated with:
- 24-carat gold plates
- Swarovski crystals include about 40 million units of green, red, and yellow crystal balls.
Such details add a mesmerizing touch to the chandeliers’ whole look; you will surely feel astonished when seeing them!
3. Lighting System Connected to the Lunar Cycle
This sounds very impressive! So it’s not only about being ideally designed, but it also syncs with the lunar cycle. Synchronising with the moon, the mosque’s facade lights up softly at night!
Moreover, Speirs and Associates designed a spectacular 360-degree lighting system for the mosque’s facade. Its lighting turns from cool white during a full moon to a deeper blue as the moon wanes, shifting every two evenings.
4. Design Inspired by Mughal, Ottoman, and Persian Architecture
The architectural design of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will leave you mesmerized and breathless as it is a beautiful combination of different cultures. It’s inspired by Islamic art in the finest way, combining Mughal, Moorish, Ottoman, and Persian architecture.
Get ready to take endless awesome pictures inside this masterpiece!
5. 11 Years of Construction, Started in 1996
It all started with a passion project of Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s late founder; it turned out to be a magnificent mosque that captures the hearts of worshippers, tourists, and architecture enthusiasts alike.
In addition, the construction of Sheikh Zayed Mosque took 11 years in a row by international teams of experts.
Highlights
- The mosque welcomed its visitors on December 20, 2007, allowing everyone to witness its stunning design!
- The mosque is now the final resting place of the honorable Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, the visionary who brought it to life.
Timings
You can visit this awesome attraction at different times of the day; check below the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s timings to plan your visit.
- Saturday – Thursday: 9 am – 10 pm
- Fridays: 9 am – 12 pm, 3 pm – 10 pm
Entry
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has free entry.
Contact Information
+971 (0)2 419 1919
FAQ
1. What Is the Ticket Price for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
There are no tickets needed to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as it offers you free entry.
2. What Should You Wear in Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
When visiting Sheikh Zayed Mosque, it’s always good to wear conservative and fitting yet loose clothes.
Also, for women, make sure to have a headscarf to put on once you enter the mosque.
3. How Can You Get to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
You can reach the mosque through different transportation options.
- Car. It’s easily accessible, so you can effortlessly reach it by your car.
- Bus. In case you don’t go in a private car, then you can use the bus. Here are the nearest bus stations to the mosque.
- Wahat Al Karama St / Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Saif Ghobash St / Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
4. How Much Does the Construction of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Cost?
The construction cost of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is around AED 2 billion ($545 million).
5. Does Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Have a Parking?
Yes, there is parking for the mosque where you can leave your car, and it’s free of charge.
You shouldn’t think twice about visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; it’s literally among the must-visit places in Abu Dhabi, where you will feel the spiritual vibes while being surrounded by stunning beauty.
