Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the most beautiful and largest mosques in the UAE. Here are the top seven reasons to visit this place. Read Here!

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7 Reasons to Visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque

There are many mosques in the UAE, with about 1,500 places of worship in Abu Dhabi alone, making it a popular destination for Muslims. However, there is one mosque that stands out from the rest.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the eight largest mosques in the world and is impressive not only for its size but also for its architecture. The intricate stonework, marble walls, and crystal chandeliers make it a stunningly beautiful mosque. Here are the top seven reasons to visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Read on!

1. The Largest Mosque in the UAE

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a massive place of worship with a capacity of over 40,000 visitors. It is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and the third-largest in the world. Research shows that Sheikh Zayed Mosque covers 22,400 square meters of area. So, this makes locals and tourists visit the mosque every time they are in Abu Dhabi.

In addition, the main prayer hall can accommodate over 7,000 worshipers, and two smaller prayer halls can accommodate 1,500 worshipers each. For this reason, more than 100,000 tons of Macedonian and Greek marble were used in the construction of the mosque.

2. A Beautiful Prayer Hall

The prayer hall is a work of art in itself. From the floor to the ceiling, every inch of the space is elaborate and will leave visitors in admiration. The floor is covered with the largest hand-woven carpet in the world, making the hall the most attractive place for visitors, including Muslims and Non-Muslims.

There are seven crystal chandeliers in the mosque, the largest of which is in the main chapel and weighs about 12 tons. The main hall walls are also made of marble and, along with the ceiling, are covered with gorgeous designs. We recommend visiting the mosque with your family and friends to relish the beautiful indoor area.

3. Impressive Marble Work

The walls of the Great Mosque of Sheikh Zayed are made entirely of Macedonian marble. The main feature of this mosque is the white color chosen by the late Sheikh Zayed to represent purity.

Besides, the marble walls are covered with multicolored stones in the shape of flowers, which enhance the entire architecture of the mosque. The floral details on the chapels, pillars, and entrance areas add vibrant color to the beautiful white walls.

4. Magnificent Domes

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has 82 domes of various sizes. These, like the rest of the mosque, are made of marble and are detailed with gold. Below the domes are windows that allow natural light into the mosque’s prayer hall. The largest dome is above the main prayer hall.

5. Picturesque Minarets

The mosque has four minarets, and each is approximately 106 meters high. These minarets have three different geometric shapes. The first is a rectangle and square, which is the base of the mosque. The rectangle forms the minaret base, reflecting Moroccan, Mamluk, and Andalusian styles.

The second section of the minaret is octagonal, which dates back to the Mamluk era. The third section is cylindrical, a design dating from the Ottoman period. The crown lantern, covered with a gilded glass mosaic, dates back to the Fatimid era.

6. The Mosque Welcomes Non-Muslims

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers free guided tours in English or Arabic. Tours are available Saturday through Thursday between 9:00 AM and 10:00 OM and on Friday between 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM. The mosque’s staff provides Abaya for women and long pants for men. Don’t forget your sunglasses, as the white surfaces are glittery.

7. Unique Lighting System

Along the walkway is a beautiful pool that reflects the mosque’s columns. At night, it is illuminated to create an even more magical atmosphere. Besides, Speirs Major designed the lighting system. The phases of the moon inspire the lighting system.

Moreover, there is a beautiful bluish cloud projected onto the outer wall. The light glows and dims according to the moon’s phases, making it one of the most monumental features of this Grand Mosque.

Final Words

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the world’s largest mosque in the UAE, boasting beautiful and detailed architectural work of art that blends Islamic and traditional Arab architectural elements. Visiting the place allows people to explore the beautiful domes, over 1,000 columns, glided chandeliers made of 24-carat gold, and the world’s largest carpet knotted with hands by experienced artisans. Until Next Time!