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Discover the Beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an architectural masterpiece located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. This magnificent mosque is named after the UAE’s founding father and first president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The mosque was designed to reflect the cultural diversity of the Islamic world and has become a symbol of Islamic art and architecture.
Official website: https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/
History of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was built between 1996 and 2007 and is one of the largest mosques in the world, with a capacity to accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. The mosque’s construction was an ambitious project that aimed to create a spiritual and cultural landmark that would unite the Islamic world. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was a devout Muslim, wanted to create a mosque that would reflect the Islamic values of tolerance, unity, and peace.
The mosque’s architecture
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s architecture is a fusion of Islamic styles from around the world. The mosque’s design features elements from Moroccan, Turkish, Pakistani, and Egyptian architectural styles. The mosque’s white marble façade is adorned with intricate floral designs and calligraphy, which is a hallmark of Islamic art. The mosque has 82 domes of different sizes, four minarets, and 1,000 columns. The main prayer hall has a capacity to accommodate over 7,000 worshippers.
The mosque’s interior design
The mosque’s interior design is equally impressive. The main prayer hall has the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, measuring 5,627 square meters and weighing 47 tons. The carpet was handmade by over 1,200 artisans using the finest wool from New Zealand and Iran. The mosque’s chandeliers are also noteworthy, with the largest weighing 12 tons and containing over 40,000 Swarovski crystals.
The mosque’s courtyards
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s courtyards are also a sight to behold. The courtyards are decorated with reflective pools, which give the mosque a serene and peaceful ambiance. The courtyard’s design also features landscaped gardens with different types of flowers and trees, which adds to the mosque’s beauty.
Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an unforgettable experience. The mosque is open to visitors every day, except on Fridays, which is reserved for worshippers only. Visitors are required to dress modestly, with women required to cover their hair and wear long sleeves and skirts or pants. Men are also required to dress modestly and wear long pants and shirts.
Upon arrival at the mosque, visitors are required to go through a security check before entering the mosque. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mosque, which is available in several languages, including English, Arabic, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese. The tour includes a visit to the main prayer hall, courtyards, and gardens. Visitors can also learn about Islamic culture and history and the mosque’s architectural design.
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Opening Times: Plan Your Visit to Abu Dhabi’s Iconic Landmark
The opening times of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm (last entry at 9:30 pm)
Friday: 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm (last entry at 9:30 pm)
Please note that the mosque may close earlier or remain closed on certain days due to special events or national holidays. It is always best to check the official website or social media channels of the mosque for the most up-to-date information on opening times and closures.
Visitors are advised to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds, especially during peak season. It is also important to note that the mosque may be closed to visitors during prayer times and on certain religious occasions.
Can non Muslims visit Sheikh Zayed mosque?
Yes, non-Muslims can visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The mosque is open to visitors of all religions and cultures, and welcomes millions of visitors every year. In fact, the mosque is considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi.
Dress Code
However, visitors are required to follow a dress code and other guidelines to show respect for the Islamic culture and traditions. For example, visitors must dress modestly, with long pants or skirts and long-sleeved tops. Women are also required to wear a headscarf (which can be provided by the mosque) while inside the mosque. Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque, and visitors must wash their hands and feet before entering the prayer hall.
Visitors are also expected to behave respectfully and avoid any actions that could be deemed disrespectful, such as taking photographs of worshippers without their permission or touching the Quran or other religious objects.
Overall, non-Muslim visitors are welcome at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and can enjoy its beauty and cultural significance while following the mosque’s guidelines and showing respect for the Islamic traditions.
what is the best time to go Reach Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
The best time to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi depends on personal preferences and the weather conditions. Here are some factors to consider:
- Weather: Abu Dhabi is known for its hot and humid climate, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the summer months (June to September). The best time to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is during the cooler months, from October to May, when temperatures are more moderate.
- Crowds: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a popular tourist destination and can get crowded during peak season, which is from December to February. If you prefer fewer crowds, it is best to visit during the shoulder season, from October to November and March to April.
- Time of day: The mosque is open to visitors throughout the day, but some visitors prefer to visit during the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the temperature is cooler.
- Special events: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque hosts various events and celebrations throughout the year, such as Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr. If you are interested in attending these events, it is best to plan your visit accordingly.
The best time to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is during the cooler months of October to May, when temperatures are more moderate and the crowds are fewer. However, visitors can still enjoy the mosque at any time of the year, depending on personal preferences and interests.
What are nearby airports to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
The nearest airport to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). This airport is located approximately 20 minutes away from the mosque by car.
There are many airlines that operate flights to Abu Dhabi International Airport, including major carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. These airlines offer flights from major cities around the world, including New York, London, Paris, Sydney, and Mumbai, among others.
Top 10 Airlines to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and their offers, coupons
There are many airlines that operate flights to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). Here is a list of some of the major airlines that offer flights to AUH:
- Emirates – Emirates coupons, promo codes and discounts.
- Etihad Airways
- Qatar Airways – Qatar Airways coupon, promo codes and discounts.
- Turkish Airlines
- Air India
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- EgyptAir
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Lufthansa
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other airlines that offer flights to AUH. It is always best to check with the airline directly or with a travel agent for the most up-to-date information on flights to Abu Dhabi.
In conclusion, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a magnificent example of Islamic art and architecture. The mosque’s unique design and intricate details make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Abu Dhabi. The mosque’s serene ambiance and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect place for spiritual reflection and contemplation. Visiting the mosque is a humbling experience that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits it.