The Incomparable Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Whiter than snow, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is an incomparable architectural place of worship. It’s not just massive but it is detailed in every way, every corner, every arches, every domes and every minarets. Wherever and whatever your eyes laid on, things and designs are seemed to be expensive, impressive and illusive.

Remember these:
Visitors are expected to be covered from head to toe, especially women. That doesn’t mean you’ve got wear a niqab. Women are advised to wear the abaya (a black, full-length outer garment) when entering the premises. Men aren’t allowed to wear shorts. However, you need not worry just in case you’re not dressed properly. You can rent a thobe (for men) and an abaya (for women) at the basement parking. Bring your ID or passport which you can claim back later.

When inside, you just can’t walk around and take all the photos you want. There are certain areas where you’re not even allowed to stand—even if there’s no cordon / cord barrier. Watchful guards are everywhere. So you better behave. 🙂

To prepare you for the heat, make sure you’ve got bottled water and a hat. And if you’re wearing socks, please, get a fresh one because there’s an area where you have to remove your shoes. Don’t be like the tourist next to me whose socks filled the air with the smell of Satan’s ass. 😉 

Rise up early and be there at the first hour in the morning. Less crowd, serene and just perfect to get to know a religion different from yours. Get that electronic head phone guide to make your visit more informative and enlightening.

Let’s start the tour inside.

Related: Sightseeing in United Arab Emirates

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the United Arab Emirate’s grandest mosque. 

It can hold more than 40,000 pilgrims at the same time. 

It’s made, built and decorated with marbles, crystals, gold, ceramics and other precious stones. 

The minarets are conventionally Arab. 

And the archways are classically moorish. 

The 96 columns in the main prayer hall are inlaid with Mother Pearl. And there are a 1000 pillars. 

Can you count how many domes are here?   

There are 82 domes—big and small! 

There are more 4 minarets standing at 107 meters high. 

The hallways and floors are polished and sparkling clean.

Before you enter the main Prayer Hall, visitors are asked to remove their shoes. 

And right when you enter the hall, you’ll know why the mosque is GRAND. 

Seven imported chandeliers carry MILLIONS of Swarovski crystals and said to be the world’s third largest.

Outside, the floral design is dubbed as the largest marble mosaic in the world! 

From floors to ceilings; from columns to walls—exquisitely intricate details are everywhere. 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is surrounded by pools, trees and beautiful gardens. 

If you think it’s magnificent during the day, come at night when it radiates brilliance and hues. 

START YOUR ABU DHABI ADVENTURE HERE.