All About Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center

World’s one of the largest mosques, the Zayed Grand mosque is a visual retreat with all its infusion of different architectural styles. It is conveniently located in the heart of Abu Dhabi with grandeur and opulence. Tourists can access the place without much fuss, the most convenient route being Abu Dhabi centre where plenty of taxis are available.

History

Completed in 1996, the construction took a total span of 12 years. The mosque has a beautiful waterfront with sparkling blue water to have a therapeutic effect on the visitors. Tourists prefer to spend an entire day inside the mosque that proudly covers around 22,412 square meters of architectural wonder.

The most significant part of the mosque resides in its architectural design which required the expertise of 3,000 best artisans from around the globe. Tourists can trace different schools of architecture- Mughal, Persian, and Moorish that adorn the mosque. The mosque takes on an imposing and sublime demeanour with 82 marble domes, gold plated Swarovski crystal chandeliers, and numerous jewel coated internal columns.

Building Process

The mosque is city’s pride, the mosque emanates the greatest work of wealth, and artisan-ship intertwined together. A 12-ton carpet is laid inside the prayer room required 2.2 billion workers for completion and intricate hand-tied knots according to delicate designs. The seven chandeliers that hand from its ceiling represent a staggering beauty unparalleled by anything else in the city. Each one of these chandeliers is carved with gold coloured frames and stones, dazzling in natural light in all its glory.  Supplied by a German company, Faustig, the chandelier in the prayer hall is 12 tons heavy and first of its kind in the entire world. Made from stainless steel and galvanized gold, its beauty is something more than human eyes can contain. No wonder that it summoned the finest designers from New Zealand, Morocco, Egypt, Austria, India, Italy and China to build something as extravagant as it is.

About Grand Mosque Center

Sheikh  Zayed Grand Mosque equals the size of five football fields and is perhaps the perfect demonstration of splendid vastness. Tourists generally consider getting SZGMC guided tours that commence from the eastern side of the mosque with a group of 10 people. On the whole, far from city’s conglomeration, the mosque gifts a visual respite with all its pristine beauty and magnificence. It is one of the few mosques where every religion gets a fair level field and respect. Tickets for guided tours are available instantly, on the venue itself. Furthermore, language choices are also available. This tourist spot also cover in our Abu Dhabi sightseeing tour, details are available here.

Visiting timings

The mosque remains open to visitors of all faith. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opens regularly between 9 a.m to 10 p.m and 4.30 p.m to 10 p.m on Friday mornings. On the holy month of Ramadan, the mosque remains closed.

Facts

• It is mandatory for the visitors to follow dress codes as a symbol of respect and adherence to the city’s culture and policies. Robes can be hired from outside. Abayas can be availed without any charge from the mosque authorities prior to entry.
• Shorts or skirts that end above ankles are strictly forbidden.
• Dress code for men dictates wearing long and loose fitting trousers. No skimpy, tight fitting clothes are allowed inside the premises.
• The tourists would be bestowed with a complimentary guided tours free of costs for one hour. The guide is responsible to provide a short brief on its history, facts, practices, and culture.
• The prayer hall inside Zayed mosque hosts the world’s largest carpet weighing 35 tons and spanning a huge area of 60,546 square feet. Carefully woven with marble, stones, gold, crystal, and ceramic imported from around the world, the completion took a decade itself. The carpet is made up of cotton and wool weighing 38 tons that make the product as heavy as 12 tons.
• Usually, the landmark remains crowded with hundreds of visitors everyday. Therefore, to capture the perfects shots in frame, try getting there early when it remains comparatively empty and serene.
• The mosque employed more than 3000 workers from the best 38 architectural firms. Minarets are moulded after Mamluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid architectural styles and represent the beautiful Islamic architecture to the modern world.
• Wheelchairs and special chairs are available in the prayer room.

Conclusion

So, if you are planning to visit to Abu Dhbai, then make sure to visit this beautiful Mosque with your friends and family.