Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the biggest mosque in Abu Dhabi (capital of UAE). This mosque is built with the vision to make a structure that would join the way of life of Islam’s with ancient craft and construction. It is the important mosque in the country conducting daily and Friday prayers; it can accommodate 40,000 visitors during Eid prayers. This Mosque construction work was started in 1996 and completed in 2007.
Yusef Abdelki of Halcrow Group designed the mosque structure, and the construction cost was 2 billion dirhams.The design was inspired by Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, and Egypt, among other Islamic countries. Some of the natural materials used for the construction of Sheikh Zayed the Grand Mosque are marble stone, gold, and crystal imported from many countries. Artisans are from all over the world made this iconic building. They used glass-work, mosaic tiling, and complicated carvings to stunning effect on both the interior and exterior. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s main open door welcomes visitors and pilgrims into the mosque where you can notice onion-top domes, the reflective pools, courtyard, prayer hall with fantastic carpet, and chandeliers, which are handmade. Don’t miss to watch the calligraphy on the domes engraved with verses from the Quran. It has four minarets at the four corners of the courtyard.
The main prayer hall contains the world’s biggest carpet at a weight of 35 tons and covering 60,000 square feet. This carpet is made of wool and is having 2.3 billion knots. The carpet represents the majestic effort of the mosque. The prayer room also features several massive chandeliers adorned in Swarovski crystals. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abudhabi fuses Mameluke, Ottoman, and Fatimid design elements to create a harmonious and systematically modern mosque that celebrates Islamic architecture.
Artisans used glass-work, mosaic tiles, and intricate carvings to affect both the interior and exterior spectacularly. It was opened in 2007 after nearly 20 years of creation. The grand mosque is not only a religious site but also serves as an educational and cultural hub for Islamic architecture. Charming architecture combined with exquisite design and pattern of the mosque makes it one of those Abu Dhabi’s must visit places that are very popular among foreign travelers.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Opening Hours :
| Tuesday | 9am–10pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–10pm |
| Thursday | 9am–10pm |
| Friday | 4:30–10pm |
| Saturday | 9am–10pm |
| Sunday | 9am–10pm |
| Monday | 9am–10pm |
(During Eid al-Fitr timings may vary on Saturday, Sunday & Monday)
Address : Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street، – 5th St – Abu Dhabi – UAE