Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque(Sheikh Zayed Mosque)- one of the largest mosques in the world and a real architectural treasure located in the capital city. It is often called the most beautiful mosque in the world and is involuntarily compared to the Indian Taj Mahal, largely due to its similar snow-white color. This is one of the few mosques in the UAE that allows everyone, not just Muslims, to enter. However, there is no entrance fee.
From the name of the mosque you can already understand that it bears the name of the “father of the nation” and the founder of the UAE - Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan. By the way, he is buried very close. During the construction and internal equipment of the mosque, all the most precious things were used. For example, the domes of the main building are decorated with white marble, and the courtyard is decorated with colored marble. Inside the building is the world's largest carpet, on which more than a thousand workers worked. In the halls there are seven chandeliers, made in Germany, decorated with gold leaf and Swarovski stones. The main chandelier of the mosque, until the summer of 2010, was considered the largest in the world.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: How to get there
From anywhere in Abu Dhabi, getting to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is not difficult. It is enough to take a taxi (5-15 USD within the city), or more a budget option- bus (about 1 USD), which runs every 15-20 minutes. But, there is a small nuance. Although the bus comes directly to the mosque, you will have to walk 15-20 minutes to get to the entrance, which is not very cool in the hot summer. Alternatively, you can combine a bus + taxi from the bus stop to the entrance to the mosque (3-5 USD, depending on how you negotiate).
Getting from Abu Dhabi is also very easy. A more expensive option - a taxi (80-100 USD) can be useful for a group trip. You can get there on a budget by bus (8 USD one way) from Al Ghubaiba bus station (Al Ghubaiba) in Dubai and to the bus station in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lifehacks
Plan your trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in advance and remember that it is closed to tourists on Friday morning (until 16:30 hours) as prayer takes place at this time. The mosque's opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Saturday to Thursday, and on Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Every day there is the opportunity to take a free one-hour guided tour of the mosque: at 10:00, 11:00 and 17:00 - from Sunday to Thursday, at 17:00 and 19:00 - on Friday, at 10:00, 11: 00, 14:00, 17:00 and 19:00 - on Saturday.
Surely, you will be tempted to combine a visit to two main attractions in one trip to Abu Dhabi, one of which is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the other. It’s better not to do this, because you run the risk of “running around” without really seeing or doing anything. It is better to divide these events into 2 days, devoting a full day to each object.
This work of art, created in the 20th century, can only be compared with a beautiful white pearl. It shimmers in the sun, is beautiful at night, beautiful at sunset. A miracle of the world, and nothing more!
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After the first impressions left from the grandiose outer shell, there seems to be nothing left to be surprised about. You are wrong. The inside is even more luxurious than the outside. The chandelier, listed in the Guinness Book of Records for its size, hangs under the central dome and illuminates the main prayer hall. There are other “simpler” chandeliers:
- German made of gold
- crystal chandeliers made in Austria by Swarovski
- Italian glass chandeliers
On the floor of this room lies a carpet, also included in the book of records due to its size. The carpet was woven according to the sketch of the Iranian artist Ali Khagili from 35 tons of wool, 12 tons of cotton over 2 years by 1200 artisans.
On the famous qibla wall, the lighting subtly enhances the beauty of the gold and glass mosaics. The 99 qualities of Allah are written there in traditional Kufi calligraphy.
How to behave
Respect the traditions of this people. In order not to desecrate sacred feelings, you need to know the rules of behavior on the territory. You can find out about this before visiting the temple. Clothes should be modest accordingly. Men's arms and legs must be covered. At the entrance, women are required to be given a sheila (black headscarf) and an abaya (floor-length black robe). After each woman, all this is washed, ironed and hung on hangers. At the entrance to the mosque there are shelves for shoes. There you take off your shoes, leave your shoes, and on the way back you go out and pick them up. Excursions here are completely free.
The idea of creating the Mosque was originally voiced in the late 1980s. However, final planning, design, and construction site were approved only in the mid-1990s.
The construction start date was November 5, 1996, but after the initial phase of work, construction became stagnant, with varying stories of money circulating, and disagreements between contractors and the Department public works Abu Dhabi. Halcrow took over supervision of construction in October 2001 and the main shell of the mosque was completed by May 2002. The mosque was finally completed at the end of 2007.
The design and construction was carried out by the joint efforts of people from many countries: including Austria (Swarovski crystals in chandeliers), China, Germany (chandeliers), Greece, India, Iran, Italy (glass), Morocco, New Zealand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (UAE) ), United Kingdom (UK). More than 3,000 workers and 38 contractors were involved in the construction project. The materials used include ceramics, crystals, gold, marble, semi-precious stones, stone.
Architecture
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is famous for its many unique features: the interior design of the prayer halls is made of white Italian marble, inlaid with floral patterns, gold and glass mosaics, semi-precious stones and crystals.
The mosque can simultaneously accommodate 40 thousand believers. The main prayer hall is designed for 7 thousand worshipers. 22,729 in the open courtyard, 7,126 in the main prayer hall, 1,960 in the open prayer hall, 980 in the women's section open prayer hall, 682 in the main prayer hall, 784 in the main hallway.
At the four corners of the mosque there are four minarets, which rise approximately 107 meters. The outer row of the main building is covered with 82 domes. The domes are decorated with white marble, and their interior decoration is also made of marble. The courtyard is lined with colored marble and covers approximately 17,400 m².
The total area is 22,412 m² (comparable to the area of approximately 5 football fields). The yard is approximately 17,000 m². The area of the reflecting pools surrounding the courtyard is 7874 m².
The main hall also houses the world's largest carpet self made. The carpet was woven in Iran according to the design of the Iranian artist Ali Khalighi. 1200 artisans worked on its production for 2 years. The 5,627 m² carpet, which uses 35 tons of wool and 12 tons of cotton, costs approximately $8.2 million. There are 2,268,000 knots in the carpet structure.
The mosque has about 1000 columns in the outer area, decorated with more than 20,000 marble panels, inlaid with semi-precious stones including abalone, amethyst, lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl, red agate. The 96 columns in the main prayer hall are decorated with mother of pearl.
The lighting system was designed by architects Jonathon Speirs and Maer to take into account the phases of the moon. The main glass door of the mosque is striking in its size: height 12.2 m, width 7 m, weight about 2.2 tons.
In the halls of the mosque there are seven chandeliers made in Germany, decorated with gold leaf and Austrian-made Swarovski crystals. The main chandelier of the mosque remained the largest in the world (10 meters in diameter, 15 meters high, weighing about 12 tons) until June 26, 2010, when an even larger one was installed in neighboring Qatar. However, it remains the world's largest chandelier installed in a mosque.
The Qibla Wall, which depicts the 99 names (qualities) of Allah in traditional Kufi calligraphy in gold and glass mosaics, is illuminated by subtle fiber optic lighting integrated into the design.
The mosque is surrounded by artificial lakes and canals with a total area of 7874 m², decorated with dark tiles, in which the illuminated white temple is beautifully reflected in the evening.
Tourist Information
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to the public every day from 09:00 to 12:00, except Fridays. The entrance is free.
Visitors must wear conservative, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves, long skirts and trousers, and women must have a scarf to cover their heads (provided at the entrance). Shoes must be removed before entering.
Visitors will be asked to stay only in permitted areas of the mosque, not to touch the Koran and other architectural elements inside the prayer hall, and smoking and eating are prohibited.
I’ve been to the UAE dozens of times, so I’ve heard a lot about this mosque, but somehow I couldn’t go and see everything, so today I’m correcting this shortcoming of mine. Of course, I won’t have time to go around all its floors, rooms and halls; time is running short, as always, but sightseeing tour I'll arrange it for myself today.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque(Arabic: مسجد الشيخ زايد) is one of the six largest mosques in the world. Located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, the founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates. He is buried here. The mosque was officially opened during the month of Ramadan in 2007.
This mosque, along with the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai, has become an exception - everyone is allowed into it (and not just Muslims). The Ministry of Tourism announced that tours of the mosque are being offered to Muslims and non-Muslims from mid-March 2008. Entrance and tours of the Zayed Mosque are free.
World records.
The carpet spread over such a vast area, which is the largest carpet in the world, was made by the Carpets of Iran company based on a drawing by Iranian artist Ali Khaliki. The carpet area is 5627 square meters and approximately 1200 weavers, 20 technical teams and 30 workers worked on it. The weight of this carpet is 47 tons - 35 tons of wool and 12 tons of cotton. There are 2,268,000 knots in the carpet structure.
In the halls of the mosque there are seven chandeliers made in Germany, decorated with gold leaf and Austrian-made Swarovski crystals. The main chandelier of the mosque remained the largest in the world (10 meters in diameter, 15 meters high, weighing about 12 tons) until June 26, 2010, when an even larger chandelier was installed in neighboring Qatar. However, it remains the world's largest chandelier installed in a mosque.
The Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is not only the most important religious site, but also a tourist site. It is noteworthy that not only Muslims, but also everyone, regardless of religion, is allowed into the Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Thanks to this, excursions around the Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi are actively conducted. During an excursion to the Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, many people worry about how to dress in it. There is no need to worry in this regard. Women are given special black robes with a hood at the entrance. The only thing you should take care of in advance is shoes. For example, you should not go to the Mosque wearing high heels.
Architecture.
The mosque can simultaneously accommodate 40 thousand believers. The main prayer hall is designed for 7 thousand worshipers. Two rooms next to the main prayer hall can accommodate 1,500 people each. Both of these rooms are for women only. 
At the four corners of the mosque there are four minarets, which rise approximately 107 meters. The outer row of the main building is covered with 82 domes. The domes are decorated with white marble, and their interior decoration is also made of marble. The courtyard is lined with colored marble and covers about 17,400 square meters. 
The Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is impressive in its grandeur. 40 thousand people can enter the mosque at the same time! The Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is dominated by eighty-two beautiful domes decorated with white marble. The interior decor of the Mosque is also “subordinated” to marble. Also, the decor of the Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi masterfully combines materials such as gold leaf, Swarovski crystals, and ceramics.
The Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi houses the world's largest carpet. Its weight is... 47 tons. About 1,200 weavers took part in creating the carpet. 
How to get to Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi?
Address of Zayed Mosque - Abu Dhabi, 5th St - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates. The easiest way to get to the mosque is by taxi or tourist bus. You can also take city buses from the Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station (located at the intersection of Hazza bin Zayed the First St and East Rd). The nearest bus stop is approximately 10 minutes' walk from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. 
If you rented a car to travel around Abu Dhabi, then please note that ample parking is located near the southern entrance, and the excursions themselves begin in the eastern part of the mosque. 
Tour times: Sunday - Thursday: 10:00, 11:00 and 16:30 / 17:00 pm, Friday: 16:30 / 17:00 and 19:30 / 20:00, Saturday 10:00, 11:00, 16:30 / 17:00, 19:30 / 20:00. 
Biography of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Most historians agree that he was born on December 1, 1918, but some also say 1916 (at that time the Bedouins did not record the birth dates of children) in Al Ain. Zayd was the youngest of the sons of Sheikh Sultan, who ruled the Principality of Abu Dhabi from 1922 to 1926. When Sheikh Sultan died, Zayd was only eight years old, and he had to wander a lot around the Arabian Peninsula. 
In the 1930s, Sheikh Shahbat II, Zayed's brother, who ruled the principality, instructed him to accompany Western geologists searching for hydrocarbons in the desert. In 1946, Zayed was appointed ruler hometown Al Ain. Under his leadership, active construction began in the oasis, trade revived, and agriculture began to develop. 
In August 1966, Sheikh Zayed became the emir of the principality of Abu Dhabi, removing Sheikh Shahbat from power. In December 1971, the emirs of 6 principalities (the Emir of Ras Al Khaimah joined them in February 1972) announced the creation of the UAE federation, electing the ruler of Abu Dhabi as President. This emphasized both the role and place in the federation of Abu Dhabi (the largest, most populous and richest emirate), and the contribution of Sheikh Zayed to the formation and development of a unique state. 
Sheikh Zayed served as President of the UAE for almost 38 years. On December 2, 2001, he was re-elected as President of the UAE for a seventh five-year term. Forbes magazine estimated his personal fortune, now inherited by his eldest son Sheikh Khalifa, at $20 billion. 
In 1992, Zayed founded the Zayed Foundation with an authorized capital of 3 billion 671 million dirhams, which became famous for financing many projects such as the construction of mosques, cultural and scientific research centers, and providing assistance to disaster-stricken areas. 
By official version, died on November 2, 2004 in his beloved coastal palace "al-Baher" on the eastern outskirts of the city of Abu Dhabi, having managed on the day of his death to carry out the most ambitious reshuffle of the country's Government in the previous 27 years (in particular, for the first time in the Gulf countries there was a minister a woman is appointed). No official cause of death was announced. 
Over his long life, Sheikh Zayed raised 19 sons who now occupy high government positions or run businesses. It is also known that he had 14 daughters. According to Western sources, Sheikh Zayed was married 9 (or 7) times, but in accordance with the prescriptions of Islam, he had no more than 3-4 wives at a time.
He was buried on the right side of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque; from the day of his funeral, the Koran was read continuously over his grave 24 hours a day. 
A huge outdoor washbasin, especially in the summer heat, is probably not a superfluous thing here
Night is coming quickly
I take a final shot through the car window as a farewell shot.
See you!
See you.
One of the most beautiful sights in the world is located in the United Arab Emirates. The stunning masterpiece of Islamic architecture is open to non-Muslims, and no visitor to the UAE capital leaves without experiencing the opulent structure, dazzling in opulence.
Grandiose religious monument
Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, which took its name from the first president of the state, who is buried here, is the largest in the country. The Sheikh Zayed White Mosque surprises with its grandiose size: total area is 17 thousand square meters and is equal to five football fields. The construction of the religious monument cost 600 million euros and took about 11 years. This eye-catching Islamic landmark, which combines elements of Indian, Persian, and Moorish architecture, can be compared to a mother-of-pearl pearl sparkling beautifully in the sun.
History of the construction of the mosque
In 1971, the sheikh, who later became president of the UAE, proposed uniting the scattered poor principalities (emirates) into one state. During the forty years that Zayed bin Sultan an-Hayan led the country, it became the richest in the world. Grateful residents decided to erect a monument, dedicating it to their beloved ruler. During the life of the sheikh, in the 80s of the last century, this idea was voiced, but only 27 years ago the final project of the unique architectural structure. It must be said that the largest Sheikh Zayed Mosque is not the last dedication to the president. The United Arab Emirates honors the memory of the ruler who did a lot for the people, and seven years ago a modern bridge appeared, which was given the name of the founding father of the state.
In 1996, large-scale construction began, which was repeatedly interrupted due to the fact that customers and contractors could not agree. And only five years later, when the country’s government turned its attention to the problem, the construction of the snow-white miracle continued. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the whole world was involved in the construction: luxurious carpets were brought from Iran, Italy and China supplied snow-white marble, and unique chandeliers were ordered from Germany and Austria. More than three thousand of the best specialists from all over the world worked on the project.
In 2007, the mosque, which represents the untold wealth of the state, opened its doors to parishioners, and soon the architectural complex became accessible to people of other faiths, since it was decided not to hide the amazing work of art from representatives of other religions. Even Elizabeth II, the Queen of Great Britain, came to admire the architectural miracle in the Emirates. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only the main shrine of Islam, but also a major tourist centre, as well as an institution where Muslims are taught.
Burial of the President
A little further away there is a modest grave of the country's president, in whose honor a unique masterpiece was built, striking with its extraordinary beauty outside and inside. Near a small white monument, fenced with black marble, the Koran is read around the clock. There are no excursions to the important burial site, which does not resemble a mausoleum, but if you wish, you can visit it on your own and honor the memory of the great president.
Architecture of the building
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque (UAE), looking up, looks airy and weightless. If you look at the buildings of the complex from above, you can see that they form a closed space. Four majestic minarets, about 110 meters high, rise to the sky, and they give lightness to the marble mosque with 82 domes. The courtyard, lined with colored tiles, covers an area of 17 thousand m2.
The beautiful Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the photo of which does not convey the grandeur of the monumental masterpiece, is surrounded by artificially created canals and lakes lined with dark blue tiles, making them seem bottomless. At night, when the lights change colors depending on the lunar phases, the marble minarets and domes decorated with golden crescents are reflected in the dark water, and tourists feel like they are in a real oriental fairy tale.
Mosque decoration
More like a luxurious palace, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is famous for the decoration of its prayer halls: marble slabs on the floor are decorated with custom-made glass and gold mosaics, clear crystals and semi-precious stones. Next to the main one, which seats almost nine thousand people and is intended exclusively for men, there are two women's halls, separated from the central one by screens so that no one can observe Muslim women during prayers.
The openwork pulpit for the imam, made of wood and inlaid with white gold, delights.
Main attractions
The unique Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Abu Dhabi) is also of interest because it has personal attractions. Firstly, this is the world's largest carpet spread out inside the new wonder of the world, its weight exceeds 47 tons, and its area is about five thousand m2. An Iranian artist came up with a beautiful design, and more than a thousand weavers worked for two years to create a genuine work of art, consisting of wool and cotton. This carpet is now worth approximately $8.2 million.
Secondly, the main prayer hall, reserved for men, is illuminated by steel chandeliers, which are covered with gold leaf and decorated with colored Swarovski crystals. The largest of them, listed in the Guinness Book of Records, weighs 12 tons and its diameter exceeds 10 meters. In addition, this hall contains 96 columns lined with marble and inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
Thirdly, it is worth noting the 50-meter wide Qibla wall, which shows worshipers where Mecca is located. The Qibla features 99 names (attributes) of Allah written in calligraphy, and is illuminated using fiber optic lighting, which is dim and does not distract the attention of worshipers, but at the same time subtly emphasizes the amazing beauty of the mosaics for which the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is famous. And the niche in the wall is made of the purest gold and glass. This most interesting attraction is often undeservedly ignored by tourists.
Fourthly, one of the minarets houses a huge collection of ancient and modern books dedicated to religion, art, calligraphy and written in different languages of the world. Rare and valuable tomes can be used by anyone.
How to get there for tourists?
The most luxurious Sheikh Zayed Mosque in the Muslim world is located at the following address: Abu Dhabi, st. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St. Showing the strength and power of the UAE religious building More than three million tourists visit each year. You can get to it from the main city bus station by buses with a green lane, numbers 32, 44, 54. The desired stop is called Zayed Mosque.
Those who want to travel to Abu Dhabi from Dubai need to get to the Al Ghubaiba bus station, which is located next to the metro station of the same name largest city UAE (green line). From there, regular buses depart every day to the desired bus station in the capital of the country. The travel time will not take more than an hour and a half, and the ticket cost is approximately seven euros.
Free excursions
There can be about 40 thousand believers in the vast territory at the same time. People of different religions are not prohibited from coming here, but tourists are allowed to explore only a few halls. The mosque offers free excursions for foreigners. English language. Those who want to experience Eastern culture will admire the luxury of the religious complex and learn a lot about the traditions and customs of the local residents.
Daily excursions take place on all days of the week according to a specific schedule: from Sunday to Thursday, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Abu Dhabi, UAE) awaits visitors at 10.00, 11.00, 17.00, on Friday - at 17.00 and 20.00, on Saturday - at 10.00, 11.00, 17.00 and 20.00. It is during this time, when prayers are not held, that tourists are allowed entry. A walk through the iconic place leaves an indelible impression. Guides recommend coming here in the evening to enjoy the fantastically beautiful spectacle of the majestic structure illuminated at night.
Rules for visiting an Islamic place of worship
However, there are certain rules that tourists who decide to visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque must follow. There is a strict dress code here, and you won't be able to get inside in shorts and a short-sleeve shirt. Clothing must completely cover the arms and legs, and women throw a shawl or scarf over their heads.
It is prohibited to enter the mosque wearing shoes, and it is also not permitted to kiss, drink, eat or smoke on the premises of the sanctuary. If visitors are dressed inappropriately, at the entrance they will be given a special outfit with a hood (abaya) appropriate for the occasion. The Quran and architectural elements inside prayer halls must not be touched.
Against the backdrop of the turquoise sky and tall minarets soaring upward, it seems as if the mosque shimmering in the rays of sunlight is preparing to soar into the skies, and when the gaze falls on the transparent surface of the water, there is a feeling of a floating snow-white ship. The great heritage of the East, created by human hands, surprises travelers with its luxury and special atmosphere that reigns inside the architectural miracle.
