Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi made the top ten list of the Traveler’s Choice Awards
No trip to Abu Dhabi is complete without a visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
But just in case you don’t know, Abu Dhabi just clinched the Top Tourist Spot in the Middle East!
Can we get a woop woop?
Abu Dhabi snagged a top spot on Tripadvisor’s prestigious list of Top 25 Tourist Attractions in the World, landing at an impressive 10th place – and first in the Middle East.
That’s right, our fabulous city is shining on the global stage, drawing globetrotters with its unique blend of cultural richness, stunning architecture, and unforgettable experiences.
Leading the charge in the Traveler’s Choice Awards is the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Nestled amid lush gardens and shimmering pools, this architectural masterpiece offers a serene haven for prayer and contemplation.
Guided tours add depth to the visit, offering insights into the mosque’s cultural significance and the craftsmanship behind its spectacular design.
It’s no wonder it shares the top 10 with iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Eiffel Tower, and Anne Frank House.
So, on the back of this fabulous news and with its 82 domes, sky-piercing minarets, and acres of gleaming white marble, we thought you’d love to know some more fascinating facts about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque that we will leave you in awe.
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Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic landmark. Ready to explore?
Let’s dive into the fascinating facts that make Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque a must-see attraction.
From its impressive size to its exquisite architectural details, there’s so much to discover.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a breathtaking experience, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has something for everyone.
So, let’s go!
ALL THE FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE ABU DHABI
How big is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a colossal place of worship, big enough to accommodate over 40,000 visitors.
It’s the largest mosque in the UAE and the third largest in the world, covering over 22,400 square metres.
Fun fact: over 100,000 tons of Greek and Macedonian marble were used in its construction!
How many worshippers can Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
The main prayer hall alone can hold more than 7,000 worshippers, with two smaller halls accommodating 1,500 each.
What makes Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture?
This AED 2.5 billion project took 12 years to complete, starting in 1996.
The mosque’s design draws from classic Mamluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid architectural styles.
It features a unique lighting system that reflects the lunar phases, projecting colours onto the exterior that change nightly according to the moon.
Inside, you’ll find a blend of classic Middle Eastern design with contemporary, innovative touches.
Who built Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
While its design is rooted in Arabic tradition, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was a global effort.
Italian engineers Salini Impregilo led a team of 3,000 workers from 38 contracting companies.
Artisans from India, Germany, Egypt, Turkey, the UK, China, and Pakistan all contributed.
The main prayer hall’s carpet, the world’s largest, was hand-knotted by 1,300 Iranian craftsmen using New Zealand wool.
It’s so heavy it had to be dismantled, flown in on two planes, and re-stitched on arrival.
What are the stunning details found inside Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
The beauty of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque lies in its details.
Columns are embedded with semi-precious stones like amethyst, lapis lazuli, and jasper.
Delicate floral patterns in mother of pearl adorn the walls.
Six Faustig chandeliers made from Swarovski crystals and 24-carat gold hang from the ceilings, with the largest chandelier suspended 15 meters from the central dome’s roof.
Who conceived the idea of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
The mosque is named after the UAE’s first president, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was the driving force behind its construction.
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He chose the location at the entrance of Abu Dhabi island and gave architectural direction.
Sheikh Zayed wished for the mosque to be his final resting place, and his body now resides in the mosque’s courtyard.
Can non-Muslims visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths. Free guided tours are available in English and Arabic.
When is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque open to the public?
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open Saturday to Thursday from 9am to 10pm and on Fridays from 4.30pm to 10pm.
What should you wear when visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Abayas are provided for women, and long trousers for men. And don’t forget your sunglasses for those dazzling white surfaces!
How much does it cost to enter Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
It is free to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
However, it’s advised to book your visit in advance to get guaranteed entry, especially if you’d like to arrange a guided tour.
What can you learn on a free cultural tour?
The free guided tours organised by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre are educational, cultural, and interactive, making them one of the most popular activities for all age groups.
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During your tour, you will learn about the mosque’s cultural role in promoting coexistence and tolerance, and the history of its construction.
You’ll also explore various elements of Islamic art, culture, and architecture, manifested in every detail of its unique design.
What are the times of the guided tours of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
The free cultural tours are available from Monday to Sunday (except Friday) at various times throughout the day:
10am, 11am, midday, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm.
On Fridays, tours are offered at 10am and 11am, with additional tours available from 4pm to 8pm in the evening.
Where does the guided tour start?
The tours start on the East side of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
All you need to do is ask any of the friendly operations team (security or ground staff) where the tours start, and they will gladly guide you to the right place.
Where is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque located?
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is strategically situated between the three main bridges connecting Abu Dhabi to the mainland: Maqta, Mussafah, and Sheikh Zayed bridges.
This prime location makes it easily accessible from various parts of the city.
How do you enter the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
You can enter the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from Al Salam Gate 6. It’s the main entrance and ensures a smooth flow of visitors into the majestic premises.
What transport services are available to get to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Abu Dhabi’s TRANSAD offers convenient pick-up and drop-off services.
You can call their toll-free number 600535353 or visit their website at TRANSAD. There’s also a taxi-designated area available at the mosque during working hours.
Are there public transport options to get to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Yes, the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi provides a public bus service, with a bus station located near the mosque. Click here to find out more.
Additionally, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre and Wahat al Karama offer customised shuttle buses, running every half hour from 10 am to 7.15 pm.
What else can you do and see at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
- Shop at Souq Al Jami’
You can visit Souq Al Jami’, a unique addition to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, enhancing the visitor experience with improved services and facilities.
Spanning 341.10 square metres, the Souq features 51 outlets offering a diverse shopping experience, along with a variety of restaurants and shops.
It also includes the family-friendly “Fun Block,” catering to the needs of worshippers and visitors of all ages.
- Visit Al Jami’ Library
You can also visit Al Jami’ Library, which, inspired by the belief in art as a universal language, fosters communication, dialogue, and openness.
It’s a treasure trove for researchers and anyone interested in the advancements of Islamic culture in arts and sciences.
The library’s rich collection of invaluable books and manuscripts has built significant bridges with other cultures.
Thanks to the continuous support of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court, the library now boasts approximately 3,000 books and periodicals in 14 languages.
This gesture documents and revives Islamic civilization’s sciences and arts.
- Go jogging
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s Jogging Track is a valuable addition to the mosque’s facilities, offering visitors a unique venue to practice outdoor sports while enjoying the majestic view of the mosque’s architecture and surrounding landscape.
This facility highlights the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre’s commitment to social responsibility and promoting healthy living and physical activities, aligning with the UAE’s efforts to encourage sports.
It’s also a new addition to Abu Dhabi’s list of distinctive sports destinations, contributing to the community’s physical and mental health while enhancing the mosque’s status as a premier architectural and cultural landmark.
Ready to explore this iconic landmark? Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque awaits!
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Image credit Canva, Mohamad bin Zayed Instagram, Abu Dhabi Mobility Instagram, ITC Twitter/Instagram
