Day trip to Abu Dhabi

 I have seen many mosques all over the world but have never been inside one. Out of all those I have seen The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is without a doubt the most grand and unique of all the mosques I have seen. A must-see when you visit Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Whatever your faith may be, it doesn’t change the fact that this mosque is a work of art.

The Grand Mosque is known for its predominantly white color. It symbolizes purity and piety.

The attention given to all the details leaves me speechless!

Majestic

This mosque was initiated by the late president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who wanted to establish a structure which unites the cultural diversity of Islamic world, the historical and modern values of architecture and art. This mosque is considered to be the key place for worship in the country. It is the largest mosque in the UAE. It is said that during EID prayers the mosque is visited by more than 40,000 people.

The mosque is built over a 30-acre expanse of land and looks beautiful even from far away. It looks incredible no matter what angle you look at it. I won't forget the first glimpse from the car as we drove towards the mosque.

The pretty courtyard inside has 1,048 columns.

There are 82 domes made of pure white marble & the largest dome is located in the center of the main prayer hall

Could not stop looking at the beautiful craftsmanship specially inside of the domes which features traditional Moroccan artwork with verses from the Holy Quran painted in gold color.

Entering the main hall

 They say that the design and construction literally "unites the world", using artisans and materials from many countries including Italy, Germany, Morocco, Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, Iran, China, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Greece and United Arab Emirates.

Every aspect is detailed so beautifully.

The carpet in the main hall is considered to be the world's largest carpet made by Iran's Carpet Company and designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi. 

  

The white marbles used here were shipped all the way from Italy and the colored ones are from Spain, Morocco, China and India.

Mother of pearl work on the pillars

The Mosque has seven imported chandeliers from the company Faustig in Munich, Germany that incorporates millions of Swarovski crystals.

 

Walking towards the courtyard

Just a head's up, that while visiting the mosque the dress code is very important. Women must be covered from head to toe. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, then wear a scarf on the head. Men must also wear long pants and proper shirts. For those who are not fully covered they can borrow a burka which are available outside the mosque. Also bear in mind that this is a place of worship and so please respect and follow the signs and guidelines while taking pictures as well. Certain poses aren't acceptable. You do not want to unnecessarily offend anyone.

"One's destination is never a place but a new way of seeing things." - Henry Miller

Last glimpse

 

This place displays beautiful art & architecture and is truly

GRAND as the name suggests.