One of the most illustrious religious edifices that grace our world is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a jewel in the urban landscape of Abu Dhabi. On this culturally enriching trip, we were delighted to have the company of our lovely friends Indira and Pauline. Together, we embarked on an exploration of the interior and delved into the fascinating history of this iconic structure. It became evident that its name was a fitting descriptor for its grandiosity.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by what appeared to be the main entrance, yet it was merely a prelude to the actual visitor’s gateway, which required us to traverse a mall leading to the mosque’s true entrance. The dress code was enforced with utmost seriousness. Our female companions were advised to don attire that covered them from head to toe; such outer garments were conveniently available for rent at the facility. This entrance ushered us into the expansive courtyard.
The courtyard was a spectacle in itself, encircled by archways that drew inspiration from traditional Moorish design. The vast square marble mosaic at its centre was an artistic masterpiece, adorned with intricate floral patterns. Although we were prohibited from walking upon this delicate work of art, we managed to capture a group photograph with the stunning mosaic as our backdrop. The pristine white marble underfoot had journeyed all the way from Macedonia to find their place in this sacred space.
I found myself particularly taken aback by the 96 columns that stood proudly within the courtyard. These pillars were clad in exquisite white marble tiles, each one intricately decorated with sinuous floral motifs. The columns were further embellished with semi-precious stones inlaid within the floral designs—stones such as lapis lazuli, amethyst, jasper, agate, and mother of pearl—which added a touch of opulence and splendour.
Flanking the courtyard’s arcade of columns were reflective pools that added a layer of tranquility to the atmosphere. On the eastern side of the mosque, we basked in the picturesque sunset, its reflection dancing upon the water’s surface. This magnificent edifice stood as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and diligent labour. It was said that this mosque aimed to bridge cultures and unite people from across the globe; it served not only as a place of worship but also as a monument for visitors worldwide to marvel at its architectural beauty.
The prayer hall was another realm altogether, where one’s gaze was immediately drawn to the richly hued expanse of carpet beneath our feet. This carpet, hand-knotted by 1,300 Iranian artisans using New Zealand wool, held the distinction of being the largest carpet in existence. Our eyes were also captivated by six resplendent Faustig chandeliers that dangled from above, their Swarovski crystals twinkling like stars against a backdrop of 24-carat galvanized gold. The central dome cradled the largest of these German chandeliers, which claimed the title of being the largest in the world.
Within the qibla or prayer hall, religious significance was woven into every detail. The golden mihrab at its center directed worshippers towards Mecca during prayer. Adorning the qibla wall were the 99 names or attributes of Allah, inscribed in elegant Arabic calligraphy encompassing three distinct styles: Naskhi, Thuluth, and Kufic—each contributing to the divine tapestry that depicted Allah’s qualities.
From outside, our eyes roamed over 82 domes of varying sizes that crowned the mosque and four towering minarets that stood sentinel at each corner of the courtyard. As night fell, seamless lights illuminated the mosque in a display that mirrored lunar phases—shifting from the luminous white of a full moon to gradients of deep blue. Elements of traditional Arabic architectural styles such as Mamluk and Fatimid were intricately woven into every aspect of this prayer house’s structure.
This grand mosque—the largest in UAE and third-largest globally—was realized under Sheikh Zayed’s visionary leadership. His ambition was to meld traditional aesthetics with modern architectural principles. He selected this strategic location at Abu Dhabi city island’s entrance between Musaffah Bridge and Maqta Bridge as both an emblematic gateway and his final resting place after its 12-year construction period starting in 1994.

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