Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was voted the world’s second-favourite landmark for two years in a survey conducted by TripAdvisor, so you know it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.
History
The mosque was built over more than a decade, with construction commencing in 1996, and concluding in 2007. It was designed by Syrian architect, Yousef Abdelky, who based his design on Persian and Mughal architecture as well as the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque of Alexandria, Egypt.
Size and Scale
The mosque has a fairly astonishing capacity of 40,000 worshippers. The main prayer hall alone has a capacity of 7000, and there are two additional halls with a capacity of 1500 each, with one of them being reserved exclusively for women.
Notable Features
The finest construction materials were sourced from all over the world to build the mosque, including Macedonian Sivec, Italian Lasa, Aquabiana and Biano, Chinese East-White and Ming-Green, and Indian Makrana Marble. The grand carpet of the mosque covers 5627m2 and took 2 years to create.
Visiting the Mosque
If you’re enjoying a vacation at one of many 5 star hotels Abu Dhabi has to offer such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara a visit to the mosque is an essential. Just be sure to cover your shoulders and legs. Women are required to cover their wrists, ankles and heads. Conveniently, abayas are available for hire at the entrance.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
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