Starting in 1996, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was created over a period of 12 years and has gone onto be recognised as the third largest mosque in the world today! Considered to be among Abu Dhabi’s star attractions, this architectural marvel is a must-visit for any travel enthusiast.
Reaching the Mosque
Getting to the mosque is relatively easy from the Abu Dhabi city centre – usually just a 20-30-minute cab ride. This also means that it’s near many of the major 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi, such as the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel. This means that if you’re staying around the city you should definitely make it a point to visit this magnificent site.
A Marvel of Architecture
During the construction of his namesake, Sheikh Zayed aimed to incorporate several different Muslim architectural styles. As a result, the Grand Mosque now serves as a celebration and union of different cultures with visitors being treated to a distinct blend of Persian, Mughal and Moorish designs.
Famous Visitors
The Grand Mosque’s famed beauty and architectural wonder have gotten a fair share of equally famous visitors! A-list celebrities such as Selena Gomez and Justine Bieber and even super models such as Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner have made visits to the grand palace, and in 2016, the mosque was visited by the royal couple Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla.
Photography Pointers
Now, it goes without saying that with all its beauty and unique designs, the grand mosque is ripe with fantastic photo opportunities. Be sure to get there early – around 5 am – if you want to avoid the large crowds that tend to gather as the day rolls on.
