Abu Dhabi’s fame as the capital of the grand United Arab Emirates is a title held with pride. The city’s appeal to outsiders not only lies in its positioning, shopping or culture but also in the architectural marvels that stand out among others. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is indeed an extraordinary piece of architecture worth admiration.
Reaching the Mosque
Reaching the mosque is quite simple and can be done from most resorts in Abu Dhabi without hassle. Therefore, on your way to Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, making a stop at the largest mosque in the country to appreciate the intricate details that highlight its beauty will be worthwhile. Perched between three bridges, the Grand Mosque can be easily reached by car, taxi or bus.
History
This mighty building of great religious significance commenced construction back in 1994 and was completed by the year 2007. The mosque was conceptualised by the thoughts of UAE’s late president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who was determined to unite the cultural diversity of the Islamic world by incorporating modernism into the building’s exterior.
Architectural Features
Did you know that the world’s largest hand-woven carpet is sheltered inside the Grand Mosque? The white marble domes and the amethyst and jasper embedded columns are not the only details that lift the mosque’s public appeal. The inside of this religious construction is lit up with a crystal chandelier adorned in world-famous Swarovski crystal that cannot go unnoticed.
Statistics
This mighty architectural wonder can accommodate up to 40,100 worshippers and covers a wide area of land with a courtyard which measures up to 180,000 square feet. The mosque holds 3 prayer halls on its premises; two smaller ones that can accommodate 1,500 people and the main hall which boasts a capacity of 7,000 individuals.
