That’s all we saw for miles and miles — the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as it dominated the horizon. And we truly could not patiently wait to get any closer. In observance of Eidul-Fitar, let us recount our most recent trip.
The sheer brightness of the white marble, especially under the desert sun, made sunglasses a necessity. As we approached the all-pure-white palatial house of prayer, the towering minarets and spread-out domes of several sizes forged a breathtaking silhouette against not a single cloud in the all-blue sky. The opportune moment we thought we could finally step in, the journey wasn’t over just yet!
From the expansive parking area, we were guided into a massive underground dome, where men and women were automatically separated. A strict dress code was enforced. On a previous trip, female companions had long shapeless garments on loan, and had additional materials to cover their hair. But this time, the ladies came prepared — headscarves in place. The rules for men remain straightforward: no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or clothing with loud slogans. Sandals are also frowned upon.
Then, the long walkway began — a seemingly endless wide corridor of highway proportions lined with upscale boutiques and appetizing dining options. Fortunately, extended golf carts were available, which offered a welcome reprieve for us seniors. Next: the escalator — an unexpected touch of modernity in a zone so deeply rooted in tradition. It felt almost magical, effortlessly transporting several thousands of pilgrims and visitors into the very heart of one of the world’s most magnificent mosques.
As we admired the mosque’s open courtyard, the sheer scale was overwhelming! Arches upon arches led our eyes toward an expansive prayer hall, designed to accommodate over 40,000 worshippers.
Positioned in the outskirts of the city center of Abu Dhabi and laid out across 22,412 square meters — the mosque is among the largest in the world.
Commissioned by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the hallowed area was envisioned as a symbol of unity, blending architectural influences from the Middle East, Persia, Mughal India, and even Moorish Spain.
The lead designer, Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky, collaborated with multiple construction firms, more than 3,000 artisans, to include Italian and Turkish specialists, to bring this dream to life. The total cost? An astonishing $545 million!
Reflecting pools surrounded the complex, which provided a cooling element, enhanced the mosque’s ethereal beauty. Columns were even adorned with intricate floral designs in gold.
Here are five highlights you should not miss:
The floors and walls are adorned with exquisite creeping vine designs, composed of semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, amethyst, and mother-of-pearl. This intricate artwork, inspired by traditional Islamic floral patterns, transformed cold marble into a canvas of admiration and reverence.
In what could have been empty walls, a surprise were these obras, mostly in different shades of blue with admirable patterns. As usual, semiprecious stones were utilized to add to its value and beauty.
Marble pillars stretched across the never-ending corridors, acting like sentries for all. Each one was inlaid — and we heard were finished with 24-karat gold leaves!
At the main prayer hall lies a masterpiece of craftsmanship — the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet! Designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi, the carpet spans 5,627 square meters. Woven by more than 1,200 artisans, it took over two years to finish. Its intricate patterns are a definite symbol of symmetry encapsulated throughout the admirable artwork.
The opulent lamps are nothing but extraordinarily remarkable! Some say they resemble inverted palm trees, with expanded golden branches. Made by Faustig, a renowned German company, the largest chandelier weighs a staggering 12 tons and is encrusted with gold-plated brass and Swarovski crystals.