The Mosque of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan The First is one of the world’s largest mosques, as well as a massive architectural work of art that purposefully combines various Islamic architectural schools.
“What distinguishes Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan The First Mosque? Why should I visit it?” You will find all the answers to your questions in this article.
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Mosque of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan The First
If you are about to visit Abu Dhabi, you should never ignore visiting The Mosque of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan The First. This religious edifice will take your breath away with its 82 domes, sky-piercing minarets, and acres of gleaming white marble.
Everything you need to know about Sheikh Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan The First Mosque is right here.
- The structure, which covers over 22,400 square meters, is the largest mosque in the UAE and the third largest in the world.
- The mosque can hold over 40,100 worshippers, while the main prayer hall can hold over 7,000. There are two smaller prayer halls, each with a capacity of 1,500 people, one of which is dedicated to women.
- The mosque is built in the traditional Mamluk, Ottoman, and Fatimi architectural styles.
- Starting in 1996, the 2.5 billion AED Mosque project cost took 12 years to complete.
- The Grand Mosque is named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s first president and the driving force behind this magnificent construction.
- The courtyard has four minarets that rise approximately 107 m (351 ft) above the ground. The courtyard, with its floral design, measures approximately 17,000 m2 (180,000 sq ft) and is considered the world’s largest illustration of marble mosaic.
- Columns are adorned with semi-precious stones such as amethyst, lapis lazuli, and jasper.
- The walls are adorned with delicate floral patterns in mother of pearl.
- Six Faustig chandeliers suspended from the ceiling are made of twinkling Swarovski crystals and 24-carat galvanised gold.
- The largest chandelier is suspended from the central dome’s roof at a height of 15 meters.
Mosque of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan The First Visiting Hours
Can non-muslim visit the Mosque? The Mosque of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan The First is open for muslim and non-muslim visitors.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque provides free guided tours in both English and Arabic.
It is open to the public from Saturday to Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 22:00 p.m. and on Friday, from 16.30 p.m. until 22:00 p.m.
Abayas for women and long trousers for men are provided at the entrance.
Location of the Mosque of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan The First
It is located between Mussafah Bridge and Maqta Bridge, the entrance to Abu Dhabi Island.
GPS: F995+4X4 – Street – 9, Al Manhal, West 13-02, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed The First Mosque Location and Visiting Etiquette
Location:
The Mosque is named after Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It is located in F82X+QJ2, “Hazaa Bin Zayed The First” Street, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Visiting Etiquette:
- Men should also dress modestly and avoid wearing shorts! When possible, wear full-length pants and thin shirts.
- For women, Clothing that completely covers your body until your wrists and ankles are encouraged. Loose-fitting long pants or a maxi dress made of a breathable fabric, such as cotton, will suffice.
- Smoking should be avoided.
- Shoes should never be worn inside a mosque.
- Avoid eating at the mosque because it is not a restaurant.
- It is illegal to photograph people without their permission.
- Men are not permitted to enter the ladies’ prayer area.
- Put your phone on silent and avoid listening to loud music.
- Speak quietly, and instruct older children to remain silent or speak softly.
Because the Mosque of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan The First is the largest in the UAE, locals affectionately refer to it as The Grand Mosque. The blend of architectural styles and the gleaming domes that contribute to the structure’s serenity can easily captivate visitors. That’s why visiting the marvelous Mosque is on everyone’s bucket list. It should be in yours as well.
