The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in the UAE and a must-visit destination in Abu Dhabi. Known for its breathtaking architecture and spiritual significance, this mosque represents a blend of Islamic, Moorish, Mughal, and Ottoman styles.
Whether you’re a tourist, a photographer, or a history lover, here are 12 Facts About Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque that will enhance your visit to this extraordinary place.
A Brief Background
The idea for this majestic mosque was proposed by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. Construction began in 1996 and took 11 years to complete, finally opening to the public in 2007. Designed by Syrian architect Yusef Abdelki, the mosque is a symbol of Islamic unity, heritage, and art.
12 Incredible Facts About Sheikh Zayed Mosque
1. A Monumental Capacity
The mosque can accommodate over 41,000 worshippers at a time. The main prayer hall alone holds up to 10,000 people, making it the largest mosque in the UAE and one of the biggest in the world.
2. An International Effort with 3,000 Workers
It took the efforts of more than 3,000 skilled workers and 38 contractors from different parts of the globe to build this architectural masterpiece.
3. Inspired by Persian and Mughal Architecture
The design incorporates elements from Persian, Mughal, and Moorish styles, creating a structure that’s both traditional and modern. The mosque features intricate floral patterns, mosaic tiles, and symmetrical domes.
4. A Mesmerizing Lighting System
The mosque is equipped with 22 unique lighting towers that create a cloud-like illusion in the night sky, reflecting the moon’s phases and adding to the mosque’s serene ambiance.
5. 82 Magnificent Domes
There are 82 domes of various sizes across the mosque. The largest dome sits above the main prayer hall and features intricate Moroccan-inspired designs.
6. World’s Largest Hand-Knotted Carpet
Inside the mosque lies the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world, created by over 1,200 artisans. It took 8 months to design, 1 year to weave, and 2 months to assemble. The total size covers over 5,627 sqm.
7. Crystal Chandeliers with a Golden Touch
The mosque features 7 massive chandeliers, crafted by the German company Faustig. The largest weighs 12 tons and is made of Swarovski crystals, 24-karat gold, and stainless steel.
8. Fusion of Three Islamic Architectural Styles
The mosque’s gateway towers are a blend of Fatimid, Ottoman, and Mamluk architecture, giving the mosque a distinct regional and historical depth.
9. Materials Sourced From Around the World
Marble, gold, semi-precious stones, and crystals were imported from countries like Turkey, India, Egypt, Greece, New Zealand, Morocco, France, and Austria. In total, 30+ types of marble were used in its construction.
10. Among the Top Three Largest Mosques Globally
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ranks third in the world by size, after Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina.
11. Airtight Floral Displays
To maintain the beauty of its floral arrangements, the mosque includes airtight temperature-controlled systems that help preserve freshness for extended periods.
12. Accessible for All Tourists
While deeply spiritual in nature, the mosque is open to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Guided tours are available to educate visitors on Islamic culture, architecture, and history. It’s also a popular stop in most Abu Dhabi city tours.
Additional Visitor Information
Address:
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street – 5th St – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Phone:
+971 2 419 1919
Architectural Highlights:
- Architect: Yusef Abdelki
- Architectural Styles: Islamic, Ottoman, Mughal, Moorish
- Number of Domes: 82
- Height: 115 meters
- Complex Size: Over 22,400 sqm
- Construction Cost: AED 2 billion (USD 545 million)
- Opened: December 7, 2007
- Ownership: Government of Dubai
- Affiliation: Islam
Visiting Hours:
- Saturday to Thursday: 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last entry 09:30 PM)
- Friday:
- Morning: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Last entry 11:30 AM)
- Afternoon: 03:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last entry 09:30 PM)
Conclusion
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is more than just a religious site—it’s a masterpiece of human creativity, architectural brilliance, and cultural harmony. Whether you’re visiting Abu Dhabi for leisure or learning, this destination offers a spiritually uplifting and visually mesmerizing experience.
Don’t miss this iconic attraction on your next trip to the UAE. It’s a place that leaves a lasting impression and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life.
