Architectural Highlights

Architectural Highlights

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has 82 domes of varying sizes, with the biggest one being 85 metres high and 32.8 metres in diameter. The interiors of these domes are adorned with intricate Moroccan art. The mosque has 4 minarets designed in a combination of Ottoman, Mameluke and Moroccan styles.The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is renowned for its stunning design, which blends traditional Islamic architecture with modern elements. Key features include:

Key Attractions

• Exterior Design:
  • Domes: The mosque has 82 domes of varying sizes, with the largest dome being 85 meters (279 feet) high.
  • Minarets: Four minarets, each 107 meters (351 feet) tall, stand at the corners of the mosque.
  • White Marble: The mosque is clad in white Macedonian marble, giving it a pristine and luminous appearance.
• Interior Design:
  • Prayer Hall: The main prayer hall features the worlds largest hand-knotted carpet, measuring 5,627 square meters (60,570 square feet). It was crafted by 1,200 artisans.
  • Chandeliers: The mosque houses seven gold-plated chandeliers, with the largest weighing 12 tons and containing millions of Swarovski crystals.
  • Calligraphy: Intricate Islamic calligraphy adorns the walls and domes, featuring verses from the Quran.
• Courtyard: The courtyard is one of the largest in any mosque, with floral marble designs and a reflective pool that enhances the mosques beauty.
• Materials and Craftsmanship:
  • Materials were sourced from around the world, including marble from Italy, gold from Germany, and crystals from Austria.
  • Skilled artisans from over 30 countries contributed to the mosques construction and decoration.
• Cultural and Religious Significance:
  • Tolerance and Unity: The mosque reflects Sheikh Zayeds vision of promoting cultural understanding and religious tolerance.
  • Open to All: It is one of the few mosques in the UAE that welcomes non-Muslim visitors.
  • Interfaith Dialogue: The mosque hosts events and programs to foster dialogue between different faiths and cultures.
• Visiting Information:
  • Opening Hours:
    • Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM).
    • Friday: 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM).
    • Note: Visiting hours may vary during Ramadan and public holidays.
  • Admission:
    • Free Entry: The mosque is open to the public free of charge.
    • Guided Tours: Free guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, and French.
  • Dress Code:
    • Men: Should wear long trousers and avoid sleeveless shirts.
    • Women: Must wear an abaya (a long, loose-fitting robe) and cover their hair with a scarf. Abayas and scarves are provided free of charge at the mosques entrance.