Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Arabic: مسجد الشيخ زايد) in Abu Dhabi is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and the eighth largest mosque in the world. It is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and the first President of the United Arab Emirates, who is also buried there. The mosque was officially opened in the Islamic month of Ramadan in 2007.

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority announced that tours of the mosques will be given to both Muslims and non-Muslims beginning in mid-March 2008 in order to promote cultural and religious understanding.

Design

The design of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque has been inspired by Mughal and Moorish mosque architecture, the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore and the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca being direct influences. The dome layout and floorplan of the mosque was inspired by the Badshahi Mosque and the architecture was inspired by both Mughal and Moorish design. Its archways are quintessentially Moorish and its minarets classically Arab. The design of the mosque can be best described as a fusion of Arab, Mughal and Moorish architecture.

Dimensions

The Mosque is large enough to accommodate 40,000 worshippers. The main prayer hall can accommodate up to 9,000 worshippers. Two rooms next to the main prayer hall, with a 1,500-capacity each, are for the exclusive use of women.

There are four minarets on the four corners of the mosque which rise about 115 m (377 ft) in height. There are 57 domes covering the outside yard and the main building as well. The domes are decorated with white marble and the interior decoration is made of marble. The courtyard is paved with floral marble designs and measures about 17,000 m2 (180,000 sq ft).

World records

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque made some world records:

  • The carpet laid out on the vast expanse is the “World's Largest Carpet” made by Iran's Carpet Company and designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi. This carpet measures 5,627 m2 (60,570 sq ft), and was made by around 1,200 weavers, 20 technicians, and 30 workers. The weight of this carpet is 47 tons – 35 tons of wool, and 12 tons of cotton. There are 2,268,000,000 knots within the carpet.
  • This mosque also holds the largest chandelier. There are seven imported chandeliers from Germany and are copper and gold-plated. The largest chandelier has a 10 m (33 ft) diameter and a 15 m (49 ft) height.

Both of these records were previously held by the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman.

Gallery

See also

  • Timeline of Muslim history
  • Islamic art
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Y.Arman Barlas
27 December 2016
A goodcombination ofcultural and modern art and architecture.Thespectacular chandeliers,the magnificent columns,the beautifulcarpets, the brilliant poolsandmuch more makes themosque a mustvisit place.
Y.Arman Barlas
27 December 2016
We have got the opportunity to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi from Dubai. We were impressed with a great architecture used in this landmark. A must see when you visit UAE.
Y.Arman Barlas
27 December 2016
In 2013, US-based singer Rihanna received negative criticism for taking photographs, with the Mosque in the background, during a private visit. 
Aika Barzhaxynova
3 January 2017
Breathtaking at sunset + night time. Don't rush through it, take your time to absorb the architecture. Before you know it, it will be sundown and the mosque will be lit up beautifully.
Khaled ☤
30 October 2015
Such an extraordinary mosque. A must visit for tourists and locals! Make sure you plan your visit just before sunset to witness the mosque's beauty during the day and the night too!
Olaf Schulz
14 April 2017
The most impressive place in Abu Dhabi . Take a tour witch is for free and witch will take you inside the mosque . On top you get a lot of additional informations about this great building.
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