Abu Dhabi is home to one of the six largest mosques in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. It is a national landmark of the country; not only Muslims come here, but ordinary tourists and independent travelers vacationing in the United Arab Emirates. Before visiting, it is recommended to find out the rules, location and features of this complex.
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History of creation
The first mention of the desire to build the complex was announced back in 1980. However, the real history of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and its construction begins on November 5, 1996. Construction work was started, which is driven only in 2007. The reasons for the long time are disagreements between contractors, a large amount of construction. To solve this problem, construction was sluggishly controlled by the Abu Dhabi Public Works Department – Halcrow.
Interesting facts from the history of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque during the construction phase:
- Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan.
- The project was developed at different stages by experts from Austria, China, Germany, Greece.
- The total area of the premises is 5627 m².
- The complex can accommodate up to 40 thousand people.
- The structure includes 4 minarets, the height of the largest is 104 m.
- The doctrine is the Sunni school of Islam.
The official opening was held on Ramadan in 2007. The name of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in English is Sheikh Zayed Mosque. So it is indicated on the map of Abu Dhabi, tourist guides.
Location how to get there
The attraction is located at: Sheikh zayed Grand Mosque Airport Road. You can get to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque by public transport, taxi or rented car. For the latter, several large parking lots have been built near the complex. Here you can park for free. An alternative to an independent trip is to sign up for a group or individual tour.
How to get to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, available options:
- By bus. They depart from the central bus station of the UAE capital, you need to take route 54. Travel time – 35-40 minutes.
- By taxi. The driver needs to name the point of the trip – Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The cost of the trip depends on the route. For a taxi in Abu Dhabi, the price for 1 km is AED 1.96 plus the cost of landing.
- By car. The central highway leading to the international airport leads to the mosque. There are many parking spaces near the building.
When traveling by bus, you must get off at the first stop, approaching the complex. There is a central entrance for tourists, independent travelers. Otherwise, you can get to the service entrance, where the arrival of vacationers is prohibited.
Visiting Rules
No tickets are required to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Entrance to the attraction is free. However, tour agencies announce prices from 30 Dirhams or more. This is due to travel expenses, meals for tourists. Before entering the mosque, groups are formed for free tours. The latter are held in English and Arabic. It is forbidden to use photo and video equipment.
Rules for visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque by tourists and vacationers in the UAE:
- For men. Hands and feet must be completely covered. It is forbidden to wear T-shirts and shorts.
- For women. Hair is hidden, clothes are modest, not defiant. Hidden legs, arms, it is forbidden to pass in tight dresses, it is impossible, trouser suits.
- You must take off your shoes before entering. Therefore, before the trip, choose shoes that can be easily removed.
- You are not allowed to eat, drink or smoke on the premises.
Silence is a prerequisite. You can not touch the objects of worship, disturb local employees. Communication only through the guide. Otherwise, tourists who violate the rules of conduct will be removed from the attraction.
Sights overview
The first thing tourists see is a large area. It has several pools, a park. Here you can walk but only in special areas. Photos of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque can only be taken from the outside, inside photography is prohibited. The same applies to books and other items located inside. After a short walk, you can go inside and see all the sights of the complex.
What is recommended to see:
- The largest carpet in the world. Its area is 5.5 thousand m², and its weight is more than 47 tons. It is located in the main building. Made by Iran Carpets. It took more than 2 years to manufacture, it took the labor of 1200 workers.
- Chandeliers. Seven unique models were made for the mosque. For the production used gold leaf, Swarovski crystals. The main chandelier is the largest in the world. Its diameter is 10 meters and its height is 15 meters. The total weight is 12 tons.
- Architecture. Expensive marble was used for the construction, a unique finish was made.
During the visit, you can look at religious sites, but you cannot touch them. The whole complex is a large, unique structure. After the tour, it is recommended to take a brochure in English, which contains a detailed description of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a photo from the outside inside the premises.
Tip: in some cases, you can take a photo and video filming on the territory. But for this you need to get official permission, tickets.
Architecture
The building was built in the same architectural style. In the corners there is one minaret each, the height of which is 107 m. The color of the facade is white, Italian marble was used for decoration. 82 domes were built along the outer perimeter. They have a different shape, appearance, size and color. The courtyard of the complex is lined with white and pink marble.
Architectural Features of Zayed Mosque:
- 96 internal and 1096 external columns were installed.
- Sky-colored tiles were used to finish the bottom of artificial lakes.
- Only natural materials were used for construction.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open from 9:00 to 22:00. On Friday, a Muslim holiday, it opens at 16:30. The average duration of the tour is 50 minutes. during this time, the history of the creation of the sights of the UAE will be told, the main interesting places will be shown.