Completed in 2007, with a capacity of over 40000 worshipers, Sheikh Zayed Mosque is just a magnificent attraction. Apparently it cost around 500 Million US Dollars and once you visit this mosque, it is easy to see “WHY”. The ornate interiors, the superb marbles, the huge lush carpet, the chandeliers Etc. are top-notch. One can take conducted tours for which one can reserve a couple of hours earlier and use that time to do a self-tour. There are several English-speaking staff around, in case any help is required. One can finish the Mosque visit in 3-4 hours.
As you can guage from the name of the Mosque, this mosque was built in the name of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the former President of UAE.
The Mosque has a mind-boggling 82 domes, of varying sizes.
The intricate marble walls …Sheikh Zayed Mosque – From the nearby highway …Reminds me of Taj Mahal … What a magnificent mosque!The huge courtyard … With awesome marbles.How is this for Islamic Art … I was told by the Guide that the materials for this Mosque was brought from all over the World.The World’s heaviest Chandelier … Made using Swarovski Crystals.Is it not beautiful?My humble attempt at some interesting angles … 🙂
Look at how the art spans adjacent blocks … That cannot be easy, can it?As you enter you see this shallow pool …
This Mosque has an amazing 82 domes! Of various sizes …
With the Official Guide … Unlike in several other countries, I get a feeling that this “Guide” must be very well off 🙂 He obviously knew the Mosque very well and I really enjoyed the tour.The minbar from where the Imam gives the speeches …This carpet is supposedly the largest in the World, with an area of over 5000 Square Meters. It felt very soft …A view of the interior hall …
