Places of Worship – Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque

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Fazal Ahmad, London, UK

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Belief: Islam

Era: 2007 CE

Driving into the city of Abu Dhabi in the UAE, one of the most visible attractions is the Sheikh Zayed al-Nahyan Grand Mosque. It is considered one of the biggest mosque structures in the world, with a capacity of around 40,000 worshippers.

In order to be visible from a distance, an artificial hill 9.5 metres high was created for the mosque to stand on, with landscaping to prevent sand erosion. Due to the temperature and salinity of the water, the structure had to be designed to withstand corrosion as well as earthquakes.

To make it a standout visitor attraction, the architects planned on size and quality for various facets of the mosque complex. The main dome is 70 metres high and 35 metres in diameter, and one of 82 domes across the complex. The four main minarets are 107 metres tall. The stunning white marble comes from Italy, China and Macedonia. The internal craftwork was provided by artisans from Morocco, whose style has adorned mosques in Spain and Morocco throughout history.

Within the structure lies one of the largest chandeliers in the world, weighing 12 tonnes and packed with crystals. The prayer carpet is claimed to be the largest in the world, made by 1,200 women in Iran. It has a beautiful design featuring the 99 Arabic names of Allah in Arabic. At night, the mosque is lit up by 22 towers, adjusting the level of illumination based on the phase of the moon.

There are an estimated 2,200 smaller and more functional mosques across Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque is not just a visitor attraction, but a symbol of cultural and religious significance. Visitors, regardless of their faith, can go on a tour to learn about the architectural marvels of the mosque and have a deeper understanding of the facets of Islam, making it a truly enriching experience for all.