Name: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Distance from Hotel: 5.2 Km
Travel Time: 8 Minutes
Average Taxi Fare: AED 15
Opening Hours: Sat-Thurs: 9:00 am-10:00 pm | Fri: 4:30-10:00 pm

As a mosque it is credited to be the largest in the UAE and the 8th largest mosque in the world. The area the mosque is built upon itself is said to be equivalent to the size of five football fields approximately.

The mosque was constructed by artisans from 12 different countries including the UAE, China, India and Pakistan and employed close to 3,000 workers throughout its construction. Its design has been inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture and features the frequent use of naturally occurring minerals like marble, gold, crystal and ceramics.
While the mosque’s main prayer hall can accommodate 7,000 worshippers at any given point in time, the entire mosque itself can accommodate close to 40,000 worshippers.

A few unique features:
•The Iranian carpet in the main prayer hall is the world’s largest carpet.
•The mosque has seven Swarovski chandeliers imported from Germany.
•It has a unique lighting system that reflects the phases of the moon.
•There are 96 columns in the main prayer hall, all clad with marble and inlaid with mother of pearl.
•There are 99 names of Allah inscribed on the Qibla wall.

A Monument with so much attention to detail should be a must on any traveler’s Abu Dhabi Itinerary. The next time you come to stay at Centro Capital Centre, ensure that you make a trip to behold the man-made wonder that is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Venue Tips:
•Official SZGMC guided tours are available at the Grand Mosque at a cost for groups of upto 10 people and commence on the East Side of the Mosque.
•Long, loose fitting, ankle length trousers or skirts are required as the dress code for women and men, and additionally, women are required to wear a headscarf.

*Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Pictures Credit: Canvas-of-light.com photography, NAM News Network and 21jsttravel.