Over the holidays, we visited the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi! Oh - em - gee! It is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, and overall the 3rd largest in the world! It took its name after the founder and president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan... he is also buried next to the mosque. The total construction cost for the mosque was 2 billion dirhams (or 545 million US dollars!!). It has also made some world records; having the world's largest carpet from Iran, as well as the largest chandelier. They have seven imported chandeliers from Germany, made from gold-plated copper and Swarovski crystals.
The mosque was so peaceful inside, and the view of the courtyard was incredible! Anyone could visit the mosque (i.e. not necessarily muslim), however women had to wear the abayas and shailas (robes and head scarves) which were provided at the entrance. Some men were also asked to wear the kandooras (white robes), which depended on what they were wearing. Here are the pictures we took:
The mosque was so peaceful inside, and the view of the courtyard was incredible! Anyone could visit the mosque (i.e. not necessarily muslim), however women had to wear the abayas and shailas (robes and head scarves) which were provided at the entrance. Some men were also asked to wear the kandooras (white robes), which depended on what they were wearing. Here are the pictures we took:
Here are some other pictures of Abu Dhabi, and the Emirates Palace Hotel we visited:
Videos of the interior of Sheikh Zayed Mosque to come....
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