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The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and the largest mosque in the UAE, with a welcome open policy that encourages visitors from all religions and backgrounds around the world, from believers to cultural explorers. Modest clothing is required to enter the mosque, and if you are a woman, you need to cover your head. We got a comfy robe for free in the locker room, so it wasn’t a big deal.
Built over 13 years, the mosque features 1,096 amethyst and jasper-studded columns, 82 white marble domes and ornate gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers. The seven chandeliers in the mosque are all imported from Germany, the largest of which is the third largest in the world, shining like a thousand suns inlaid with Swarovski crystals.
Sunset is definitely the best time to visit the mosque – the place glows with the sunset and looks surreal. Reflecting pools along the arcade – perfectly designed to capture light – act as water mirrors, making the place look breathtaking. Even as an atheist, I felt a strong spiritual connection and true peace as I walked around this amazing building. I was dying to see so many floral designs around the mosque, so our guide explained that it was representative of a traditional Islamic garden. The mosque is large enough to accommodate around 40,100 worshippers, and has a courtyard with one of the largest marble mosaic artworks in the world. It was also interesting to discover the Guinness World Record for the largest hand-woven carpet in this mosque. Weaving this wool rug required more than 1,000 rug knotters and took nearly two years to complete.
The construction of this mosque was started by the late President of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was buried in the courtyard of the mosque after his death in 2004. His resting place is the only area in the mosque where photography is strictly prohibited. There is no entrance fee to enter the mosque, and free guided tours are provided.
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