A must visit in the city of Abu Dhabi is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which happens to be the the largest mosque outside Saudi Arabia.
The mosque is named after the founder and first President of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is believed that he wanted this mosque to blend the cultural diversity of the Muslim world with the historical and modern values of architecture and art. He also wished that this grand structure be visible from all directions so it was built on this site at an elevation of 11 meters above sea level.
However Sheikh Zayed could not see his dream come to life - he passed away in 2004 and his final resting place is in the grounds here.
The structure looks impressive, pristine and grand...
Constructed over a period of nearly 12 years from 1996 onward, it took almost 38 contracting companies from all over the world and 3,500 workers to build this amazing structure! And its built up area covers over 12 acres...
As our Uzbeki guide shows us around, a corporate jet comes in to land at the Al Bateen Executive Airport right next door...
Prior to our tour, we were given a long list of do's and don'ts by our guide. The dress code is quite strict - skin shouldn't show and women's hair has to be covered (and specifically, bandanas don't work!).
Before entering the mosque, the security team checks on compliance with the dress code and do not mind reprimanding visitors who do not follow it to the T. Well rules are rules and do in Rome as the Romans do...
The mosque was built using materials not just from the UAE. Carpets came in from Iran and New Zealand, Swarovski crystal chandeliers from Germany, marble from Macedonia and Italy, and so forth. The architectural and styling was be inspired from Morocco, India, Algeria and Iran...
One of the many reflecting pools around the mosque...
Intricate carvings in the interior...
One of the many magnificent chandeliers...
This is the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, which was hand-crafted by over 1,200 artisans in Iran...
In conformity with Islamic belief, the interior is adorned with floral and geometric designs...
The chandelier in the main prayer hall...
This is the largest chandelier in the mosque and was made in Germany by Faustig - it weighs almost 12 tons...
Inlay work with mother of pearl...
Interior of the magnificent dome...
The main dome...
One of the minarets...
The inner courtyard...
The policing is strict here and rules apply for one and all. In 2013, the famous singer Rihanna received negative criticism for taking photographs with a pout, during a private visit. The pose was deemed to be offensive and provocative and she was asked to leave following the incident. After that, Selena Gomez was criticised for posing for pictures at the mosque with her ankle shown!
And the price tag - the mosque was built at a cost of a whopping USD 545 billion!
I don't claim to be a good photographer, but I was happy with myself for this shot!
And after over an hour here, we head out...
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