Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abū Z̧aby
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and a key place of worship for daily Islamic prayers. Constructed between 1994 and 2007, it was inaugurated in December 2007 and covers an area of over 12 hectares. The mosque features 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. Its design was inspired by various Islamic architectural styles, including Persian, Mughal, and Moorish influences, with notable inspiration from the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore and the Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque in Alexandria. The mosque's main prayer hall is dominated by one of the largest 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers. Natural materials such as marble, gold, semi-precious stones, and crystals were used extensively, sourced from countries worldwide. The courtyard is adorned with intricate floral mosaics designed by British artist Kevin Dean, symbolizing unity and beauty. The mosque can accommodate over 40,100 worshippers, including a main prayer hall for more than 7,000 and two smaller prayer halls. It also serves as a cultural and educational center with a library that houses a broad collection of Islamic literature in multiple languages. Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's late president who initiated the project, is buried in the mosque's courtyard, making it a site of national significance and reverence. The mosque has welcomed numerous international dignitaries and remains one of the most visited landmarks in the region.
Planifiez votre voyage en Émirats arabes unis avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. Modest dress is required; women should wear an abaya and headscarf, which are often provided at the mosque. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to gain deeper insights into the mosque's architecture and cultural significance. Entry is free, and discounts or special access may be available for groups or educational visits.
Faits intéressants
- •The mosque can accommodate over 40,100 worshippers simultaneously, with the main prayer hall alone holding over 7,000 people.
- •It features the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, crafted by around 1,200 artisans.
- •The mosque has 82 domes and more than 1,000 columns made from natural marble.
- •The intricate floral mosaics in the courtyard were designed by British artist Kevin Dean, using flowers native to the Middle East.
- •Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's founding president, is buried in the mosque's courtyard.
- •It was voted the world's second favourite landmark by TripAdvisor for two consecutive years.
- •The mosque has hosted many prominent international leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II and US Vice President Joe Biden.
Histoire
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was constructed from 1994 to 2007 under the guidance of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding president of the UAE.
It was inaugurated in December 2007, shortly after Sheikh Zayed's death in 2004, when he was buried in the mosque's courtyard.
The mosque was designed to unite the cultural diversity of the Islamic world with historical and modern architectural values.
Its construction involved thousands of workers and artisans from many countries, reflecting an international collaboration.
Over time, it has become a symbol of national pride and a prominent religious and cultural landmark in the UAE.
Guide du lieu
Main Prayer Hall2007
The central prayer hall is the mosque's focal point, featuring one of the largest 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, creating a majestic space for worshippers.
Courtyard and Floral Mosaics2007
The expansive courtyard is adorned with exquisite marble inlays forming floral patterns inspired by Middle Eastern flowers such as tulips, lilies, and irises, designed by British artist Kevin Dean.
Minarets and Domes2007
The mosque features four grand minarets and 82 domes, combining Moorish, Persian, Mughal, and Indo-Islamic architectural styles, symbolizing spiritual aspiration and architectural grandeur.
Library in Northeast Minaret2007
The mosque's library offers a diverse collection of Islamic literature, including rare publications, in multiple languages, serving as a cultural and educational resource.
Contact
Téléphone: 02 419 1919
