Abu Dhabi : Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

JM Kayne

Grand Mosque - iamjmkayne.com

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and it offers many great attractions to visit!

In my first Abu Dhabi 10 blog post, I have shared Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque as one of the free places/site to visit here in Abu Dhabi and this year, we have visited it once again. The last time was I guess 5 or 6 years ago and somehow the place is now highly maintained and probably 99% complete now. (I think a few parking areas are still under construction)

How to get there:

Basically if you have a car, you could go directly to the place. There is a dedicated parking for the tourist is available right in front of the entrance. In case you don’t have the wheels, you could ride a taxi. From Abu Dhabi city, it would cost your around 35-40 AED one way. Prefer to save? Then bus rides are also available, below are the route numbers.

Going back home? Not a problem! There are many taxis on queue on the exit!

Getting Inside

Male & Female Entrance are separate, a scanner in both doors are available to check your bags. Ladies are then directed to a room of abaya where they could change (it is for free) and once you go out, another room is also available for you to return them.

 

Going around

Specific rules are being noted as you walk around, a few of them includes:

  1. Keeping a certain space to enter, make sure you notice those codons.
  2. Keeping off the grass area
  3. Manner of taking photos, keep them simple, no peace signs, heart signs or even raising hands and other unconventional poses.
  4. If you have a tattoo, make sure it is covered.
  5. Ladies hair must be under the attached sheila (of the ready-made abaya provided by the mosque), avoid showing it off.
  6. Taking a pose with your partner? Husband-wife, bf-gf? – avoid touching each other. Keep a distance.
  7. Avoid too much noise while touring around
  8. Finally, be guided that as you enter inside the main mosque, there are shoe stations where you leave them and go around in barefoot. (with socks is acceptable)

 

These rules are being implemented by some security guards around and yes, we’ve been reprimanded quiet a lot in this trip :D

Now, let me share a few of the photos we have – won’t spoil you with much pictures because I’m confident that you’ll appreciate it  better in person! And by the way, there is also a Coffee and Souvenir Shop inside.

A Quick Info about the GRAND MOSQUE

Tagged as the world’s second largest mosque, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi could cater 14,000 people praying. The Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky designed it and was constructed between 1996 and 2007. It covers an area of around 12 hectares (30 acres) at 290 m (960 ft) by 420 m (1,380 ft). The 99 names of Allah is also featured in the centre of the mosque.

This structure has been launched by the late president of the UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Al Nahyan who wanted to diversify the Islamic world by mixing both historic and modern architecture. His final resting place is located on the grounds adjacent to the complex.

 

Watch this short video from my IG stories…

https:/%

Exit mobile version