Towering minarets coupled with beautifully shaped domes spread across a vast area. Yes, this is a mosque being spoken of but no ordinary mosque. Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a sight for sore eyes, especially for tourists who yearn for a structure to marvel at.
The mosque has been named after U.A.E’s founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a fighter, skilled tactician and man of quiet temperament. The founder of the oil rich state lies buried in the mosque and work commenced in 2004 after he had expired. Here is a look at the beautiful structure that has amazed tourists and locals alike due to its awe-inspiring beauty:-
The mosque has a total number of four huge minarets, which measure up to 350 foot in height. These are surrounded by 82 white marble domes. Both minarets and the marble domes are pristine white in color, symbolizing purity and cleanliness.
Special care and emphasis has been placed in crafting the beautiful marble floor. Proper diligence combined with a meticulous effort of forming the marble floor with 30 different types of marble, from as far away as China and Italy, was done.
The courtyard of the mosque has the ability to house an impressive 30,000 worshippers.
Inside the main prayer room, this chandelier catches the eye as soon as one enters the area. Placed at a height of 45 feet above the floor, this marvelous decoration is composed of Italian glass and crystals.
The wall that faces the Qibla (Ka’abah in Mecca) features the 99 names of Allah written in beautiful and elegant Arabic calligraphy. These names are illuminated with fiber-optic lighting.
All in all, for those who visit U.A.E, visiting this place is a must. Elegant calligraphy, imposing structures, rich interior designs and towering minarets make for a beautiful mosque!
