The construction of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque was first initiated by Sheikh Zayed, the late President of the Emirates. Unfortunately the pioneer of this mosque did not live to see its end and the first prayer conducted at the mosque was the funeral prayer of its founder who is buried at the site. This edifice is the largest place of worship in the whole of the Emirates and has the capacity to accommodate 40,000 worshippers. The mosque is adorned with a number of beautiful structures and has within its boundaries a library with an extensive collection of books that covers an array of Islamic subjects that include calligraphy, sciences and the arts. Books are found in many languages to cater to people from all corners of the globe. Artists who designed the mosque also hailed from around the world, giving the edifice ‘a best of all worlds’ look. There are a total of 82 domes and over 1000 columns ornamenting this mosque.
24 carat gold chandeliers shine above worshippers as they sit quietly in prayer. The main chandelier boasts an impressive height of 10 meters, a width of 15 meters and a weight of 12 tonnes which make it the largest chandelier in the world. That is not the only record the mosque has set; the hand knotted carpet spread across the mosque floor is also the world’s largest. Several reflective pools surround the mosque, glorifying its grandeur and magnificence. The exotic marble touched with a tinge of gold is lustrous in daylight but at night it has a subtle soothing tone created by the unique lighting system that complements the phases of the moon.
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the many attractions in Abu Dhabi. Take your time in the city and stay at one of the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. These are amongst the finest UAE hotels which combine fantastic service and a luxurious setting. This hotel chain is quite famous not only in the Emirates but is also known as the best of Middle East hotels.