50 Fascinating Facts about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United Arab Emirates. This stunning mosque is not only an important place of worship but also a cultural and architectural masterpiece that attracts millions of visitors from all around the world. With 50 fascinating facts, let's dive deeper into the history, architecture, and unique features of this grand mosque.

50 Fascinating Facts about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - An Architectural Marvel of UAE

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
• The mosque was named after the founder and first President of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
• It is the largest mosque in the country and one of the largest mosques in the world.
• The mosque covers an area of approximately 22,412 square meters (240,000 square feet).
• Construction of the mosque began in 1996 and was completed in 2007.
• The mosque can accommodate up to 41,000 worshippers at a time.
• It has 82 domes of various sizes, the largest of which is 85 meters (279 feet) high.
• The mosque also has four minarets, each standing at 107 meters (351 feet) tall.
• The mosque's interior is decorated with intricate Islamic calligraphy and geometric designs.
• The carpet in the main prayer hall is one of the largest hand-knotted carpets in the world, measuring 5,627 square meters (60,570 square feet).
• The chandeliers in the main prayer hall are made of Swarovski crystals and gold-plated metal.
• The mosque has seven crystal chandeliers, the largest of which weighs over 12 tons and is one of the largest chandeliers in the world.
• The mosque's courtyard features 1,048 columns, each made of white marble.
• The mosque's walls are adorned with verses from the Quran, made from carved marble.
• The mosque's design is a fusion of Arab, Mughal, and Moorish architecture.
• The mosque's courtyard has a reflective pool, which reflects the mosque's stunning domes and minarets.
• The mosque is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.
• The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors, who are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.
• The mosque offers free guided tours to visitors.
• The mosque has several designated prayer areas for women.
• The mosque has a library that houses a vast collection of Islamic literature and resources.
• The mosque's construction cost an estimated $545 million.
• The mosque was built using materials from all over the world, including Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, Turkey, Iran, China, and the UAE.
• The mosque's main prayer hall has a capacity of 7,126 worshippers.
• The mosque's ablution (cleaning) areas have 41 fountains and four large ablution pools.
• The mosque's central dome is one of the largest mosque domes in the world, measuring 32.8 meters (107 feet) in diameter.
• The mosque's central dome is adorned with a massive 24-karat gold-plated chandelier.
• The mosque's walls are made of Macedonian and Greek marble, while the floors are made of white marble from Italy and other parts of the world.
• The mosque's doors are made of pure titanium and brass, with intricate carvings.
• The mosque's calligraphy work was done by a renowned calligrapher from Syria, Mohammed Mandi Al Tamimi.
• The mosque's exterior lighting system uses more than 2,000 LED lights.
• The mosque's interior lighting system uses a combination of natural light and LED lights.
• The mosque's main entrance has 99 names of Allah engraved on it in Arabic calligraphy.
• The mosque's construction required the work of more than 3,000 workers and 38 contracting companies.
• The mosque's design was inspired by several famous Islamic architectural landmarks, including the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, and the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain.
• The mosque's construction materials also include crystal, gold, marble, and semi-precious stones.
• The mosque's construction involved 70,000 metric tons of material, including 100,000 cubic meters of concrete and 4,000 tons of steel.
• The mosque's main prayer hall has a height of 49 meters (161 feet).
• The mosque's design incorporates elements of traditional Islamic art and architecture, such as calligraphy, geometric patterns, and floral motifs.
• The mosque has several courtyards and galleries, each with unique designs and features.
• The mosque's main entrance has eight towering arches, each decorated with intricate patterns and designs.
• The mosque's ablution area is one of the largest in the world, with a capacity of up to 3,000 people at a time.
• The mosque's ablution area also includes special facilities for people with disabilities.
• The mosque's design and construction took inspiration from Islamic architecture from around the world, including Turkey, Iran, India, and Egypt.
• The mosque's construction involved the use of innovative technology, such as a high-tech temperature control system and a unique water cooling system.
• The mosque's dome is one of the largest mosque domes in the world, and is decorated with intricate floral patterns and calligraphy.
• The mosque's main prayer hall has 96 columns, each made of marble and adorned with unique designs and patterns.
• The mosque's design incorporates elements of sustainability, such as the use of natural light and energy-efficient lighting and cooling systems.
• The mosque's grandeur and beauty have made it a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.
• The mosque's construction and design reflect the UAE's commitment to promoting tolerance, diversity, and peaceful coexistence among people of different cultures and religions.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a true testament to the UAE's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to promoting diversity and peace. Its unique design, breathtaking beauty, and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the UAE. Whether you are a Muslim or not, visiting this iconic mosque is an experience that you will never forget. With its stunning architecture and grandeur, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is truly one of the most remarkable landmarks in the world.