Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Clad in white marble, the beautiful and absolutely mammoth Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi's landmark building and by far the most popular sightseeing attraction in the city.
The mosque fuses Mameluke, Ottoman, and Fatimid design elements to create a harmonious and thoroughly modern mosque that celebrates Islamic architecture.
Artisans used glasswork, mosaic tiling, and intricate carvings to spectacular effect on both the interior and exterior.
It was opened in 2007 after nearly 20 years of construction. Able to hold 40,000 worshippers, it is the biggest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, and like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah (the UAE's second-biggest mosque), it is dedicated to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan.
Non-Muslims are allowed into all areas of the mosque (including the vast library), and the mosque runs regular free guided tours
Abu Dhabi is a luxurious metropolis that is a stylish blend of beautiful cultural monuments and stark 21st century megastructures. It is the largest of the seven Emirates and it has everything from massive and beautiful mosques, one of the best theme parks in the world, and endless deserts.
One of the richest cities in the world, Abu Dhabi is a perfect example of a modern Gulf oil city that has evolved from being a fishing village to a megacity in just a few decades. With its rich past tracing back to 3000 B.C., Abu Dhabi, unlike Dubai has preserved its distinct Arabian culture amidst its glitz and glamour. The desert city is also home to some of the most beautiful and rustic old towns displaying its rich desert-trader past. Jump from the gorgeous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, ride the fastest roller coaster in the world, witness past Arab royalty at the Emirates Palace, and more.