The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most spectacular in the world and the most prized treasure of Abu Dhabi. In the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, there are luxury details that do not appear anywhere else in the world and that not all tourists come to know.
In addition to its imposing eccentric details, this building is considered the 15th largest on the planet because it can accommodate around 50,000 people and has an area of 12 hectares. Those traveling to Abu Dhabi know that this space is one of the must-see stops that, besides impressive objects, also has secret corners with mysterious stories behind them.
The fourth secret of Sheikh Zayed with strange voices and music all day
Within its impressive architecture, there is a special corner that tourists cannot access and whose visit is prohibited. It is where the mausoleum of Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, is located, a mysterious site with a spectral aura. Here, a constant and soft music can be heard, which is nothing less than a poem from the Quran. This music is placed there to bring peace to Zayed’s soul.
Among the curiosities of the Grand Mosque, there are also objects made of precious metals. One of the most notable is the seven chandeliers, with the largest located in the Prayer Hall. This is called the “mother chandelier.” It weighs 12 tons, has a diameter of 10 meters, and a height of 15. The figure reflects a palm tree, and its particular lights represent the fruits of this tree.
The largest carpet in the world, another of Sheikh Zayed’s treasures.
The main prayer hall also houses one of the greatest treasures of this Grand Mosque. This space features a carpet covering 5,000 square meters and weighing 47 tons (35 of which correspond to wool and 12 to cotton). This piece was designed by the artist Ali Khaligi and was handcrafted by more than a thousand Iranian women who made about 2.268 million knots and has a value of 545 million dollars.
In addition to this precious object, the building also boasts 82 domes, which are clad in pure white marble and feature a layered “onion-style” crown and crescent-shaped finials decorated with golden glass mosaics. The columns display details of flower carvings in the stone that represent all the species native to the hemispheres and aim to convey a message of peace and coexistence among all the countries of the world.
How to enter the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The details of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are endless and even more impressive. The lighting is also one of its striking features, and the domes display darker shades during the new moon and lighter tones during the full moon. For those choosing to visit this space, it is important to know that entry is free, and it can be visited in the morning, afternoon, and evening, where the aforementioned light show can be observed.
Visitors will need to follow a strict dress code that varies according to gender. Men must wear long pants and shirts without sleeveless styles. Women must be fully covered, including a headscarf. If they do not have this type of clothing, they can rent or buy the official attire, which leaves no part of the human body exposed and allows for a completely peaceful entry.