Foto: The Sheikh Zayed Mosque (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
United_Arab_Emirates - The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi, is one of the most impressive religious buildings in the world. Located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, this mosque exemplifies Islamic architecture and cultural heritage and serves as an important spiritual center for the country. The mosque is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first president of the UAE, who is also buried on the grounds. Construction began in 1996 and was completed in 2007. Over 3,000 workers and 38 contractors from various countries collaborated on this large-scale project. The mosque was designed as a symbol of unity and peace, combining elements from various Islamic architectural styles, including Ottoman, Moorish, and Mamluk influences. The architecture features white marble, beautiful mosaics, elegant calligraphy, and delicate floral motifs. The mosque is enormous, accommodating over 40,000 worshippers. The main prayer hall alone can hold approximately 7,000 people. One of its most remarkable features is the gigantic dome, with a diameter of 32.8 meters and a height of 85 meters, making it one of the largest in the world. Surrounding the mosque are four minarets, each 107 meters tall, dominating the Abu Dhabi skyline. Inside, the mosque houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, crafted by hundreds of Iranian weavers, and one of the largest chandeliers in the world, made of gilded brass and Swarovski crystals. The walls and columns are decorated with inlaid mother-of-pearl, semi-precious stones, and intricate floral marble patterns. What makes the Sheikh Zayed Mosque special is not only its architectural grandeur but also its message of hospitality, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue. The mosque is open to visitors of all religions and offers daily tours explaining Islamic culture and faith. As both a cultural symbol and architectural masterpiece, the mosque plays a key role in promoting understanding and respect among different communities, bridging tradition and modernity, spirituality and art, making it not only a place of worship but also an inspiration for people worldwide.
Palm Island defining Dubai
United_Arab_Emirates - Just outside the hotel, we exchange some money and then take a taxi to Jumeirah Palm Island. The Palm is about fifteen kilometers from the hotel. We drive west along the broad highway through the financial district and see the Burj Khalifa towering above— ...
The luxury Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai
United_Arab_Emirates - In the evening, we dine at the seven-star Burj al Arab hotel. The Burj al Arab is the most luxurious hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The building, over 300 meters high, stands on an island off the coast. It is designed in the shape of a dhow sail ...
The over 800 meter high Burj Khalifa
United_Arab_Emirates - The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world and a global icon of modern architecture and technological advancement. Standing 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall with 163 floors, this impressive skyscraper is not only one of the most recognizable ...
The skyline of Abu Dhabi
United_Arab_Emirates - Of the seven sheikhdoms that make up the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is geographically the largest. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the state of the same name. It is also the federal capital and seat of government. Abu Dhabi is distinguished by a unique ...