tramp visit to grand mousqe sheikh zayed

Today was a truly special and unforgettable day as I had the opportunity to visit one of the most iconic and breathtaking landmarks in the United Arab Emirates — the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Known for its stunning architecture, peaceful ambiance, and spiritual significance, the mosque attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. As I stepped into its majestic surroundings, I felt a sense of awe, peace, and admiration that is difficult to describe in words.

• Journey to the Mosque

My day began early in the morning. I had been planning this visit for a long time, and finally, everything aligned perfectly. After breakfast, I packed my camera, water bottle, and a notebook to document the experience. From where I live, the mosque is a couple of hours' drive away, so I took a comfortable bus service to Abu Dhabi. The journey itself was pleasant, and I watched as the busy cityscape of Dubai slowly turned into the more peaceful and elegant surroundings of Abu Dhabi.

As we approached the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, its white domes and towering minarets became visible from a distance. The mosque stands like a palace of peace and light, surrounded by gardens and fountains. I had seen countless pictures online, but nothing compares to witnessing its grandeur in real life.

• First Impressions

Upon arriving, I was amazed by the sheer size and beauty of the mosque. It is one of the largest mosques in the world, with a capacity to accommodate over 40,000 worshippers at once. The mosque is named after the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is also buried at the site. His vision was to create a place that reflects Islamic values of peace, tolerance, and diversity — and the mosque truly delivers on that vision.

The white marble that covers the entire mosque glows under the sun, giving it an almost heavenly appearance. With its 82 domes, four tall minarets, and over 1,000 columns decorated with inlaid floral patterns, the mosque is a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture. The mix of traditional Arab, Persian, Mughal, and Moorish styles makes it unique and visually fascinating.

• Inside the Mosque

After passing through security and receiving respectful attire at the entrance (women are provided with abayas and headscarves), I entered the mosque courtyard. The courtyard is massive and is believed to be the largest marble mosaic in the world. Walking across it felt like walking on a piece of art. The reflections of the arches in the pool added to the magical effect.

Inside the mosque, I was completely speechless. The prayer hall is one of the most beautiful interiors I have ever seen. It houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, which was made by over 1,200 artisans in Iran. The chandelier hanging from the central dome is made of Swarovski crystals and gold-plated brass, weighing nearly 12 tons! Everything inside the mosque, from the walls to the ceilings, shows the finest craftsmanship and attention to detail.

• Spiritual Atmosphere

Even though the mosque is a major tourist attraction, it remains a deeply spiritual place. There is a strong sense of tranquility and respect in the air. Visitors are asked to remain quiet and behave modestly. Many people were sitting in silence, admiring the beauty and reflecting on life. It’s a place where people from all backgrounds, cultures, and religions come together in peace.

As a Muslim, it was especially meaningful to perform the midday prayer (Dhuhr) in the mosque. Praying in such a holy and majestic place was a powerful and emotional experience for me. I felt connected to my faith and deeply thankful for the opportunity.

• Learning and Cultural Center

There is also a visitor center and a small library within the mosque complex that offers valuable information about Islamic culture, architecture, and the history of the mosque. Friendly guides and volunteers are available to give tours and answer questions. I joined a free guided tour that lasted about 45 minutes. The guide explained the mosque’s design, symbolism, and spiritual messages in detail. I learned that over 30 different types of marble were used in the construction and that artisans from many different countries contributed to its creation.

• Conclusion

As the sun began to set, the mosque looked even more beautiful under the golden light. The lights turned on slowly, and the domes began to glow softly. It felt like a dream. I took a few final photos, said a quiet prayer, and slowly made my way back to the bus station, my heart full of gratitude and peace.

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was more than just sightseeing — it was a spiritual journey, a cultural experience, and a reminder of the beauty that faith, unity, and vision can create. I highly recommend anyone living in or visiting the UAE to take the time to see this incredible place. It’s an experience that will stay with me forever.