Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and one of the largest architectural works that blends various schools of Islamic architecture. The mosque is characterized by a large number of domes up to 82 dome, and more than 1000 columns. The mosque is also decorated with chandeliers inlaid with 24-carat gold, and the floor is covered by the world's largest hand-made carpet. One of the world's largest chandeliers hangs in the main prayer hall.
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan ordered the construction of the mosque to be a symbol of Islam's message of peace, tolerance and coexistence with the other. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan also intends to make the Grand Mosque a living reference to modern Islamic architecture that links the past to the present, and to be a beacon of Islamic science and methodology that reflects authentic Islamic values.
Perhaps the most prominent architectural element in this mosque is the group of domes with up to 82 dome. The largest is located in the middle of the main prayer hall. Pure white marble covers all domes from the outside, and the "crown of the dome" takes the form of an inverted oligarch.
The minarets of this mosque combine Islamic architecture in one form that blends art and beauty.
The use of multicolored natural marble results in an innovative art form, such as the use of crowns that appear at the bottom of the columns instead of the top. This is an exceptional and innovative style in Islamic architecture.
The colors of the walls, columns and carpets are coordinated in such a way that this edifice is a masterpiece, creating harmony between colors and shades.
One of the most important elements to highlight the magnificence of this building is the glass artwork, where glass mosaics, carved glass and float glass reflect the traditional and similar Islamic designs.
Minarets
This minaret contains four minarets, each about 106 meters long, and consists of three different geometric shapes. The first part of the minaret takes the form of a square and represents the base of the minaret, where its architectural style reflects the Moroccan, Andalusian and Mamluk style.
The second part of the minaret is in octagonal shape, dating back to the Mamluk period (13th to 16th centuries). The third part takes the cylindrical shape known during the Ottoman era (14th to 20th centuries). The lamp crowning the minaret covered with gold-plated glass mosaics dates back to the Fatimid period (10th to 12th centuries).
Whole carpet
The floor of the main prayer hall covers the world's largest Islamic handmade carpet. It was designed by a carpet maker and a third-generation artist. Ali Khaliqi.
The area of the rug, made mostly of wool, is about 5,700 square meters. Nearly 1,200 artisans participated in its weaving. The project took about two years, including eight months for design and twelve months for spinning.
Chandeliers of the mosque
The mosque has seven crystal chandeliers designed by German Faustek. The largest diameter is 10 meters, and is 15 meters high and weighs 12 tons. Two smaller pieces of the same design also adorn the main prayer hall, each weighing 8 tons.
There are four chandeliers in blue, similar in design and size at the entrances surrounding the mosque, weighing the largest 2 tons and adorn the main entrance to the mosque.
