November 2012
For our day tour of Abu Dhabi, we rented a vehicle at the rate of 70AED per hour. A Toyota MPV came to pick me and my wife at the appointed time. This Toyota can sit 7 adults comfortably. The driver is well verse with the attractions in Abu Dhabi and speaks good English. With his assistance, we choose which attraction we wanted to go.
First in our itinerary was Sheikh Zayed mosque. When we reached the mosque I was stumped for words for this beautiful and magnificent architecture. We have been to many mosques before but Sheikh Zayed mosque is charming and inviting. The prayer hall isn’t as ‘huge’ as others that we’ve been but the elaborate and intricate design of the mosque awe both of us.
Even before entering the mosque, the exterior landscape is enough to make you feel relaxed and the calmness inside the mosque is something to be experienced yourself.
The mosque is open to non-Muslims to visit during off-prayer times and you’ll have to adhere to the proper dress code. Garments for ladies to be properly attired are available before the entrance.
The beautiful Sheikh Zayed mosque, Abu Dhabi.
Off the entrance road, the Sheikh Zayed mosque is already commanding a view.
Serene calmness as you approach Sheikh Zayed mosque.
Don’t be put off by the bus loads of tourist. They are usually there for a short period and well-behaved.
The palm & flower garden surrounding the mosque.
Fountain in-front of the mosque.
Looking at the mosque from the front.
Asking for directions.
Front of Sheikh Zayed mosque.
Dress codes to be observed.
The main entrance into the courtyard before the mosque prayer hall.
Entrance to the mosque prayer hall past this courtyard.
Floral motif floor of the courtyard.
Pillars and small domes surround the courtyard.
Crowd in the courtyard about to enter the mosque.
Shoes-off please before entering the prayer hall.
