SimplyAbuDhabi XIV

2 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I A breathtaking oasis of prayer, reflection, and learning, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a testament to the spirit of tolerance and understanding between cultures embodied by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the UAE and the ruler of Abu Dhabi. The largest mosque in the Emirates, it is truly the spiritual heart of Abu Dhabi and is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Recently, Jordana and I had the humbling opportunity to spend a day touring the GrandMosque, as well as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, the hub of the cultural and intellectual movement focused around the Mosque and dedicated to its mission of education and openness between cultures. Spiritually nourishing, culturally enlightening, and aesthetically breathtaking, a visit to the Grand Mosque is a must for anyone visiting Abu Dhabi, regardless of religious inclination. The sight of the spectacular whitewashed building will be familiar to anyone who’s driven through the capital. Located at entrance to Abu Dhabi City Island, the mosque is distinctly visible from the three main bridges connecting the island to the mainland: the Maqta, Mussafah, and the Sheikh Zayed Bridge. The strategic geographical location of the mosque is a symbolic expression of the emotional connection it has in the hearts of all UAE citizens, especially as the resting place of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the father of the United Arab Emirates. Construction on the mosque began in 1996, as a lasting monument to his lifelong work to bring the country into the modern world. When Sheikh Zayed passed away in 2004, he was buried in the grounds of the mosque, which opened its doors to the public for the first time three years later. Arriving at the spectacular site, we were immediately struck with a hushed awe, not simply in reverence to the religious significance of the mosque, but in recognition of it as a symbol of the nation itself. Featuring four minarets and more than 82 domes, the monument is surrounded by reflecting pools, echoing the white and blue colours glinting in the sunlight, which amplifies the splendour of the sight. Combining Mamluk, Ottoman and Fatimid styles, the design elements harmonise the wide and diverse Islamic world into one summation of art and beauty. A stunning feature of the mosque is its unique lighting system, which was designed to reflect the phases of the moon. Soft undulating clouds of a bluish grey colour are projected onto the white marble external surfaces, including the façade and domes. Each day, the effect appears subtly different from the next, as the lighting cycle commences with darker clouds when the month is in its early stages and the moon is a small crescent. As the moon progresses through its cycle and becomes full, so the lighting effect becomes more brilliant. Inlaid flowers sprawl out across an astonishing marble 17,000 square metre courtyard. Using more than 30 types of marble from all over the world, including China and Italy, the courtyard is emblematic of what Sheikh Zayed wished to express: a harmonious blending of people and cultures, all united in the spirit of peace, prayer, and learning. The pure white colour of the mosque has become one of its most distinguishing characteristics. Sheikh Zayed favoured