One more post from the delegation trip with Merdian International and the UAE Embassy. Moving on from the contemporary architecture to a more traditional design in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque by Yousef Abdelky. It may appear traditional, yet was completed in 2007. Construction began in 1996. Given its size, you can understand the length of time and even be in awe it was completed this quickly!
It’s the countries largest mosque and can hold up to 41,000 people! It also has the world’s largest chandelier, which has a spiral staircase in its interior so staff can clean it. It was designed by Faustig in Munich, Germany and incorporate millions of Swarovski crystals.
The world’s largest handmade carpet is also here, designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi, it took 2 years to make and weighs 35 tons. It was shipped in sections then hand sewn on location!
Sheikh Zayed wanted this mosque to be universal and a place where Islam and other world cultures could come together. The design takes elements from many centers of Islam; Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, and Egypt, among others.
The domes were inspired by the Badshahi Mosque, and are one of my favorite parts of the space. And the minarets are inspired by Arab design.
The archways take a cue from Moorish design.
Yet another awe-inspiring location in the UAE!
