Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

I just found this out today that they are still doing tours of the Grand Mosque during Ramadan and we have not been yet, but I was thinking it might be the best time to go because it said that the tour will be given by UAE national guides and you will learn about the mosque, architecture and the significance and traditions of Ramadan and I think it might be really cool to go during this time of year. We hope to go when Sydney starts back to school in September.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s (ADTA) complimentary guided tours of the UAE capital’s magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of the world’s largest – are to take on special significance during the coming Holy Month of Ramadan.

The tours, which normally run from 10am-11am Saturdays to Thursdays, will run from 11am during Ramadan with UAE national guides who will give visitors a detailed brief on the mosque and its architecture and the significance and traditions of Ramadan.

Visitors will also receive a commemorative complimentary pack of Ramadan focused postcards being produced by ADTA.

“Our guests – whether residents or visitors will be able to get a better understanding of the meaning of Ramadan through our tours and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a most appropriate setting for this cultural dialogue,” said Nasser Al Reyami, Director, Tourism Standards, ADTA.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which stands as a welcoming beacon to the UAE capital, has emerged as one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular attractions in ADTA’s first international visitor survey. The mosque, named after the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is an architectural statement which combines traditional and modern Islamic designs and construction techniques with craftsmen from around the world being involved in its creation.

“The mosque has been a culturally inclusive facility since its very inception – a fitting legacy to Sheikh Zayed and his work in promoting international co-operation and understanding,” added Al Reyami.

Highlight features of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque include: seven chandeliers that together encompass over a million Swarovski crystals and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet and was hand-knotted by 1,200 weavers in Mashhad, Iran.

During Ramadan visitors can see the mosque without a tour from 9am until 11.30am. On Fridays the mosque is open to worshipers only. Visitors are expected to dress appropriately for a place of worship.