Page 31 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Mosque ❮❮ 29

The Qibla
8 SHEIKH ZAYED
The prayer hall’s
qibla wall (indicating the Former ruler of Abu
direction of Mecca) has a Dhabi and “Father of the
golden alcove set into UAE”, Sheikh Zayed bin
the wall surrounded by Sultan Al Nahyan (1918–
the 99 names of Allah 2004) became leader
written in traditional of Abu Dhabi in 1966
Kufic calligraphy (left). following a peaceful
coup against his elder
brother. He instigated a
programme that rapidly
launched the city’s
transformation from
Arabian backwater to
global city. In 1971, he
also became the first
president of the newly
formed UAE. Famed for
his generosity, Zayed
remains a revered figure
throughout the country.
The Minbar
0
Sitting alongside
the qibla alcove is the
small minbar (pulpit),
from which sermons
are given during Friday
Prayers (below).

The Courtyard
Tomb of
7 9
Sheikh Zayed
The vast courtyard
(above) has space for Outside the mosque is
30,000 worshippers and the tomb of Abu Dhabi’s
is dazzlingly bright during former ruler, Sheikh
the day. The floral mosaic, Zayed bin Sultan Al
picked out in marble on Nahyan. The tomb is as
the floor, is said to be the under stated as the rest
largest in the world. of the mosque is ornate.
NEED TO KNOW 2pm & 7pm Sat), 5pm & the mosque, and the
MAP V3 • Khaleej al Arabi 7pm Fri building also looks
and Sheikh Rashid bin • Visitors must remove spectacular after dark,
with a unique lighting
Saeed streets • 02 419 1919 shoes and cover arms and system designed to reflect
• www.szgmc.ae/en
legs. Women are asked to the phases of the moon.
Open 9am–10pm Sat– wear a robe and headscarf • For refreshment head to
Thu, 4:30–10pm Fri (provided free).
the nearby Souk Qaryat al
Free guided tours: 10am, • The 5pm Sunset Tour is Beri (see p97), with its many
11am & 5pm Sat–Thu (also a nice time of day to see cafés and restaurants.

028-029_Top_10_Dubai.indd 29 17/05/2017 12:54