Zayed Mosque

Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque, is now known to be the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and the eighth largest mosque in the world. Imagine the area of a football field, make it five times and that is how large the size of the Zayed Mosque is. It can then accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. I always passed by the Mosque everyday when our office was still in Mussafah because it is majestically situated at the entrance to Abu Dhabi City Island, markedly visible from the three main bridges, Maqta, Mussafah and Sheikh Zayed Bridge. The location of the Mosque is believed to be a symbolic expression of the emotional connection the Mosque has in the hearts of all Emiratis because of the existence of the graveyard of the father of the nation, in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque in addition to its spiritual and architectural design and timeless monument. 

The artistic beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is seen during the night because of its lightning system. So if you are planning to visit the Mosque schedule it from 4PM to 8PM so you will witness its magnificence. 

The general visiting hours is from 9am - 10pm Saturdays -Thursdays.

This is the lighting effect in the night.....

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is branded for its pure white marble color on the external surfaces. The architects designed the mosque with 82 white crown shaped domes of various sizes with gold crescent shaped finial. I am not yet sure if it is true that these crescents are made of 24 Karat gold as many expats are saying.

There are seven crystal chandeliers installed inside the halls and foyers. These are made from gilded stainless steel and gilded brass. Glass panels studded with Swarovski crystals were incorporated in all of them. 

This is the huge carpet in the prayer hall made of 2,268,000,000 knots and 35 Tons heavy. 

The Mosque is a very HOLY place. There is dress code in visiting the Mosque. Woman are not allowed to enter the mosque with sexy clothes exposing the skin. Women are required to wear abaya when they enter the mosque. There are available abayas for rent in the area. For men, you are not allowed to wear short pants and sleeveless shirts .

Here are some more photos:

Share your experiences in the Zayed Mosque.... feel free to comment below!

Photo Credits: Sherif Azab

Sources/References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikh_Zayed_Mosque

                              http://www.szgmc.ae/en/

Emirates Hotel

The Emirates Palace Hotel is known to be the second seven-star hotel in the world, next to Burj Al Arab in Dubai. It is set to 1,000ha of magnificently landscaped park with palms and fountains. There is a 1.3km private beach attached to the hotel. Its total floor area is around 850,000m², with the western and eastern wings containing the guest rooms. Emirates Palace Hotel costs around  $3bn. It is certainly the most expensive and luxurious marina development in the Middle East. Emirates Palace is the pride of Abu Dhabi.

The Hotel has 302 grand rooms and 92 suites. Each of the exceptional rooms and suites provides guests with uncompromising indulgence. These include 302 rooms, 40 splendid Khaleej & Khaleej Deluxe suites, 4 Royal Khaleej suites, 16 unique three-bedroom Palace Suites divisible into a total of 48 one-bedroom individual suites. The rooms, Khaleej & Khaleej Deluxe Suites & Royal Khaleej Suites are divided equally within the East & West Wings. Both Wings enjoy their respective Reception area, Beach Access, Swimming Pool, & Fitness Center. There are three types of Palace suites: Coral (110m²), Pearl (140m²) and Diamond (220m²). Rooms are priced from $5,989 to $12,251 a night.

A wishful thinking of staying here with my family for one week. I guess it will cost  me hundred thousands of pesos..

References:  

http://www.hotelmanagement-network.com

http://www.emiratespalacemarina.ae

Kempinski

Photo Credits: Mr. Sherif Azab

A Restriction in Taking Pictures

It was 9 o’clock in the morning when I finished the cancellation of my husband’s visa from the Immigration Department. I was so happy it only took me less than 20 minutes to finish it. I don’t have to be absent in my work for the whole day. I went out of the Immigration Department and took a picture of their building. I had a nice photo. There were some taxis outside waiting for passengers. I ride with Mr. Ahmed’s Taxi. He is a friendly nice driver.

“Where are we going?” he asked.

“Please drop me in Muroor, from there I will tell you the directions.”

He started the taxi and drove. He asked me a question that scared me.

“Did you get a photo of the Immigration Department?”

“Yes, Why?

And he said “ IT IS NOT ALLOWED.THE POLICE WILL GET YOU IF THEY SEE YOU.”

These are the exact words.

My eyes widened, and to my shock, I glanced at the side window and there was a police car. Really, there was a police car behind us! It was a stop sign and we were in the front row. In my mind I was already practicing what to say if the police would ask us to pull over in the next stop. I was already imagining surrendering the camera to them, going to the police station, even being deported. I was paranoid, and my heart was beating so fast, I could hear it like the beating of the drum.

When the traffic lights turned green the police car went straight while we had our U-turn. Thanks God they did not see me. Then Ahmed continued his story.

“Just last week, I had passengers, 2 European tourists. They took a picture of the Police GHQ inside my taxi. There was police car behind us and saw them. The police let us stop and we were escorted at the nearest taxi stand. The police asked me if I saw them took a picture. Of course I said NO because I was driving. I was also scared, but I actually saw them. The police said that it is not allowed to take photos of any Abu Dhabi Government Building and I have to tell this to my passengers. The police confiscated the tourists’ camera, asked for their passports and visa. The Europeans were brought to the police station. “

“I am so lucky that they did not see me.”

“Yes. I did not know about this rule before.”

I believed him. I deleted my photo of the Immigration Department, thinking stupidly that the police might track me if I post it on my FB. I was still paranoid. 

We were already in Muroor, I gave him the directions until we reached my house. I paid my bill.

“Thank you Mr. Ahmed. Have a nice day! No more government building photos.”

He smiled and left.

When I reached the office, I asked my boss about this rule and he confirmed. It is not allowed to take pictures of Abu Dhabi Government Buildings, unless you have a permit to do so.

Be careful my friends! It is better to be in the safe side.

 Photo Credit: http://www.clker.com by Mohamed Ibrahim

Joining UAE National Day

Last week, Ministry of Labor announced that December 2, 2012, Sunday, is holiday, NO Work due to the celebration of UAE National Day. I am lucky that my boss also declared Saturday to be a non working holiday. 

Last Friday, me and my husband went out to check how Abu Dhabi prepared for the Big Day. It was cloudy, and cold. The roads are wet. Maybe it rained during the night while we were sleeping. After going to church, we decided to have our lunch at a Filipino restaurant along Hamdan Street. Along the way, I saw this building with a very long white tarpolin  with the face of the Shiekh on it. I had a nice shot while the coaster is running fast. This gave me the idea to take a few more pictures of other buildings having commemoration of UAE National Day.  Here are some photos during daytime and beautiful building lights during the night seen while we were strolling around.

Shiekh's Face

World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi (Still Ongoing Construction)

Etisalat Building with UAE Flag Lightings

After our lunch, we went to my office to have a quick chat with our kids. We finished around six in the evening then we decided to have mall hopping,no bus, no rides just walking, trying to loss weight. While we were in Madinat Zayed- Hamdan area, I noticed the streets having special # 41 light effects. Traffic signals have hanging UAE Flags as well. Some cars were also decorated with UAE theme. 

UAE Theme Car Decors

Unfortunately, we were only able to check 3 malls because it rained that night, here are the pictures...

ABu Dhabi Mall Entrance

  

ABu Dhabi Mall Attraction