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