Sheikh Zayed Mosque

About

Designed by Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque took 11 years to construct. The resulting 30 acre complex was worth the wait, as it’s not only the largest mosque in the country, but an absolutely amazing monument that’s rated as one of the world’s top landmarks on Tripadvisor. The design blends styles from around the world, including taking inspiration from Persian and Indo-Islamic mosques, with Moorish arches and classical Arab minarets. The elegant individual decorative elements, such as the calligraphy covering the dome, and dainty flowers creeping up the columns complement the complex’s scale. It’s also home to the world’s largest carpet, which took over 1,000 knotters 2 years to complete, and the world’s largest chandelier, and the world’s largest marble mosaic. Visitors are welcome to explore on their own, or join a free guided tour, though appropriate attire is required in both cases.