The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest mosque in the UAE and the second largest in the Muslim world, costing $5.5 billion and spanning 13 years, the Sheikh Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque was built to commemorate Sheikh Abu Dhabi, the first president of the UAE after the founding of the UAE in 1972.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most popular attractions in the world. It's easy to see why.
Opened in 2007 after 12 years of work, the mosque attracts millions of visitors each year.
The mosque is a true international collaboration of more than 3,000 artisans from 38 construction companies worldwide.
The massive structure is topped with 82 white marble domes, including one of the largest domes of its kind in the world.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has 1,096 outer pillars and 96 semi-precious inner pillars.
Mosques are free to visit and are open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last admission at 9.30 p.m.),
British artist Kevin Dean was commissioned to design floral motifs that adorn the mosque's main courtyard. "I couldn't believe it.
The mosque is home to a considerable number of celebrity visitors, especially supermodels
The interior of the mosque is illuminated by extravagant chandeliers, including seven 24-carat Swarovski gilded crystal installations.
Because this is a Muslim site, all visitors are required to dress plainly. Women should cover their legs, arms and head, while men should wear long pants
Like many great buildings, I think it's a combination of scale and faith that makes mosques so amazing
This mosque is the third largest mosque in the world.
For the main courtyard, I used flowers that can be found in the Middle East," designer Dean said. "In the main prayer hall, species come from the Middle East
The building takes its name from the first president of the UAE and the ruler of Abu Dhabi
The mosque can accommodate at least 40,000 devotees at a time.