Money Mosque // Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is, like everything else I’ve posted about up till now, massive. It is beautiful. It is overwhelming. It looks expensive.

Following the format of traditional Mosque architecture, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque features a massive central courtyard where visitors are asked to remove their shoes before entering. Nose plugs for this portion of your visit are highly recommended…

The impressive scale of the building is made more astonishing by the materials used. Things like 24-karat gold, Swarovski crystals, marble, mother of pearl, and Iranian rugs amplify the impression of grandeur.

In case you ever visit the mosque and, for some reason, forget to look up, the following is a photo of the largest chandelier I have ever seen:

Bordering the Mosque are beautiful, blue reflecting pools. If you are able to look past the glaringly large budget and in-your-face type of appearance this building has, you may be able to recognize that it is a very beautiful place.

Especially in the “winter” during sunset.

This is a must see attraction in the UAE. It is definitely a tourist trap, and you will be pushed around and stepped on by people trying to take stupid pictures of their dumb family. But, if you are able to look past that, you will see something you won’t see anywhere else in the world. You might even have a spiritual revelation…

…or an upset stomach from the stench of sweaty socks and dirty shoes.  

Back to studio! I count at least seven more posts about the UAE. So… bear with me…