The story of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The mosque was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, who wanted a place that united Islamic architectural traditions from across the world. Built between 1996 and 2007, it combines Mughal, Moorish and Ottoman influences in white marble, with 82 domes and four minarets.
Its main prayer hall holds one of the largest hand-knotted carpets in the world and huge Swarovski-crystal chandeliers. Sheikh Zayed is buried in the mosque courtyard. Tens of thousands of worshippers can pray here at once.
