SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE
One of the top attractions in Abu Dhabi is the stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque. It is a truly stunning center of worship and surpassed our expectations of Abu Dhabi opulence. It is first and foremost a center of worship, and visitors are only allowed at certain times. When visiting the mosque, you must wear appropriate clothing, which means ladies must be entirely covered with the exception of feet (ankles should be covered!) and face. The restrictions are slightly more lax for men, but similar. If you’re not properly dressed, they will let you know before you enter, and you can borrow appropriate attire for free. I was given a little hood thing to cover my shoulders because I wore jeans, but I requested an abaya because they look nicer, and they were nice enough to give me one.
We spent an hour or two there appreciating the craftsmanship and amazing intricacy of the palatial mosque before leaving due to both heat and hunger. We wanted to visit again at night when it's lit up and glowing, but couldn't make it due to time constraints. Whenever we visit Abu Dhabi again, we will definitely go back.
The mosque is amazing to visit no matter what religion you practice. I imagine that many Muslims have an even deeper appreciation for its beauty. The photos don’t do it justice. I hope one day you are able to visit it and see it for yourself, because it’s absolutely worth seeing!
