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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Unveils Light & Peace Museum at the 'Dome of Peace' – A New Cultural Destination for the Emirate and the UAE

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of Presidential Affairs, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has announced the opening of the Light & Peace Museum to the public on Wednesday, 18 December 2024.

Aligning with the Nation's Cultural Movement

On this occasion, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre held a press conference in which His Excellency Dr. Yousef Abdullah Al Obaidli shared the vision behind the Light & Peace Museum. He remarked:"The Light & Peace Museum is inspired by the UAE’s vision and the leadership's commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of the country. It aims to revive the treasures of Islamic civilization, showcasing its diversity and richness, reflecting epochs of profound intellectual depth in sciences, craftsmanship, and creativity in arts and literature."

Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli further emphasized that the Light & Peace Museum not only reflects the UAE's dedication to promoting the sciences and arts but also serves as a vital expression of the nation’s values in intercultural communication. He noted that the museum’s mission aligns with the UAE’s efforts to foster peace, mutual respect, and tolerance. It embodies the essence of Islamic culture through its focus on unity, rapprochement, and moderation.

The museum's design strategically blends an exceptional atmosphere with innovative display techniques to create a unique visitor experience. By offering a curated selection of artifacts and exhibits, the museum spans five distinct cultural fields, encompassing historical, artistic, scientific, and literary treasures. This immersive approach engages visitors through narratives that reflect the rich heritage of Islamic civilization and beyond.

The objective is to transform each visit into a journey of discovery and dialogue, enriching the cultural experience for people from all over the world. This initiative aligns with the Centre’s mission to position the mosque as a hub for cultural exchange and understanding. Additionally, it supports the UAE's longstanding commitment to fostering cultural awareness, heritage preservation, and cross-generational dialogue.

Cultural Content and Messages for Diverse Audiences and Cultures

The Light & Peace Museum targets a broad range of audiences through its diverse cultural content, aiming to engage various cultures and groups, including researchers, specialists, and those passionate about culture, heritage, science, and the arts. Its messages are delivered through interactive and sensory experiences, including a dedicated section for children designed to introduce them to the museum's civilizational message in an engaging and approachable way.

To ensure the museum’s message reaches a wide audience, the museum content is presented in seven languages: Arabic, English, Mandarin, Spanish, French, Russian, and Urdu. This multilingual approach is supported by technology that allows visitors to activate the language of their choice on the digital screens accompanying the cultural exhibits. The selection of these languages was based on a study conducted by the Centre, which identified the most frequent nationalities visiting the mosque.

Five Sections Offering Captivating Narratives and Diverse Experiences

During the press conference, the museum's sections were highlighted, each presenting unique narratives and experiences. The first section, Tolerance – A Guiding Light, communicates messages of tolerance and coexistence in the UAE, deeply rooted in the land since humans first inhabited it thousands of years ago. This tradition was further solidified by the vision and wisdom of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan .

The second section, "Sanctity and Worship –The Three Grand Mosques", provides visitors with an in-depth understanding of the three most sacred mosques in the Islamic world: the Masjid al-Haram, the Prophet's Mosque, and Al-Aqsa Mosque. It also explores the spiritual and architectural inspirations drawn from these mosques that are reflected in the design of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The third section, "Precision and Beauty – The Spirit of Invention", focuses on the rich scientific and cultural contributions of Islamic civilization throughout the ages. It highlights the artistic and intellectual accomplishments that shaped the Islamic world, emphasizing the continuous pursuit of knowledge and beauty.

These sections, along with the museum's overall design, promise an immersive and enriching experience for visitors, encouraging reflection on the values of peace, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Before reaching the fourth section, visitors pass through the Family Section, which offers a unique opportunity for families to explore stories together in an engaging and interactive atmosphere designed to captivate children. Through sensory experiences, this section covers topics such as the construction of the mosque, geometric shapes, and the use of the astrolabe, among others.

The fourth section, "Tolerance and Openness – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque", features a model of the mosque at the heart of the museum, symbolizing the values of peace, tolerance, and diversity that Islam advocates. Above the model, a chandelier inspired by the mosque’s own chandelier – one of its most iconic aesthetic features – adds to the exhibit’s allure. This section includes several interactive stations that allow visitors to explore the mosque's details, its story of inception, its architectural beauty, and the exquisite Islamic architectural artistry evident in every corner. Additionally, this section provides insights into the Centre's team and their roles in bringing the mosque's mission and cultural vision to life.

The Family Section of the museum serves as a vibrant space for families to discover the museum's stories together in an interactive and child-friendly environment. It provides engaging sensory experiences that delve into topics like the mosque's construction, geometric shapes, and the use of the astrolabe, offering an enriching learning opportunity for all ages.

The final section of the museum is titled "Universal Coexistence". This section draws inspiration from the aesthetic elements of the mosque, particularly the intricate floral designs derived from various parts of the world, which symbolize unity and coexistence. The section offers an engaging and interactive experience that allows visitors to connect their geographical region with the values and artistry of the mosque. This immersive experience emphasizes the universal themes of peace and cultural harmony reflected in the mosque's design.

Cultural and Historical Content Reflecting Depth and Richness

The Light & Peace Museum showcases a remarkable collection of carefully selected artifacts, each representing significant milestones in Islamic history and culture. Among the highlights are a piece of the Holy Kaaba’s belt from the 20th century, the Dinar of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, which is the first Islamic gold coin dating back to 77 AH, and Kitab al-Tamhid by Ibn Abd al-Barr, a 1296 CE work on the exegesis of Imam Malik's Al-Muwatta. Other significant pieces include gold-illuminated manuscript pages from the Blue Quran, dating back to the 9th-10th century CE, Akhbar Makkah wa Ma Jaa Fiha Min al-Athar from the 14th century, and an Andalusian astrolabe from the same period. The museum also features personal items of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, alongside a diverse range of artistic and scientific works, such as medical manuscripts, decorative arts, calligraphy, and textiles. These treasures span centuries and offer a profound insight into the depth and richness of Islamic heritage, blending historical legacies with contemporary artistic expressions.

The "Dome of Peace" is a new cultural destination enriching the cultural landscape of the emirate and the UAE.

The "Dome of Peace" serves as a cultural beacon, enhancing the vibrant heritage landscape of the emirate and the UAE. This distinguished venue hosts a range of cultural and educational experiences aimed at deepening the understanding of Islamic civilization and its artistic, scientific, and literary contributions. The Dome features Al Jami' Library, dedicated to the study of Islamic heritage, and a theatre that accommodates religious, national, and community events. The Noor & Salam Museum highlights the essence of Islamic culture, promoting messages of peace and coexistence. Additionally, the immersive Diya – A Universe of Light experience offers a captivating, 360-degree sensory journey for visitors.

The Dome of Peace also showcases temporary exhibitions that reflect its commitment to cultural dialogue and heritage preservation. These exhibitions have explored themes such as the historical evolution of the Hajj pilgrimage, the history of Islamic coinage, and the rich legacy of Andalusian civilization, including its literature, key figures, and artistic achievements. Through these offerings, the Dome of Peace reinforces the role of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre as a platform for tolerance, cultural awareness, and intellectual exchange, enriching the experience of visitors from around the world.

 

 

 

The Immersive “Diya – A Universe of Light” experience: Unique Addition to the Centre's Cultural Experiences

The immersive "Diya – A Universe of Light" experience at the Centre is designed using over 1.5 billion light units. It guides visitors through a captivating journey across lush oases, towering mountains, serene coastlines, and golden deserts—reflecting the rich identity of the UAE. The experience culminates at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, showcasing the architectural beauty, towering minarets, and grand domes, which are symbolic of the nation's core values of tolerance and cultural unity. This experience brings to life the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, embodying peace and coexistence at the heart of the UAE's identity.Bottom of Form

 

Fruitful Collaboration and Integrated Efforts

The Centre’s commitment to enriching the museum's cultural content has been significantly supported by fruitful collaborations with prominent figures and institutions. Key contributions have come from His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, His Excellency Mohammed Al Mar, and the Al Sabah Archaeological Group - Dar Al-Athar in Kuwait. These collaborations have been instrumental in providing valuable loans and donations of artifacts with both historical and cultural importance.

Additionally, the Centre has received assistance from several esteemed institutions, such as the National Archive and Library in Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, the Ibrahim Family House, the Union Museum, and the Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeological Museum. Such collaborations have helped further develop the museum’s cultural narrative.

The Centre has also partnered with notable local and international artists, including Abdel Qader Al-Rais, Idris Khan, and Osman Khunji who created contemporary pieces inspired by Islamic arts. Other distinguished artists, such as Najat Makki, Layla Juma, and Abdulrahim Sharif, contributed their expertise in Islamic art, enriching the museum’s cultural scope and significance.

New Cultural Publication on Islamic Cultural Heritage

In line with enriching the museum's content and enhancing its cultural collection, the Centre has released the "Light and Peace: A Journey of Faith, Inspiration, and Coexistence" Catalog in both Arabic and English. The book will soon be available for purchase at the "Light and Peace" shop and the Mosque's Library, located next to the museum at the "Dome of Peace" at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.

Notably, the name of the museum, "Light and Peace," is inspired by its mission to revive the Islamic cultural heritage of science and art, which has illuminated humanity through successive ages. It also reflects the exhibition's goal of building bridges of understanding between cultures based on peace and tolerance.

For more information about the museum or the "Diya" experience, you can visit the museum's official website at www.szgmc.gov.ae or contact the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre at +971 2 4191919. The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and entry is free for a limited period until the implementation of admission fees.

Exploring Cultural Experiences at the 'Dome of Peace': Sultan Al Neyadi Visits the 'Light & Peace Museum' and the Diya Immersive Experience at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, visited the “Light & Peace Museum” at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi, where he was welcomed by His Excellency Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of the Centre.

His Excellency toured the five sections of the museum, which feature interactive experiences utilizing the latest technologies. The exhibits showcase rare and unique collections that reflect the museum's message, offering an engaging sensory narrative that allows visitors to interact with its cultural content, promoting a dialogue between cultures.

His Excellency was introduced to the museum’s contents and activities, gaining insights into Islamic civilization and its contributions to the arts and sciences throughout the ages. He also learned about the culture of tolerance and coexistence that has facilitated the mutual influence between it and other world civilizations. Additionally, His Excellency explored the “Immersive Diya – A Universe of Light Experience,” which includes a 360-degree interactive light show enhanced by sound effects and winds.

At the end of the visit, His Excellency was presented with the “Light and Peace” catalog showcasing the museum's collections, which highlight the unique artworks and exhibits reflecting the values of tolerance, peace, and Islamic arts. The catalog provides a detailed description of each piece and emphasizes its cultural and historical significance. He was also presented with a copy of the "Andalusia: History and Civilization" exhibition catalog.

Both the "Light & Peace Museum" and the “Immersive Diya – A Universe of Light Experience” represent a significant addition to the cultural experiences at the Centre, located in the newly established “Dome of Peace,” a cultural destination in Abu Dhabi at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. The dome encompasses many cultural facilities, including the Al Jami’ library, which specializes in Islamic civilization and its arts, an auditorium that hosts religious, national, cultural, and community events, and temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions, such as the "Andalusia: History and Civilization" and "Coins of Islam: History Revealed," reflect the cultural values and messages that enhance the role of the mosque in presenting its diverse cultural and human content in an interactive and knowledge-rich framework.

President of Malawi Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by his delegation.

His Excellency and the accompanying delegation were guided by His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, through the mosque's halls and outer corridors. They learned about the mosque's cultural message promoting coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others, inspired by the values of the founding father. The tour highlighted the significant role of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in promoting the true essence of Islamic culture and enhancing cultural communication between different cultures and peoples worldwide. They were also briefed on the history of the grand edifice, the mosque's aesthetics, and the exquisite Islamic architectural art that is evident in every corner, showcasing unique artifacts and the finest contributions of Islamic civilization throughout the ages. The diverse and varied architectural designs of the mosque reflect the beauty of cultural harmony and unity in a single creative work.

At the end of the visit, the guest was presented with a gift that reflects the mosque's beauty, a compass inspired by its chandeliers, and a copy of the book "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Flow of Peace," the latest publication from the center. The book highlights the mosque's unique architectural art and takes readers on a photographic journey to explore the mosque's architectural beauty through a collection of award-winning photos from the "Spaces of Light" competition.

UK Prime Minister Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Excellency Mansour Belhoul Al-Falasi, UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Edward Hobart, UK Ambassador to the UAE, and the accompanying delegation.

 

The Prime Minister and his delegation were accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Yousef Al-Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, during their tour of the mosque’s halls and exterior corridors . They were introduced to the mosque’s cultural message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness, inspired by the legacy and values of the founding father. They also learned about the significant role of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in promoting Islamic culture and enhancing cross-cultural communication worldwide. The delegation was briefed on the mosque’s history, its architectural beauty, and the distinctive Islamic art that adorns its every corner. They were also introduced to the mosque’s unique collections and the finest examples of Islamic civilization, where diverse artistic and architectural designs have converged in harmony, creating a masterpiece that reflects the beauty of cultural unity.

 

On the sidelines of the visit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented: “The UAE and the UK share a long history and a deep relationship that spans centuries. It has been an honor to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where I have seen the impactful efforts to promote shared human values across religions and cultures, which strengthen the ties between all. People from around the world gather in peace around its beauty, and I have also seen the continued cooperation between the UAE and the UK in this area.”

 

At the end of the visit, the mosque presented the guest with a gift reflecting the mosque’s beauty, a compass inspired by its chandeliers, along with a copy of the book Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Lights of Peace, the latest publication from the Center. The book highlights the mosque’s unique architectural style and takes readers on a visual journey to discover its architectural and artistic grandeur, featuring award-winning images from the “Spaces of Light” Award.

Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Her Excellency Gabriela Sommerfield, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of the Republic of Ecuador, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, accompanied by her delegation.

Her Excellency and the accompanying delegation toured the mosque's halls and outer corridors, learning about the mosque's cultural message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others, inspired by the values of the founding father. They also learned about the significant role played by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in promoting the true essence of Islamic culture, building bridges of understanding with various cultures around the world, and what distinguishes it from other places of worship.

Her Excellency and the delegation were briefed on the history of the grand edifice, the mosque's aesthetics, and the exquisite Islamic architectural arts that are evident in every corner. They also viewed the unique artifacts and the finest examples of Islamic civilization's artistic and architectural designs throughout the ages, which come together in the mosque's design to reflect the beauty of cultural harmony and unity in a single creative work.

At the end of the visit, the guest was presented with a copy of the book "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Flow of Peace," the latest publication by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center. The book takes readers on a photographic journey to explore the architectural beauty of the mosque through a collection of award-winning photos from the "Spaces of Light" competition, highlighting the mosque's unique architectural art.

Mansour bin Zayed inaugurates 'Light and Peace' museum at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, inaugurated the "Light and Peace" museum at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi.

H.H. Sheikh Mansour, accompanied by a number of senior officials, toured the various sections of the museum. He viewed the museum's contents, activities, and the knowledge it offers about the Islamic civilization, its arts and sciences throughout history, and its embodiment of tolerance and coexistence.

The museum features five sections with interactive experiences, utilising advanced technologies and multimedia. It showcases rare and unique collections that convey the museum's message and offer an engaging sensory narrative, allowing visitors to interact with its cultural content and open channels for cultural dialogue between different civilizations.

His Highness also explored the immersive light experience, a multimedia hall that fosters the mosque's civilizational message, located in the "Dome of Peace," which includes various cultural facilities in addition to the museum and the light experience.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed emphasised that the opening of the "Light and Peace" museum reflects the UAE's vision to promote culture, peace, and coexistence. He noted that this project is another step in establishing the country's position as a beacon of tolerance and civilizational dialogue between cultures.

He stated, "This museum forms a window that allows the world to explore the cultural richness of Islamic civilization and represents a qualitative addition to the UAE’s efforts in highlighting the shared human values that unite us as diverse peoples. It makes heritage, art, science, and literature platforms for dialogue and rapprochement. We are committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to building a future that promotes values of understanding and peace."

He added, “The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre continues its role and civilizational message, entrenching the UAE’s position as a global cultural destination that blends the essence of the past with the aspirations of the future. It reaffirms our vision for cultural development that respects cultural diversity and celebrates pluralism.”

The museum combines a unique atmosphere with innovative display methods for artifacts and multimedia, creating an inspiring and rich narrative experience composed of five sections: Values of Tolerance – The Abundance of Light; Sanctity and Worship – The Three Mosques; Beauty and Perfection – The Spirit of Creativity; Tolerance and Openness – The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; and Unity and Coexistence, in addition to a space dedicated to family and children’s experiences.

The museum displays a rich and carefully selected collection of artefacts and exhibits from various Islamic eras, focusing on diverse themes. Among the key items in the museum's collection are: a part of the Kiswa (covering) of the Holy Kaaba (20th century), the first Islamic gold coin, gold-illuminated pages of the Blue Qur'an (9th–10th centuries CE), the Andalusian astrolabe (14th century CE), as well as the personal collection of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The museum also features various pieces of antique and contemporary artwork, scientific and medical manuscripts, decorations and calligraphy, metal, wood, and marble artworks, and textiles.

In order to spread its message to the broadest possible audience and share its cultural content with visitors from diverse backgrounds, the museum presents its civilizational message in seven languages: Arabic, English, Chinese, Spanish, French, Russian, and Hindi. This is facilitated through technology that enables users to activate the content on the digital screens accompanying the cultural experiences in the exhibition sections.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre will announce the opening of the museum to visitors soon, to allow visitors of different cultures to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to have a cultural experience in the museum.

 

Under the Slogan 'Peace', with Prizes Totaling AED 850,000 Spaces of Light Photography Award Extends Submission Period, Welcoming Global Creativity

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has extended the submission deadline for the Spaces of Light Photography Award to December 31, inviting photographers and artists worldwide to participate. The award provides a platform for creators to use photography as a tool for cultural exchange, fostering connections and enhancing understanding across diverse cultures of the world.

This extension aligns with the UAE’s national initiatives, including the World’s Coolest Winter campaign, allowing photographers to capture the mosque through different seasons, thus enhancing the creative scope of submissions. It also grants a second chance for photographers who missed the initial deadline, reinforcing the UAE’s dynamic and thriving artistic landscape.

The eighth edition of the award features a diverse array of categories, welcoming both professional and amateur photographers to submit images that capture humanitarian themes and unique, unconventional works. The grand category, titled “Mosques and Masjids,” invites photographers to submit pictures of mosques worldwide.

Additional categories include “Technical and General Photography”; “Digital Art”; and “Life at the Mosque,” which is divided into three subcategories: “Narratives,” “Time Lapse,” and “Video Clips.”

Valuable Prizes

The Centre offers AED 850,000 in cash prizes for the top three winners in each category, underscoring its commitment to nurturing artistic talent. Interested participants may submit their entries through the official award website at https://photo.szgmc.ae.

For updates, follow @spacesoflight and @szgmc_ae on Instagram.

Spaces of Light Award
https://photo.szgmc.ae
 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Takes Spaces of Light Photography Award on a Nationwide Mobile Exhibition

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre continues to champion its cultural mission through the eighth season of the prestigious "Spaces of Light" Photography Award. Under the global theme of "Peace," the Centre has launched a mobile exhibition, now stationed at the "Souq Al Jami," adjacent to the Grand Mosque. This exhibition offers visitors from diverse cultures the opportunity to engage with the award’s message of tolerance, coexistence, and peace. 

A Nationwide Tour 

The mobile exhibition has already visited seven prominent locations across the UAE, including the World Media Congress, the National Archives and Library, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, the Erth Hotel, Manarat Al Saadiyat, 06 Mall, and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Future stops will include other key cultural and educational institutions, encouraging broader public participation in the award. 

Exhibition Highlights 

The traveling mobile exhibition showcases a curated collection of exceptional photographs from previous seasons of the "Spaces of Light" Award. These images convey themes of peace and tolerance, reaffirming the Centre’s belief in the power of visual art to foster intercultural dialogue. The exhibition has garnered significant public interest, featuring 32 breathtaking photographs that capture the architectural splendor of the Grand Mosque and its rich Islamic heritage, illustrating the harmony of cultures through artistic expression. 

Award and Participation 

For this year’s competition, the Centre is offering substantial cash prizes to the top three winners in each category, with a total prize fund of AED 850,000. Photographers and artists are invited to submit their work via the official website https://photo.szgmc.ae/. 

Since its inception, the "Spaces of Light" Photography Award has drawn participation from over 7,419 photographers from more than 70 countries, collectively submitting over 27,000 images. 

Prime Minister of Solomon Islands visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Jeremiah Manele, Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by Peter Shanel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands.

During their visit, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and his accompanying delegation toured the halls and external corridors of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, accompanied by Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, where they were briefed on the mosque's message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others, all of which are rooted in the principles and values established by the UAE’s Founding Father.

They also learned about the significant role played by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in promoting a tolerant Islamic culture and enhancing cultural communication between various cultures and peoples worldwide, further exploring the history of the grand structure, its aesthetic grandeur, and the exquisite art of Islamic architecture displayed in all its aspects.

At the end of the visit, the guest was presented with a copy of "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace". This publication provides a photographic journey through the mosque's architectural splendour, featuring award-winning images from the "Spaces of Light" Photography Award while highlighting the mosque's unique architectural artistry.

 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Strengthens Its Position on the Global Cultural Tourism Map, Coinciding with World Tourism Day

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre continues to solidify its position on the global cultural tourism map, offering a range of innovative services and initiatives that have turned it into a gathering place for cultures from around the world.

The Centre enriches the visitor experience through cultural tours available in Arabic, English, French, Russian, Hebrew, Mandarin, Korean, and Spanish, alongside specialized tours conducted in sign language. These tours provide an in-depth exploration of the mosque’s intricate Islamic architecture and the cultural narratives behind each design, underscoring the Centre’s mission to showcase Islamic art and heritage.

Reflecting its forward-thinking approach, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre offers "El-Delleel," a multimedia guide that provides immersive virtual tours in 14 languages, harnessing state-of-the-art augmented reality technology. Visitors are also invited to explore the mosque after hours through the exclusive "Sura" night tours, available from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., extending beyond regular visiting hours. Additionally, the "Unseen Glimpses from the Mosque" tour offers a unique cultural experience, allowing guests to spend an entire day at the mosque, with  club cars provided for convenience. These tours can be booked in advance via the Centre’s website, www.szgmc.gov.ae.

In celebration of World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27, the Centre has organised a series of cultural tours for visitors, highlighting the mosque’s pivotal role in promoting cultural tourism within the UAE. Over the years, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has become a key destination for both domestic and international tourists, establishing itself as an essential stop on any itinerary. The mosque plays a significant role in the cultural and tourism landscape of the nation.

In recent years, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has cemented its status as one of the most important tourist destinations in the region and the world, welcoming nearly 7 million visitors annually. These guests are introduced to the stunning beauty of its Islamic architecture, which reflects the richness of Islamic civilization and emphasises values of tolerance, coexistence, and fraternity.