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Prime Minister of Lebanon Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to His Highness the President of the UAE; His Excellency Dr. Ghassan Salamé, Minister of Culture of the Lebanese Republic; His Excellency Fouad Chehab Dandan, Ambassador of Lebanon to the UAE; and their accompanying delegation.

The Prime Minister and his delegation were accompanied through the mosque's halls and external courtyards by His Excellency Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. During the tour, His Excellency the Director General provided an overview of the mosque’s history, its civilisational mission promoting coexistence, tolerance, and openness inspired by the legacy and values of the founding father. He highlighted the significant role of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in introducing the compassionate essence of Islamic culture and fostering cultural dialogue among diverse peoples and civilisations worldwide.

Saeif Al Mutawa, Cultural Tour Specialist, offered the Prime Minister and delegation an in-depth explanation of the mosque’s architectural beauty, illustrating the exquisite Islamic artistry evident throughout the mosque. He showcased its unique artefacts and highlighted the diverse Islamic architectural traditions, whose harmonious integration within the mosque's design symbolises cultural convergence and creativity.

The delegation also visited the tomb of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recalling his enduring legacy and wise approach that established the foundations of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among nations.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Prime Minister received a commemorative gift reflecting the mosque’s aesthetics, a compass inspired by its chandeliers, and a copy of the book "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace." The book presents readers with a photographic journey showcasing the mosque's architectural magnificence through selected images from the "Spaces of Light" photography award.

 

President of the Republic of Paraguay Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Santiago Peña, President of the Republic of Paraguay, accompanied by First Lady Leticia Ocampos de Peña, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The delegation included His Excellency Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay; Her Excellency Dr Al Saghira Wobran Hamad Mubarak Al Ahbabi, UAE Ambassador to Paraguay; Her Excellency Carina Conther López, Ambassador of Paraguay to the UAE; and other accompanying officials.

The President and the delegation commenced their tour by visiting the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, reflecting on his enduring legacy and wise vision that established foundations for tolerance, coexistence, and peace among diverse peoples worldwide.

Accompanied by His Excellency Dr Yousef Al Obaidli, Director-General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, the delegation toured the mosque’s halls and outer courtyards, where they learned about the mosque’s cultural mission promoting coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others—principles inspired by the UAE's Founding Father. They explored the Centre’s pivotal role in presenting Islamic culture and enhancing intercultural dialogue among peoples and cultures globally. The delegation also learned about the mosque’s historical background, architectural magnificence, and exquisite Islamic artistry clearly visible throughout, including unique collections that embody the richness and diversity of Islamic civilisation. The mosque’s distinct architectural style integrates various cultural influences into one harmonious, artistic masterpiece.

Reflecting on his visit, President Peña stated, "I am truly honoured to participate and be here. This is a deeply spiritual occasion for us to strengthen our relationship and build bridges between our cultures and nations."

At the conclusion of the visit, the distinguished guest received a commemorative gift symbolising the mosque’s aesthetic—a compass inspired by its chandeliers—and a copy of the Centre’s latest publication, “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Lights of Peace,” which highlights the mosque’s extraordinary architectural artistry through a photographic journey featuring images from the “Spaces of Light” Photography Award.

 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre: A Beacon of Cultural Diversity and Civilisational Openness

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre: A Beacon of Cultural Diversity and Civilisational Openness

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre stands as a prominent cultural landmark embodying the spirit of cultural diversity and civilisational openness. Seamlessly blending tradition and modernity, religion and art, local heritage and global perspectives, it extends beyond its majestic religious significance to become a dynamic platform celebrating multicultural dialogue and the convergence of civilisations.

The Centre vividly reflects the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who believed that cultural diversity is an inexhaustible source of enrichment, and openness towards others forms the foundation of social stability and human advancement. It hosts an array of vibrant events and programmes, representing a mosaic of global cultures.

A Space Celebrating Diversity

Annually welcoming millions of visitors from diverse cultures and nationalities, the Centre serves as an interactive space for cultural exchange. Guided cultural tours offered in multiple languages enable visitors to appreciate Islamic architecture, intricately woven with artistic influences from around the world, symbolising global heritage within this extraordinary landmark.

Last year, the Centre received 6,582,993 visitors, solidifying its prominent status on the global cultural tourism map, with international guests constituting 81% of visitors and local residents 19%.

Platform for Human Values

The Centre's cultural impact extends to educational and awareness initiatives that reinforce universal human values such as tolerance, coexistence, and acceptance of others. Key among these initiatives is the Jusoor Programme, along with artistic exhibitions and community-oriented projects, all of which promote societal awareness grounded in openness and cultural pluralism.

Jusoor Programme: Bridging Cultures from the UAE to the World

The Jusoor Programme is pivotal in highlighting cultural diversity within the Centre, fostering enriching dialogues between international visitors and the local community. Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, visitors gain insights into Islamic culture, Emirati lifestyles, and the ethos of coexistence inherent in UAE society.

The programme comprises numerous initiatives designed to introduce individuals and institutions from diverse backgrounds to Islamic culture and the humanitarian values championed by the Centre. Participants explore the Centre's core message, inspired by the visionary legacy of the late  Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the wise leadership's commitment to humanistic principles and Emirati heritage.

One recent Jusoor initiative, "Minarets of the Two Capitals," involved unveiling a model of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a mobile library, and the "Spaces of Light" Photography Award Mobile Exhibition at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque. Since 2012, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Centre has inaugurated over 21 mosque models across various countries worldwide.

Land of Tolerance Platform

Reaffirming its role as a beacon of tolerance, peace, and human fraternity, the Centre introduced the "Land of Tolerance" platform, offering visitors a virtual journey that underscores the Mosque's cultural and civilisational contributions in promoting the UAE's global message of coexistence, peace, and harmony. This initiative embodies Sheikh Zayed's visionary ideals and the leadership's aspirations.

Light & Peace Museum: A Captivating Cultural Journey

Further enhancing its cultural offerings, the Centre launched the "Light & Peace " Museum and the immersive "Diya "Interactive Experience, blending art with technology to explore light as a metaphor for inner peace and spiritual openness. Beyond religious narratives, the museum celebrates human diversity through multilingual storytelling, underscoring universal human messages. Previous notable exhibitions include "Hajj: Memories of a Journey," highlighting pilgrimage traditions, and "Coins of Islam: History Revealed ."

Spaces of Light Award: Celebrating Architectural Diversity

The Centre celebrates architectural beauty and diversity through the "Spaces of Light" Photography Award, attracting global participation. This award epitomises cultural diversity, showcasing how each photographer uniquely perceives the mosque through their cultural and artistic lens.

A Global Beacon

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has become a premier cultural landmark in the Arab and Islamic world, renowned not only for its architectural splendour but also for its growing role in promoting cultural diversity as a civilisational value. It has garnered international acclaim as a monument harmonising spirituality and multiculturalism.

In an era marked by increasing challenges to pluralism, the Centre stands as an exemplary model of promoting positive cultural diversity, illustrating that intercultural dialogue does not lead to cultural erosion but celebrates, integrates, and builds enduring human bridges across time and place.

 

Accompanied by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, US President visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

US President Donald Trump has visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The visit started with a solemn stop at the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, where the US President and his accompanying delegation paid tribute to the UAE’s Founding Father and reflected on his enduring legacy that laid the foundations for promoting tolerance, coexistence and peace around the world.

During the tour, the US President and his accompanying delegation explored the mosque’s halls and outer courtyards, receiving insights into the mosque’s role in fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding among diverse cultures and faiths. They were also briefed on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre’s efforts to promote the values of Islam, and strengthen cross-cultural and civilisational exchange worldwide.

The US President and his delegation were additionally guided through the history of the mosque and its distinctive architectural and artistic features, which reflect the rich heritage of Islamic architecture across the centuries, embodied through intricate designs and engineering elements that showcase the beauty of traditional Arab and Islamic culture.

As Part of the 'Jusoor' Programme Aimed at Bridging Cultures and Nations, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Hosts a Delegation from Abu Dhabi Accueil for French Speakers

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As part of the "Jusoor" programme, encompassing all initiatives, activities, and events launched by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre to promote intercultural dialogue, foster closer ties between cultures, and enhance the UAE’s global image, His Excellency Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Centre, met a delegation from Abu Dhabi Accueil. The association supports newly arrived French-speaking residents in Abu Dhabi by organising a variety of social, cultural, and recreational activities.

The Centre had previously launched the "Jusoor" programme to invite individuals and institutions from diverse cultures to participate in various activities and programmes held at the mosque. Participants are given the opportunity to explore the Centre’s core message, inspired by the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, and the country’s wise leadership, which aims to consolidate humanitarian values and introduce them to Emirati heritage.

The meeting, held at the Peace Dome, was particularly significant as the mosque is among the foremost landmarks visited by the French community in the UAE, including tourists and residents. Since its opening, the mosque has welcomed approximately 1,820,000 French visitors, notably including France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron, former French President François Hollande, former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, former Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, and Jean-Luc Martinez, President of the Louvre Museum in Paris. Additionally, in 2024 alone, the mosque hosted 124,691 visitors.

During the meeting, His Excellency the Director-General emphasised that when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan decided to build the mosque, he envisioned it as a meeting place for diverse cultures from around the world. This vision was realized through the mosque's construction, which incorporated elements and materials sourced from across the globe, ensuring that every visitor found a connection to their own culture or geographical region.

His Excellency the Director-General further noted that guest feedback received by the Centre through "Google Reviews" and "TripAdvisor," as well as visitor experiences from the cultural tours offered by the Centre, confirmed that the mosque has significantly contributed to fostering an accurate understanding of Islamic culture and promoting a positive image of the UAE. Visitors mentioned that, through their experience at this prominent landmark, they discovered shared elements connecting them to the region's peoples, such as arts and other aspects, and indicated they would recommend Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to others interested in learning about the region's culture.

His Excellency the Director-General also highlighted the "Light & Peace Museum," which houses numerous exhibits symbolising coexistence and intercultural dialogue.

Following the meeting, delegation members toured the "Light & Peace Museum," exploring its sections, collections, and activities. They were introduced to various aspects of Islamic civilisation, its rich legacy of art and science, and its enduring values of tolerance and coexistence, which have significantly influenced global cultural exchanges. The delegation also experienced "Diya – A Universe of Light," an immersive, interactive experience featuring a 360-degree multimedia presentation accompanied by sound and sensory effects, including wind, guiding visitors through an inspiring sensory journey from the star-lit cosmos to the landscapes of the UAE.

The delegation then toured the mosque’s halls and external arcades, where they learned about its civilisational message promoting coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others. They were introduced to the history behind the establishment of this iconic landmark, appreciating the aesthetic magnificence and exquisite Islamic architecture evident throughout its spaces. The visitors also admired unique collections and splendid examples of Islamic artistry and design, which, despite their diversity, seamlessly converge in the mosque’s design, embodying the harmonious blend of cultures in a single, creative masterpiece.

It is noteworthy that Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre actively participates in events organised by countries around the world, including the French Republic. A delegation from the Centre previously took part in France’s International Tourism Exhibition, "Top Resa."

Under the umbrella of the 'Al Shabab Al Banie' programme and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Organises a Series of Cultural Workshops for School Students

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre held two cultural workshops at the Mosque Library, attended by 39 male and female students from schools across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, these sessions form part of a broader series of four cultural workshops hosted by the Centre for school students throughout April and May 2025.

The cultural workshops organised by the Centre for school students fall under the umbrella of the “Al Shabab Al Banie” programme, which focuses on youth and younger generations—whom the late Founding Father regarded as the true wealth of the nation and the architects of its renaissance. As part of this commitment, the Centre regularly organises and hosts educational and interactive activities that target various age groups, enriching their intellectual and cultural awareness.

These efforts aim to help shape a promising generation of young people by offering an engaging environment that fosters creative and innovative thinking. They also seek to attract younger audiences and establish the Mosque Library as a cultural haven for them. Each of the workshops began with an introductory tour of the Mosque Library, during which students explored its collections, sections, and the range of services it offers to its visitors.

The cultural workshops organised by the Centre covered various cultural and artistic topics, highlighting the importance of reading in building linguistic proficiency, approaches to cultivating children's passion for reading, and the criteria and methods to help readers choose suitable books. Additionally, the sessions examined the historical significance of maps, their interpretation and practical uses for navigation, as well as diverse forms of ornamentation and calligraphy.

The cultural workshops also included guided tours for students at the Light & Peace Museum and the Diya – A Universe of Light immersive experience , where they explored the museum’s collection of books and artefacts that reflect the richness of Islamic civilisation and its dialogue with other world cultures.

It is worth noting that the Mosque Library, inaugurated in 2010, was established as a gateway through which researchers and enthusiasts may explore the finest contributions of Islamic civilisation in the fields of art and knowledge—treasures that have long served as bridges connecting diverse cultures. The library is home to a rich collection of rare books and manuscripts, made possible through the continued support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

Notably, His Highness graciously donated nearly 3,000 valuable and rare books and periodicals written in 14 living languages, in a gesture that reflects both a commitment to documenting the sciences and arts of Islamic civilisation, and a dedication to preserving and revitalising its legacy for future generations.

The library also houses the Centre’s 27 publications, which focus on Arab and Islamic culture and highlight the core values of tolerance, coexistence, and fraternity—principles that the United Arab Emirates proudly upholds. A dedicated section within the library features its exceptional collection of some of the world’s rarest books, comprising approximately 500 titles.

Among the most notable is A Description of an Arab Celestial Sphere Inscribed with Kufic Script – Preserved at the Borgia Museum in Padua (1790), the oldest volume in this rare collection. Authored in Latin by Simon Assemani and Giuseppe Toaldo, the book was printed in 1790.

In addition, the library preserves an invaluable collection of Arabic manuscripts in the form of over 50,000 microfilm copies, providing researchers with a wealth of material in various Islamic sciences, including biographies, Hadith studies, and Islamic arts.

As a Global Model for Places of Worship: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Delivers Two Lectures in Moscow

As part of an official visit to Moscow, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) organised two lectures at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and Moscow State University titled “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – A Place for All, Creativity in a Specialized Field.” The sessions were delivered by His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of SZGMC, during the delegation's visit to prominent cultural and academic institutions in the Russian capital, where they met senior officials.

In the lectures—attended by around 100 university students, including Emirati nationals—His Excellency the Director-General of SZGMC detailed the Centre’s strategic journey in embodying the mosque’s global civilisational message. He highlighted the mosque's pioneering efforts in promoting tolerance and fostering intercultural dialogue. His Excellency further underscored the mosque’s distinctive position among global places of worship, emphasising its role in providing meaningful experiences that deepen visitors' understanding of Islamic culture and reflect the UAE’s dignified and enlightened global image.

The mosque attracts over six million visitors annually, with international visitors accounting for 81%, making it a key landmark in global religious and cultural tourism. It consistently ranks highly on TripAdvisor, with visitors expressing significant satisfaction with its services.
His Excellency the Director-General of the Centre likewise emphasised that these achievements reflect the visionary legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who envisioned the mosque as a platform for cultural dialogue and tolerance, evident in its architecture that blends diverse civilisational influences. Among its distinct features is the lunar illumination system, reflecting lunar phases and symbolising Islamic heritage's historical link with lunar cycles—a tradition meaningful across multiple cultures.

His Excellency also presented SZGMC’s "Al Shabab Al Banie" programme, encompassing initiatives such as "Ibn Al-Dar," the Junior Cultural Guide, Future Guide, and Youth discussions, highlighting youth as crucial drivers of societal progress. The Centre provides over 5,400 multilingual guided tours annually and offers night tours, the immersive "Diya – A Universe of Light" experience, the El-Delleel multimedia guide, and the "Bari Al Jami’ " Mural to enhance visitor engagement with Islamic heritage.

His Excellency drew attention to the "Spaces of Light" photography award, valued at AED 850,000, which has attracted 9,419 photographers from 70 countries, submitting over 30,000 images in its eight editions. “This award underscores art's power in fostering intercultural dialogue and celebrating the mosque’s universal aesthetic and civilisational mission.”
His Excellency the Director-General of the Centre highlighted the Centre’s significant "Ramadan at the Mosque" initiative, annually hosting over 1.8 million visitors and distributing around 2.15 million Iftar meals, alongside spiritual and cultural events, including the Ramadan Cannon and lectures by esteemed guests of His Highness the UAE President.

Further, he outlined SZGMC’s international outreach efforts, including participation in global events like Asia Travel Market in Singapore, World Travel Market in London, ITB Berlin, and the China International Fair for Investment and Trade. SZGMC’s mosque models have also been exhibited in over 20 global embassies and cultural institutions, enhancing its role as a cultural ambassador.

His Excellency noted that the average visitor stay at the mosque has increased from one to six hours, reflecting superior service quality. The Centre employs 515 professionals working around the clock, collectively contributing over 1.17 million work hours annually, managing extensive infrastructure including tunnels, escalators, elevators, lighting systems, and transportation.

During the visit, His Excellency the Director-General of the Centre met with leaders from MGIMO, the Russian State Library, and the Fund for Support of Islamic Culture, Science, and Education, discussing strategies to promote tolerance and peace globally and exploring museological exchanges, particularly through the Light & Peace Museum.
The delegation visited notable Russian cultural institutions such as the Kremlin Museums, the State Museum of Oriental Art, and the Russian State Library to observe best practices in museum operations and visitor management.

These activities coincided with unveiling a Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque model, the Light & Peace mobile library, and the Spaces of Light photography exhibition at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, under the Jusoor Program’s "Minarets of the Two Capitals" initiative. Since 2012, this initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has launched over 21 mosque models globally.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Launches Three New Cultural Publications During the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

As part of its ongoing efforts to enrich the cultural landscape of the UAE and further its mission to preserve and promote Islamic heritage, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) has launched three new cultural publications in conjunction with the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

Among the highlights is the audiobook edition of “The Houses of God: From the Great Mosque of Kairouan to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque”. The work traces the evolution of Islamic architecture through 19 of the most iconic mosques across the world, culminating in the architectural grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The audiobook supports the Centre’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion, offering a valuable cultural resource for a wider audience, including individuals who are visually impaired. Notably, the recording was carried out by a team of skilled Emirati youth from within the Centre, delivering high standards in both language and narration. Given the book’s significance, preparations are currently underway to publish translated editions in Spanish, French, and Mandarin.

Further enriching the cultural offering, the Centre also released “Light and Peace”, a publication that documents the six main sections and rare artefacts of the Light & Peace Museum, located within the Dome of Peace. The book captures the essence of the museum and reflects the Centre’s vision of fostering mutual understanding and dialogue between cultures through shared human values.

In collaboration with educational institutions, the Centre published a children’s storybook titled “Deirat Al-Droor wa Al-Tawale’ on Grandpa Saeed’s Urqūb’( Ridge)  ”. Co-authored by Emirati writer Moza Al Shamsi and Zayed University students Riesa Al Qubaisi and Fatima Al Mansoori, the book introduces children to traditional Emirati knowledge of astronomy and seasonal cycles in a form accessible to young readers. The initiative reflects SZGMC’s commitment to social responsibility and cultural education among younger generations.

All three publications, along with the Centre’s existing collection of 27 titles on Islamic civilisation and the arts, are available at Al Jami’ Library in the Peace Dome, as well as at Union Modern Art Gallery and Discover Emirati Culture, both located in Souq Al Jami’.

President of the Republic of Lebanon Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Joseph Aoun, President of the Republic of Lebanon, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Excellency Youssef Raji, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon, along with the accompanying delegation.

The visit began with a stop at the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, where the delegation reflected on his enduring legacy and wise vision that laid the foundations for a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among nations.

His Excellency and the delegation were received by His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, who accompanied  them on a tour of the mosque’s halls and outer corridors. The delegation was introduced to the mosque’s global message, which promotes dialogue, coexistence, and openness—values deeply rooted in the legacy of the late founding father. They were also briefed on the significant role played by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in promoting the essence of Islamic culture and fostering cross-cultural understanding worldwide.

During the tour, the delegation learned about the mosque’s foundation history and admired its architectural grandeur, intricate design elements, and rare artefacts—an embodiment of the finest contributions of Islamic civilisation throughout the ages. The mosque’s design harmoniously unites diverse artistic and architectural styles, creating a singular masterpiece that celebrates the beauty of cultural convergence.

On the sidelines of the visit, His Excellency stated:

“This magnificent religious landmark—through its beauty, architecture, and symbolic significance—reflects the UAE’s genuine commitment to preserving places of worship and ensuring they remain sanctuaries for connection, prayer, and unity.”

At the conclusion of the visit, the guest was presented with a gift reflecting the aesthetic spirit of the mosque: a compass inspired by the design of the mosque’s chandeliers, and a copy of the Centre’s latest publication, "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace". The book offers readers a visually rich journey through the mosque’s architectural marvels, showcasing award-winning photographs from the Spaces of Light competition that highlight the mosque’s unique design features.

Foreign Minister of Peru visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Elmer Schialer Salcedo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Peru, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by Alberto Alejandro Farje Orna, Ambassador of Peru to the UAE,

The Foreign Minister of Peru and his delegation were accompanied by 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, the minister said: “I feel grateful to be in this magnificent mosque. It is a place of worship and a space for tolerance, where people from all over the world gather under its roof. I believe that if our world had more landmarks like this mosque, and if the same efforts were made by men and women to build, organise, manage, and lead them, peace would prevail across the globe.”

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: Lights of Peace", the latest publication from the Cent 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.