Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a majestic architectural masterpiece, graces the skyline of Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Completed in 2007, the mosque is a testament to contemporary Islamic architecture and a prominent symbol of spiritual harmony. It is named after the founder and first President of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who envisioned the mosque as a beacon of diversity and tolerance.

Spanning an area of more than 12 hectares, the mosque can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers and is one of the largest in the world. Its design incorporates elements from various Muslim civilizations, celebrating the cultural diversity of the Islamic world. The structure is adorned with 82 domes, over a thousand columns, and 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers. The main prayer hall features one of the world's largest chandeliers and is dominated by the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, meticulously crafted by Iranian artisans.

The mosque's pure white marble façade reflects the sun's rays, creating a dazzling effect that adds to its ethereal beauty. The pools along the arcades reflect the mosque's spectacular columns, which become even more stunning at night when the lighting system projects a bluish-gray cloud effect onto the exterior, echoing the phases of the moon.