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Watching the sun set over the Grand Mosque

Image 165Before even arriving in Abu Dhabi, I knew I wanted to see the Grand Mosque.  It’s a spectacular building that took approximately ten to twelve years to build, depending on which website you read.  The wonderful concierge at the Intercontinental Hotel told us the best time to visit, for two reasons; 5pm – firstly to watch the sunset and secondly it’s said not to be as hot as during the middle of the day (she was sort of wrong – it was awfully hot and having to wear a scarf over my head and shoulders only made me more hot!).

It’s a truly stunning building both on the outside…Image 180Image 178

And the inside…Image 4Image 36Image 42

This is one of the largest mosques in the world and can accommodate approximately 41,000 worshippers with just over 7000 fitting in the main prayer hall. The carpet in the main prayer hall is said to be the largest single piece of handmade carpet in the world. It took approximately two years to create, using wool from New Zealand and Iran.  Its estimated value is about $30 million USD.Image 17

The Mosque contains seven chandeliers, each are made up of millions of Swarovski crystals. The largest of these is the second largest in the world; they really are stunning.Image 15Image 11

There are ninety-six marble pillars in the main prayer hall, each inlaid with mother of pearl.   Everything in this Mosque is truly beautiful and a sight to see…ImageImage 32Image 34
The Mosque is beautiful to see during the evening as it turns a blue colour after sunset. Image 44Image 61Image 168Image 63

During the day it’s beautiful too…Image 45

A definite place to visit if you are in Abu Dhabi.