Architectural detail from the majestic Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, it is probably one of the most imposing religious and national landmarks in Abu Dhabi to date. It is also arguably one of the most important architectural treasures of the contemporary UAE society - and one of the most beautiful in the world - initiated no less by the late president HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is fondly thought of as the father of the United Arab Emirates. This Mosque is one the worldââ¬â¢s largest mosques, with a capacity for 40,000 worshippers. It features 82 domes, 1,000 columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the worlds largest hand knotted carpet. Popularly called Grand Mosque by local residents, it is seen as a globally unifying landmark from its conception to completion, bringing together designers, features, materials and suppliers from nearly every corner of the globe: Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, Turkey, Iran, China, Greece and the UAE.
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