Named for Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918-2004), this mosque is built of Macedonian shimmering snow white Sivec marble (the color white, was a symbol of purity and piety for the Sheikh).

is often called the father of the United Arab Emirates. As the ruler of Abu Dhabi, he initially signed an agreement to establish a federation between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Shortly afterwards a federation of seven Emirates was established. In 1971, Sheikh Zayed was elected as the UAE’s first President.

In this new role, Sheikh Zayed worked hard to push the UAE into the modern world, often caught in the conflict between modernity and tradition throughout his almost four-decade reign. Sheikh Zayed was a progressive Arab leader and devout Muslim who adopted a tolerant version of pure Islamic faith far from fanaticism or extremism.

Sheikh Zayed had the dream of building an historical mosque to embody the Islamic message of peace, love, tolerance and diversity. He wanted to create a harmonious blend of the different Islamic architectural styles. When you visit, I think you’ll agree that he greatly succeeded!

Construction of the Grand Mosque began in 1996 and took ten years to complete, at a cost of $545 million. The mosque opened its doors to the public in 2007. Unfortunately, Sheikh Zayed did not live to see that day. He died three years earlier (in 2004) and was buried on the grounds of his beloved mosque.

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