Dubai Adventure 2015 Part 1 - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

We have been given the chance to travel to Dubai with the whole family. Thanks to our Sponsor (S-in-L). We took the Malaysian Airlines for the first time. It was a nice experience. Actually, our first international flight in a non-budget airline. The very nice thing about this travel was that we got our tickets 50% off each that includes our 2 kids. HUGE savings for us yeah!

My Sis-in-Law is really good in spying cheap airline tickets. Kudos to her! So, since we've been to so many places in Dubai, we'd like to break it down. There will be lots of photos, we hope you won't get tired of it. 

We also got to stay in the only 7-star hotel in the world but we'll save that for later. For today, we will be sharing our Abu Dhabi trip - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi. It is the largest mosque in United Arab Emirates. 

We first went to the parking area where the ladies need to change to their required clothing - Abaya and Shayla (head scarf).
The entrance and usage of their clothing are free of charge.

Little Girl Tricia wanted to wear the Abaya , unfortunately, they ran out of her size so she just used a shawl to cover her head although not required for the little girls.

The facade of the Grand Mosque. Majestic isn't it? Wait 'till we tour you inside.

Me wearing Abaya clothing. It is required for all the ladies. There are security personnel who will call your attention if you don't cover your head. Be mindful of this ladies.

Buddy and our little boy Dave. It was very hot during this time. It was 48C. OMG! but the Mosque was worth the travel. We went there around 2pm, so can you imagine the heat?

Very nice long pool surrounding the Mosque. Swimming not allowed.

This is the Water Mirror and Columns. The pools along the arcades reflect the mosque's spectacular columns, which becomes even more glorious at night. (source:wiki)

It was a bit challenging to keep the kids off the pool area. 

Let's take a closer look of the flower on one of the columns. 

 Now, let's go inside. Beautiful interiors.

 Family photo.

We are on our way to the main prayer hall that can accommodate over 7,000 worshipers. It is big and beautiful.

The entrance of the main prayer hall. Just look at the details in this area not to mention the chandelier.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has seven imported chandeliers from the company Faustig in Munich Germany that incorporate millions of Swarovski crystals. (source:Wiki)

All chandeliers are made from gilded stainless steel and gilded brass (approx. 40kg of 24 carat galvanized gold was used). Glass panels studded with Swarovski crystals were installed in all of them. (source: szgm)

 

There's another chandelier inside the prayer hall. 

 The carpet in the main prayer hall is considered to be the world's largest carpet made by Iran's Carpet Company and designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi.^[5] This carpet measures 5,627 m² (60,570 sq ft), and was made by around 1,200-1,300 carpet knotters. The weight of this carpet is 35 ton and is predominantly made from wool (originating from New Zealand and Iran). There are 2,268,000,000 knots within the carpet and it took approximately two years to complete.^{[1] (source:wiki)}

I have to look closer and took this beautiful picture of one of the glass door.

 One of the minarets.

I tried to take a panoramic view and this is all I got.

Buddy and Tricia chatting. Hubby had to bring my bag so I could take all the photos :)

 We had to return the Abaya clothes. You can see at the background that the men were waiting for the ladies. Men have the option to wear their white clothing which they can also get at the office.

Tips:
* This is a place of worship, dress appropriately. Wearing of headscarf is a must for all the ladies.
* No food and drink allowed inside the mosque
* No short pants for Men.

For more information about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, please visit their website here.

That's all for today friends. Hope to see you next time here in Buds and Judy Blog. Next post will be about Ferrari World. Don't forget to subscribe via email so you stay updated.

Talk to you soon!

Judy