WATCH: Visiting the Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
WATCH: Visiting the Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
There is a ton to see in the UAE, and even if you just stay in Dubai (let's face it, you probably will), you'll never run out of insane, shiny and over the top buildings, malls, pools and bars to explore.
But if you decide you want to explore a bit more than every other idiot sees when they visit, then plan on visiting the Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi - you'll thank us later.
Easily more impressive, at least on the inside, than the Taj Mahal, it truly is one of the most amazing buildings we have ever seen, and you'll soon see why as well.
Arriving to the Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi you'll see it from miles away, glistening in the sunlight, and even if you arrive at night you'll see the lights well before you pull up. Being a Muslim muslim mosque it makes sense that you need to be very respectful when visiting and this means not only wearing the appropriate attire but also watching your language (Brits, I'm looking at you), as well as being quiet, slow and generally not being a dick.
Entrance is free but you'll need to be sufficiently covered, something most tourist women will not be. Now I'm not saying you're dressed like a whore, but any skin is too much skin here, so cover those shoulders, all that sweaty hair and those sexy kneecaps. So ladies, whether you show up wearing your own abaya or not, you're going to get to wear one, as every single woman must. And for the guys, long pants are a must, but you'll get away with a t-shirt.
Spend time walking around the outside of the grounds as they are every bit as impressive as once you step inside. Go get lost, find a quiet corner, sit and think - even if only about why in the world you are sitting outside in this horrific heat.
Once you enter the main courtyard you'll walk towards the main entrance, find a convenient place to store your shoes, and then enter the unbelievable marble entrance to the grand mosque. Don't rush, take the time to look at the insane detail in the carvings on the walls, ceiling, floor, its pretty mental what went in to making this place - over the course of 11 years and at a cost of nearly $550 million US.
It is a special privilege to be let into a mosque, and while there is a good chance the grand mosque will be cluttered with tourists no matter when you visit, enjoy the time you have there, most of them should be quiet and respectful anyway.
You can take pictures throughout the whole site, inside, outside, etc but always make sure you are allowed to go where you are exploring, as you will quickly be told off by the multitude of security guards - don't sit here, walk this way, please stay on this side, etc.
If you go in the late afternoon you will be greeted with absolutely amazing afternoon light and will be lucky enough to see the grand mosque lights turn on, transforming the entire scene into something straight out of a movie.
We were absolutely blown away by the beauty of the grand mosque, Abu Dhabi and embarrassed we didn't plan a visit sooner, Anne has lived here for three years for God's sake. Take the time, make it happen, it is well worth the drive from Dubai - if you miss out on a visit you are truly an idiot.
