The inlaid marble
Semi-precious stones set in floral patterns across the columns and walls.
PotatoWitch — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Francesco Bini — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Francesco Bini — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Francesco Bini — CC BY-SA 4.0
The principal mosque of the United Arab Emirates, and it stands in Abu Dhabi rather than Dubai. It was completed in 2007, holds tens of thousands of worshippers, and carries the name of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is buried in its grounds. The design deliberately gathers the schools of Islamic architecture instead of following one: Moorish arches, Mughal domes, Ottoman ornament, and craftsmen from more than thirty countries. The result is a contemporary building that belongs to no single region, and that is the intention rather than a want of identity. Three details are best known: the white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones in floral patterns across the columns and walls, the hand-woven carpet in the main prayer hall which is among the largest ever made, and the vast crystal chandeliers hung beneath the domes. Entry is free and guided tours are free as well. Modest dress is required rather than encouraged: covered limbs for everyone and a head covering for women, with abayas provided at the entrance. Sunset is the best hour, as the lighting graduates across the white marble.
Semi-precious stones set in floral patterns across the columns and walls.
A hand-woven carpet among the largest ever made, and vast crystal chandeliers beneath the domes.
The best hour to come: the lighting graduates across the white marble as the sun goes.
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Abu Dhabi
No, it is in Abu Dhabi, about ninety minutes by road between the two. Many visitors confuse them because tours are sold from Dubai. If you are staying in Dubai, budget a day with half of it on the road, or combine it with Abu Dhabi's other sights such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan.
For men: long trousers and sleeves covering the shoulders, no shorts and nothing tight. For women: loose clothing covering arms and legs, and a head covering. Abayas are provided free at the entrance for those who need them, but the queues grow at peak times, so arriving suitably dressed is better.
Yes, the mosque welcomes visitors and offers free guided tours explaining both the architecture and the religion, which are among the best things it provides. The only restriction is that visiting stops at prayer times and for Friday prayer, when entry is limited to worshippers.