The recent announcement by the United Arab Emirates that it has joined the Development Road Project for the creation of an alternative interregional trade route to the Suez Canal highlights the country’s ongoing vitality in the field of large infrastructure.
The project involves the development of a 1,200-kilometer land corridor that will be crucial for international trade routes, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean, and linking Asia and Europe through Qatar, Iraq, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
This extraordinary country, made up of the seven fascinating emirates of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain, remains central in the Arabian Peninsula, especially due to its captivating history rich in traditions.
One of the most prestigious historical and cultural landmarks, and certainly a major attraction for millions of tourists, is the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, built by Webuild Group.
The Materials Used in the Construction of This Cultural Landmark Were Imported from around the World
To bring the extraordinary Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque to life, the finest resources from all over the globe were selected. Gold, crystals, marble, ceramics, and other precious stones were imported from countries like New Zealand, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Pakistan, Italy, Germany, Austria, China, and India.
The Courtyard of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Houses the Largest Marble Mosaic in the World
Covering an area of 17,000 square meters, the marble mosaic of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is made with over 30 types of marble sourced from around the world. Its intricate marble design features vibrant colors, delicate flowers, and shapes, enhanced with luxurious materials like gold leaf and precious stones.
Its Iconic Swarovski Crystal Chandeliers Are Shaped Like Inverted Palm Trees
Symbols of the nation’s prosperity and growth, the chandeliers of the Grand Mosque are made of stainless steel and adorned with 24-carat gold plates and Swarovski crystals, with 40 million green, red, and yellow crystal spheres.
The Lighting System of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is Synchronized with the Lunar Cycle
The 360-degree lighting scheme changes the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s color from a cool white during the full moon to a deeper blue as the moon wanes, shifting every two nights. On the fourteenth night of the cycle, the mosque reaches its deepest blue to represent the “new moon” phase.
It Contains the Largest Carpet in the World, a Guinness World Record
With an area of over 5,000 square meters and a weight of 35 tons (the largest area rug in the world), this colossal carpet is made of wool and contains 2.3 billion knots. Woven by a team of 1,300 expert weavers, it took two years to complete the weaving process.
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque Houses 82 Stunning Domes
The main dome reaches an impressive height of 85 meters. Inside, the domes are decorated with intricate Moroccan art patterns, further enhancing their extraordinary beauty.
