UAE SST PROJECT

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE is one of the largest mosques in the world with a capacity of more than 40,000 worshippers.

It currently receives more than three million worshippers and visitors per year and in 2017 was voted the 2nd top landmark in the world by Tripadvisor contributors.

The mosque was built in two phases. ACC/Sixco JV were awarded the second phase, valued at US$ 450 million.  The works involved finishes; electro-mechanical works; marble cladding and intricate Islamic designs; decoration and carvings adorning the magnificent structure using the richest finishing materials (by artisans from all over the world); and extensive landscaping works.

The mosque has three public entrances and one exclusive to VIP guests. The main entrance reveals text from the Holy Quran, as well as designs carved into the white marble of the arches leading to the Sahan (outdoor prayer area).

The main prayer hall (which can accommodate up to 9,000 worshippers, smaller prayer halls and the arcade are built on an 8 m pedestal and the mosque has one 85 m high main dome, with two 75 m high domes on either side of it. The mosque is surrounded by four 110 m tall minarets.

The 17,400 m² white marble floor of the Sahan is inlaid with multi-coloured marble reflecting rich floral designs. The arcades surrounding it are made up of a series of arches supported by columns, clad with white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones depicting a floral design crowned by palm tree motifs.

The arcades are covered with 34 domes internally lined with colourful engraved GRG as well as calligraphy from the Holy Quran and are externally clad with Macedonian white marble topped by marble merlons.

The huge crystal chandelier in the main prayer hall is one of seven German made chandeliers costing more than US$ 8 million.  This chandelier, which is considered the world’s largest is 10 m tall, 10 m wide and weighs nine tonnes.

The walls are clad with textured white Italian marble. The hall’s columns are made of seamless circular white marble uniquely inlaid with exquisite floral patterns of semi-precious stones and mother of pearl. The 6,000 m² hand made Persian carpet that adorns the floors is said to be the biggest in the world, weighs 45 tonnes and is worth more than US$ 8.5 million.

The area around the mosque is landscaped with water features and parks.