Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Grand Mosque — Attraction in Al Mu'tarid

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Ain

Nestled in the heart of Al Ain, the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Grand Mosque stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance of the UAE. My recent visit during the holy month of Ramadan was nothing short of transformative, offering a deep spiritual experience that I will cherish for years to come.

▎Architectural Marvel

The mosque itself is a stunning piece of architecture that beautifully combines traditional Islamic design with modern elements. As you approach the grand entrance, you are greeted by an impressive façade adorned with intricate carvings and majestic domes. The use of white marble gives the structure a luminous quality, especially under the warm glow of the setting sun. The minarets rise elegantly into the sky, creating a breathtaking silhouette against the horizon.

Upon entering, visitors are welcomed into a spacious courtyard that is both serene and inviting. The expansive area is meticulously landscaped, featuring lush gardens and reflective pools that enhance the mosque's beauty. The attention to detail is evident in every corner, from the ornate chandeliers hanging in the prayer hall to the beautifully designed carpets that invite worshippers to kneel in prayer.

▎A Spiritual Experience

During Ramadan, the mosque becomes a focal point for the community, and my visit coincided with the time for breaking fast (Iftar). The atmosphere was alive with anticipation and joy as families and friends gathered to share this sacred moment. The mosque provides complimentary Iftar meals, which is a wonderful gesture that embodies the spirit of generosity and hospitality central to Ramadan.

As I joined my family for Maghrib Salah, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace wash over me. The sound of the Adhan resonated throughout the mosque, calling everyone to prayer. The prayer hall was filled with worshippers from diverse backgrounds, all united in faith and devotion. The experience of praying in such a grand and spiritual environment was truly uplifting. The acoustics within the mosque amplify the Imam's voice, making each prayer resonate deeply within your heart.

▎Taraweeh Prayers

After Maghrib, we participated in Taraweeh prayers, which added another layer of spiritual depth to our visit. The recitation of the Quran during these prayers was both soothing and powerful. My family members were particularly moved by the heartfelt Dua made at the end of Taraweeh. It was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and connection to our faith that brought us closer together as a family.

The organization of the prayers was commendable, with volunteers ensuring that everyone was guided smoothly through the process. The sense of community was palpable; strangers greeted one another with smiles and shared words of encouragement.

▎Conclusion

My experience at Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Grand Mosque was one that transcended mere sightseeing; it was a profound journey into spirituality and community. The mosque not only serves as a place of worship but also as a gathering point for people to come together in celebration of faith and culture.

I left feeling spiritually rejuvenated and grateful for the opportunity to witness such beauty and devotion. Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Al Ain, I highly recommend taking the time to visit this magnificent mosque, especially during Ramadan when its significance is amplified by the spirit of unity and reflection. The Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Grand Mosque is not just a place to pray; it is a sanctuary...

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque, also known as Al Ain Grand Mosque, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Grand Mosque, or simply the Sheikh Khalifa Mosque is the largest mosque in the city of Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and one of the largest mosques in the United Arab Emirates. Open to the public since 12 April 2021, it is named after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the United Arab Emirates from November 2004 until his death in May 2022. Construction of the mosque was awarded to Arabian Construction Company for AED 600 million.[10] It started in December 2013,[1] and was initially scheduled for completion in 2016.[3] Formerly, the biggest mosque in use in the city was that of Shaikhah Salamah,[11] mother of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the father of Sheikh Khalifa.[12]

Nearby, a 1000-year-old mosque dated to the Islamic Golden Age, besides other remains relevant to the region's history, was unearthed in September 2018. Its age may make it the oldest mosque in the country.

After opening in 2021, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, offered prayers on 13 May. AL AIN, 1st March, 2025 (WAM) --The Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque in Al Ain City has completed its readiness to receive worshippers during the Holy Month of Ramadan, as specialised teams have maintained the mosque's facilities and systems.

To ensure smooth entry and exit, the mosque has opened all its entrances to worshippers. Work teams and security guards have also been trained on the vehicle entry and exit plan, and the movement of worshippers.

The Mosque has cooperated with the relevant authorities to provide police patrols to secure the external routes on the public street to prevent congestion and obstruct traffic.

A total of 2,176 car parking spaces have been provided, with 28 spaces allocated for people of determination. The parking lots have been painted and provided with directional signs to facilitate access and distinguish their categories.

Directional signs have also been installed throughout the mosque to facilitate access to its facilities and halls, and to ensure the comfort of its visitors. The Centre has been keen to provide the best services to worshippers, such as distributing copies of the Holy Quran in various sizes, in addition to distributing drinking water to worshippers throughout the mosque, and providing wheelchairs. The mosque is also prepared to provide more than 10,000 Iftar meals for fasting people in the mosque throughout the Holy Month.

It is worth noting that the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has made available to the public the latest developments related to the Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque in Al Ain during the Holy Month of Ramadan, through the Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque account in Al Ain City on the...

I visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Al Ain during the late afternoon, and it was an incredibly peaceful and spiritual experience. The mosque is beautifully designed, with elegant white marble domes and minarets that reflect the stunning architectural style of Islamic heritage, inspired by the original Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, but with a unique charm of its own.

The environment is very clean and well-maintained. There’s a calmness that surrounds the place — perfect for both prayer and quiet reflection. It’s less crowded than the Abu Dhabi mosque, making it easier to explore and truly appreciate the beauty of the design without any rush.

The interior prayer hall is spacious and air-conditioned, with soft carpets and impressive chandeliers. Visitors are welcomed warmly, and there’s proper guidance for both tourists and those coming for prayer. Ample parking is available outside the mosque, and there’s a separate area for ablution (wudhu), which is also very clean and organized.

Ladies are required to wear an abaya, and they provide it at the entrance if needed. I highly recommend visiting right before sunset to witness the golden glow on the marble walls — absolutely breathtaking.

A must-visit spot in Al Ain for anyone who appreciates architecture, spirituality, or peaceful spaces.

📷 (Tip: Take a photo during golden hour for the...