Browsing through old photographs...
Apparently, we are living in different times nowadays. Raise your hands if you recently got more time to browse through photos in your devices. Well, I've personally seen a lot of people doing that in other social media during these #quaratinetime. Even in our group chats, a lot of old photographs have been surfacing and it's so fun to reminisce!
A Visit at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Dad was here for 3 months in 2014, after I had my second born. For someone who is as sociable as my dad (we always tell him he can run for a public office since he seems to know a lot of people around town!), I knew it was boring to be staying all alone in the apartment with just a new born to be with.
Adding to the agony, it was also summer in the UAE when he was here. Too hot to go outdoors even with own mode of transportation.
I felt bad that he would go back home to PH without even getting a side-trip to some of the tourist attractions here in Abu Dhabi at least.
So one October afternoon, a few days before he left, we visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
There are over 1000 columns around the Grand Mosque. These columns were designed after date palm trees which are abundant in this desert country. Made with marble panels, each column laid with precious and semi-precious stones and hand-carved by craftsmen in-site.[1]
As on the outside, the interior of the mosque is as grandiose as its name.
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Marbles. The Mosque is pure white, accented with geometrical Islamic design and unique flower additions.
Outside:
The prayer yard is used by the worshipers to gather for prayer, during special occasions like, Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha. This area is approximately 17,400 square meters which can accommodate around 31,000 worshipers.[2]
Derived from the Arabic word "Manarah", Minaret means "lighthouse". This structure is typically built adjacent or as part of mosques, where Muslims' calls to prayer can be heard.
Learning the Culture.
Living here in the UAE, it is very important that we learn about the Islamic culture. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to the public who wants to know more about the UAE and its rich, diverse culture.
Entrance to the mosque is free, but we have to take note of the do's and don'ts around.
Visitors should adhere to the dress code -- ladies should have their body covered up to the heels, and wear a head dress. The mosque offers a free abaya for visitors who are not dressed appropriately. Men, on the other hand must wear long pants.
The abaya I got for myself was a little long. I felt I would trip over every time!
Getting here.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located at the entrance of Abu Dhabi, very visible through the three bridges that connect to the Abu Dhabi main island - Maqta Bridge, Sheikh Zayed Bridge and the Mussafah Bridge.
You may come through car, taxi, or even public bus transport.
I got lost driving around this area several times before. Hopefully, I won't get lost again should we decide to come back. It's a shame for someone who has been living in this Emirate for the past 15 years! lol.
I'm glad to have come across these photographs again. I think we should plan to come back here again, now with bigger kids.
You can hit me up here in Hive, maybe we can plan a visit together? Ooops, #whencoronaisover! haha
Let me know!
❤️ Arlyn