<strong>Star attraction: </strong>The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world's most popular attractions according to TripAdvisor. It's easy to see why.
Star attraction: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world's most popular attractions according to TripAdvisor. It's easy to see why.
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<strong>Crowd-pleaser:</strong> Opened in 2007 after 12 years of work, the mosque attracts millions of visitors each year.
Crowd-pleaser: Opened in 2007 after 12 years of work, the mosque attracts millions of visitors each year.
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<strong>International effort:</strong> Inspired by Persian, Mughal and Moorish architecture, the mosque was a truly international collaboration of more than 3,000 artisans from 38 global construction companies.
International effort: Inspired by Persian, Mughal and Moorish architecture, the mosque was a truly international collaboration of more than 3,000 artisans from 38 global construction companies.
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<strong>Record roof:</strong> The vast structure is topped by 82 white marble domes, including one of the largest of its kind anywhere in the world.
Record roof: The vast structure is topped by 82 white marble domes, including one of the largest of its kind anywhere in the world.
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<strong>Spiritual space: </strong>The mosque can accommodate at least 40,000 worshipers at once.
Spiritual space: The mosque can accommodate at least 40,000 worshipers at once.
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<strong>Crafted columns: </strong>The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has 1,096 exterior columns, 96 semi-precious jewel-encrusted internal columns.
Crafted columns: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has 1,096 exterior columns, 96 semi-precious jewel-encrusted internal columns.
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<strong>Free entry: </strong>The mosque is free to visit and opens daily between 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last entry 9.30 p.m.), except on Friday mornings (Islam's holy day), when it opens between 4.30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Free entry: The mosque is free to visit and opens daily between 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last entry 9.30 p.m.), except on Friday mornings (Islam's holy day), when it opens between 4.30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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<strong>Floral artworks: </strong>British artist Kevin Dean was commissioned to design the floral motifs that adorn the mosque's main courtyard. "I couldn't quite believe it," he says. "It was incredible and so beautiful."
Floral artworks: British artist Kevin Dean was commissioned to design the floral motifs that adorn the mosque's main courtyard. "I couldn't quite believe it," he says. "It was incredible and so beautiful."
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<strong>Intricate designs: </strong>"For the main courtyard I used flowers that can be found in the Middle Eastern region," designer Dean says. "In the main prayer hall, the species come from the Middle East; at the north entrance, they come from the northern hemisphere; and at the south entrance, they come from the south."
Intricate designs: "For the main courtyard I used flowers that can be found in the Middle Eastern region," designer Dean says. "In the main prayer hall, the species come from the Middle East; at the north entrance, they come from the northern hemisphere; and at the south entrance, they come from the south."
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<strong>Celebrity fans: </strong>The mosque has had its fair share of celebrity visitors and is especially loved by the supermodels -- step forward Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Shanina Shaik, Chanel Iman and Halima Aden -- who all donned traditional wear to marvel at the breathtaking place of worship.
Celebrity fans: The mosque has had its fair share of celebrity visitors and is especially loved by the supermodels -- step forward Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Shanina Shaik, Chanel Iman and Halima Aden -- who all donned traditional wear to marvel at the breathtaking place of worship.
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<strong>Illuminated beauty: </strong>The mosque's interior is lit by extravagant chandeliers, including seven 24-carat gold-plated Swarovski crystal fixtures.
Illuminated beauty: The mosque's interior is lit by extravagant chandeliers, including seven 24-carat gold-plated Swarovski crystal fixtures.
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<strong>Correct clothing: </strong>Modest dress is a must for all visitors as it's a Muslim site. Women should cover their legs, arms and heads and men are required to wear long trousers. However, the mosque does provide free traditional abayas (robes) prior to entry.
Correct clothing: Modest dress is a must for all visitors as it's a Muslim site. Women should cover their legs, arms and heads and men are required to wear long trousers. However, the mosque does provide free traditional abayas (robes) prior to entry.
Tom Dulat/Getty Images
<strong>Magical mosque:</strong> "Like a lot of great buildings, I think it's a combination of scale and faith that makes the mosque so magical," photographer Mark Luscombe-Whyte tells CNN Travel.
Magical mosque: "Like a lot of great buildings, I think it's a combination of scale and faith that makes the mosque so magical," photographer Mark Luscombe-Whyte tells CNN Travel.
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<strong>No expense spared:</strong> The mosque has a reported price tag of $545 million. It's the world's third-largest mosque.
No expense spared: The mosque has a reported price tag of $545 million. It's the world's third-largest mosque.
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<strong>Final resting place:</strong> The building takes its name from the UAE's first president and the ruler of Abu Dhabi, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who conceived the idea. After his death in 2004, he was buried in the mosque's main courtyard.
Final resting place: The building takes its name from the UAE's first president and the ruler of Abu Dhabi, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who conceived the idea. After his death in 2004, he was buried in the mosque's main courtyard.
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