№11. Courtyard of Sheikh Zayed Mosque
If you enjoy architecture that you want to admire rather than just photograph, visit the courtyard of Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The white marble and colorful floral patterns create an impression of a space where the grand scale does not distract from the details.
What to pay attention to
The courtyard covers 17,400 m² and can accommodate up to 31,000 people. Its mosaic consists of over nine million fragments, and more than 30 types of marble were used for decoration, including from Italy, India, Greece, and China.
Colorful floral motifs smoothly stretch from the edges to the center, while the rest of the surface is covered with small pieces of white marble. Don’t rush to walk through the courtyard: take a closer look at the patterns under your feet and notice how individual fragments come together to form a large design.
This is not just a space for contemplation: the courtyard is used for large prayers and gatherings, particularly during Eid celebrations, as well as for Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers during Ramadan.
Is it worth going
Yes, if you are interested in ornaments, materials, and architecture where craftsmanship is noticeable up close. It’s worth lingering and examining the mosaic — then you can especially see how countless marble pieces create a cohesive floral pattern. Would you be interested in seeing this courtyard in person?