One thing that has always been on my bucket list is to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Despite having visited Dubai nearly every year for the past decade, we had never gone to the neighbouring Emirate, but this year we decided that had to change.
We drove out the day before New Year's Eve and found ourselves in the most magical city. I pretty much fell in love with Abu Dhabi and I know that i'll definitely be returning one day. But, for now, let me show you around this incredible wonder that is the Grand Mosque.
When we first arrived the entire mosque was covered in a thick sheet of fog, and I immediately felt my heart drop. I thought that perhaps we wouldn't get to see the building in its full glory, but as we walked through its doors the sun burst through the clouds. It was like a sign.
We took one of the free tours at the Mosque which run every single day at regular intervals. I cannot recommend the tour enough, especially with it being free and all and mostly because you get an entire one side of the Mosque to explore in the small group of about 20 people. If you don't do the tour, you have to walk through the very crowded other side and you don't find out all the wonderful knowledge that we did on our journey.
Needless to say, it took my breath away. I've never seen such a stunning feat of architecture in my entire life and if I'm totally honest, I didn't want to leave. Pillars and domes of white marble with beautifully intricate flowers pressed into the stonework. Our wonderful tour guide actually told us that the flowers were designed by a British designer, Kevin Dean, which made me very proud indeed.
It was honestly one of the most amazing things I've ever been lucky enough to do, and I can't recommend a visit enough if you find yourself in Abu Dhabi. It's truly magnificent. x
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