Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Visitor Centre

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi stands as a landmark promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence. It is a symbol not just of the Islamic teachings underpinning the Founder of the Nation’s vision, but also of his unfaltering respect for diversity. The Grand Mosque might be Sheikh Zayed’s final resting place, but the legacy that he left as a leader and his Islamic faith continue to live through the Emirati identity that he cultivated.



The narratively-driven Visitor Centre that accompanies the Grand Mosque is a permanent exhibition that forges connections between the Mosque and the wider story of Islamic civilization, as well as and the scientific and cultural achievements that flourished from the coming of Islam. Spanning 1,050 square meters, Light and Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque encompasses different aspects of Islam while connecting the gallery space – making use of the height of the gallery and bringing in sound, scent, and light to create a sense of co-existence, openness, and shared experience.



The design approach is inspired by the quote from the Holy Qur’an: “God is the light of the heavens and the earth.’ Taking that idea that Islam is the light connecting the celestial and terrestrial realms, light is used as a unifying force throughout the exhibition. Expressed through exhibition and architectural lighting as well as media, light creates an atmospheric space for visitors to explore, and is used to highlight particularly prominent elements in the exhibition.