Visiting the UAE
UAE- Abu Dhabi,
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
December 2021 I visited the UAE and went to Dubai
I made a day trip to Abu Dhabi for the main purpose of visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
It is the largest mosque in the country and one that accepted visitors.
My friend and I had rented a car for our trip and this was especially needed for the 1.5 hour trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The drive there was seamless. The roads were well maintained and the only check point required us to show a current covid-19 vaccine.
We had made a road tip play list and had fun singing karaoke style as we tried to not speed down the open roads. We were aware of the clothing guidelines: scarf covering out hair, long sleeves and long pants or dresses, and loose fit clothing. There were shops inside a small mall area that offered Abayas and scarves and also keepsakes.
I thought my dress was long enough, but upon entry into the mosque I was told that it was inappropriate. So, I had to go and purchase an Abaya.
Previously, prior to covid, you were able to rent an Abaya and return after your visit. Due to covid restrictions, this option was not available.
The Abaya I purchased was not expensive and cost around $30.
My friend and I spent the morning taking pictures and seeing the beautiful architecture of the mosque. There were only specific places to take photos and you had to wait in a small group before your turn.
It was a beautiful experience overall. Even with the extreme measures for appropriate behavior, and dress code were checked by every guard,
The Mosque was glowing in the sun and at times the marbled floor looked like water and that the mosque was floating on top.
The drive back was nothing like the drive there.
Not sure what happened from the picturesque morning drive to the disaster of accidents in the evening.
What was originally a 1.5 hour trip took over 3 hours and lots of bypasses.
I did sneak a great picture of my friend sleeping in the car and she would kill me if I ever posted it.
