Awestruck in Abu Dhabi
An extra excursion on my trip to Dubai, I knew a visit to Abu Dhabi could not be missed. I couldn't have been more right.
The capital and wealthiest of the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi is much more conservative and less designed for tourists as Dubai, yet offers equally unforgettable sights.
The greatest of these sights being The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, named after the beloved Sheikh Zayed whose wisdom and kindness united all seven emirates.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi by Christel Gellidon
Hands down one of the grandest and most beautiful religious and cultural landmarks I've seen, The Grand Mosque was exquisite down to every last detail. From hand cut precious gems that created the floral designs on the walls, to the Swarovksi chandelier, to the largest hand sewn carpet in the world. No corner of opulence was missed.
The stark white marble of the structure quickly took my breath away. The sheer size and grandeur of the corridors and gold decorated pillars that lined them commanded respect.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi by Christel Gellidon
My favorite of all the details was the gorgeous Kufi style calligraphy that was intricately designed into the beautiful mosque.
The main wall inside is decorated with the 99 names of Allah, in the calligraphy of famous calligrapher Mohammed Mandi Al Tamimi, who also designed the currency of the United Arab Emirates. On this visit I learned that since the Islam religion forbids depicting the image of Allah, calligraphy became the art of the culture. A beautiful craft to depict the most sacred of words and beliefs.
Abu Dhabi Marina by Christel Gellidon
After soaking in the beauty of The Grand Mosque, our journey brought us to take in the views of the Abu Dhabi Marina.
A serene atmosphere at the intersection of the traditional and modern sides of the Emirate.
To end a visit full of extravagance, we continued on a visit to The Emirates Palace. An ultra VIP hotel that seems so much more. Here VIPs were the common customers while the VVIPs enjoyed a separate and private entrance to the establishment all together.
Thankful that they let us, common tourists sneak a glimpse, the Emirates Palace did not disappoint on its promise of opulence. Everywhere you turned the inside was dripping with gold. Gold gilded ceilings even a Gold ATM that dispensed gold keepsakes rather than cash!
A hotel fit for royalty, indeed.
