The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an architectural marvel and a symbol of Islamic culture, located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first president of the UAE, the mosque serves as a testament to his vision of uniting the country and preserving its cultural heritage. Construction of the mosque began in 1996 and was completed in 2007, spanning over a period of 11 years. The design, inspired by Persian, Mughal, and Moorish mosque architecture, was led by Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky. The mosque covers an area of approximately 22,412 square meters and can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. An interesting fact about the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is that it houses the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. Designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi, it was crafted by around 1,200 artisans in Iran and took nearly two years to complete. The carpet measures 5,627 square meters and weighs around 35 tons. This impressive feature, along with the mosque's 82 white marble domes, 1,096 exterior columns, and 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers, make it a must-visit destination for tourists and worshippers alike.