The picturesque Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has long been an iconic exhibit in the Abu Dhabi landscape. And now, it just got more exciting with Diya, a huge new 360-degree multi-sensory light projection.
You can spot Diya inside the mosque’s Dome of Peace, which uses light, sound, air and vibrations to tell immersive stories of spirituality and Emirati history. Featuring over 1.5 billion light units, the installation uses more than 1.4 billion lights to depict the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Diya is open daily between 9 am and 10 pm throughout the year, and offers the ultimate opportunity to rediscover the UAE’s heritage through symbolic reinterpretations of light.
What do you need to know about Diya at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
A multi-sensory experience, the Diya installation deploys 360-degree projection and a harmony of sensory elements such as light, sound, and subtle natural effects such as air and vibration.
The journey begins beneath a sky filled with stars before gently descending upon the land of the emirates. Visitors traverse green oases, towering mountains, tranquil coastlines, and golden deserts, culminating in the architectural splendour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Each scene highlights an aspect of Emirati identity and reflects the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who envisioned the mosque as a meeting point for cultures and a beacon of peace and coexistence.
Scenes from the Diya also include the Ghaf Tree, the UAE’s national symbol, recreated with 166,315,000 units. Long associated with Emirati history as a place of gathering and refuge in the desert, the tree embodies values of resilience, community, and tolerance.
The experience is now live at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, so if you haven’t been yet or were planning a revisit – now’s the perfect time! Those interested in Diya can book the new experience online now for just AED 25, with bookings accepted no longer than one month before your visit date.
People of determination, plus anyone above the age of 60 and under the age of 18, will be granted free entry.
Watch this space for more updates!
Details:
What: Diya at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
When: Daily, 9 am to 10 pm
Price: Starting AED 25
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