An architectural masterpiece both in scale and complexity, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a respectful celebration of Islamic design transposed into a serene place of worship. Conceputalised by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE as a cultural beacon and gathering point for residents and visitors from around the world it is a must-see experience for anyone travelling to the UAE capital. The startling white exterior is characterised by 1,096 amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns, 82 white marble domes, a series of reflective pools and courtyard with one of the world’s largest marble mosaic artworks. Inside, the gargantuan prayer halls feature gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers and a Guinness World Record for the largest hand-woven carpet. Embodying Islam’s message of peace and tolerance for people of all beliefs, the mosque welcomes up to 55,000 worshippers per day and thousands of visitors every year, with free guided tours an added bonus.