United States Ambassador Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, September 17 - Her Excellency Martina Strong, the United States Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, and her accompanying delegation, paid a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Dr. Youssef Al-Obaidli, the Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, guided them on a tour to learn about the cultural message of the mosque, which promotes coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others. This message stems from the legacy and values of the founding father and the significant role played by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in introducing the world to the benevolent Islamic culture, globally renowned for its model of worship that transcends religious duties and encompasses cultural and civilizational roles in promoting the UAE's message of coexistence, peace, and harmony with various world cultures.
Her Excellency and the accompanying delegation were introduced to the comprehensive system and unique services offered to visitors by the "Visitor Center." The delegation also explored the wealth of Islamic civilization, including sciences, arts, and cultural assets that have illuminated humanity as a whole. They achieved this by getting acquainted with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque library's collection dedicated to Islamic culture, including rare books of historical value and mini-films of precious Arabic manuscripts, alongside the center's outstanding publications.
She also learned about the "Path of Tolerance" experience, which takes visitors of various backgrounds on an exceptional journey, narrating the story of pioneering achievements in the field of coexistence and tolerance, and opening channels of civilizational dialogue between various world cultures.
Her Excellency and the accompanying delegation roamed the halls and exterior corridors of the mosque. During the visit, they delved into the history of the grand structure and the aesthetic beauty of Islamic architecture, vividly displayed in all its corners. They observed the unique collection held within the mosque, showcasing the arts and architectural designs that have harmoniously coalesced throughout the ages, reflecting the beauty of cultural integration and artistic synergy in a single creative masterpiece.
At the conclusion of the visit, she was presented with a copy of the book "Spaces of Light," one of the publications from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center. The book contains remarkable photographs that have received the "Spaces of Light" photography award, regularly organized by the center. These images highlight the aesthetic aspects of Islamic architecture within the mosque, underscoring the mosque's rich cultural and artistic significance.
