The work and the technique: Abu Dhabi Greast Mosque, United Arab Emirates
The Abu Dhabi Great Mosque, built to 'unite the world', includes a central body, a courtyard for prayer, arcades, ablution areas, a library (which houses publications in many languages in recognition of the diversity of the Islamic world), the external staircase and the technological systems.
The building complex measures approximately 290x420 metres and extends over an area of over 84,000 m2 (of which 52,000 m2 is covered surfaces). Completing the entire project required 259,000 m3 of concrete, moving 492,000 m3 of earth, and using 9,759 foundation piles, 20,200 tons of steel and 178,500 m2 of waterproof membrane.
The building's four minarets rise from each of the four corners of the internal courtyard, and the largest of the 130 domes has a diameter of 34 m and a height of 75 m. There are 1,400 marble columns of various types, over 2,000 chandeliers, and 70 engraved, sculpted and decorated monumental doors. Along the external perimeter, a group of water-filled pools reflect the light.
All covered areas and the adjacent porches are fully air-conditioned to overcome the high temperatures reached during the hottest summer months (up to 50ºC) and allow the faithful to pray in a refreshing climate.
The dome shape and the mosque's plan follow those of the Imperial Mosque of Lahore (Pakistan) and the Hassan II Mosque of Casablanca (Morocco). The arches are essentially Moorish, while the minarets are in the classical Arab style.