As if you needed a another reason to visit one of the most stunning places in the region, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is planning a beautiful exhibition. Hajj: Memories of a Journey will launch September 19 at their Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center to celebrate the 10th anniversary.
It tells the story of Mecca and the rituals of one of the five pillars of Islam. Guests can hear about the journeys of Emirati pilgrims to Mecca, where millions of Muslims go each year. On display will be artifacts (see the gallery) including the Holy Quran coped in China in 30 volumes, a silk hanging panel from the sanctuary in Mecca, a pilgramage scroll and silk fragment, though to be from the tomb the Prophet.
"Millions of Muslims descend on Mecca every year from all around the world to take part in rituals that bring them together in humility and unity, while reviving some of the deepest Islamic and cultural connotations," HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of TCA Abu Dhabi, said in a statement. "The significance of the Hajj: Memories of a Journey exhibition stems from these qualities of solidarity and the wide cultural dialogue, fostered by the fifth pillar of Islam."
With 5 million people visiting each year, TripAdvisor named the mosque the place the world's second favorite landmark in 2016 and the exhibition, opening September 19, is yet another reason to go down there.