1. You enter through an underground mall.
Yeah, I didn’t see that coming either. You take an escalator down and you’ll find yourself in a large mall with restaurants and shops galore. My jaw dropped in both wonder and confusion. You follow well-done signage through a tunnel – not like a dark, dingy escape route but a long, brightly-lit hallway with those people-moving walkway treadmill things. As I said, it’s a long tunnel. All along the route there are informational graphics and photos with educational messages related to the mosque’s purpose and commitment to welcoming visitors from all cultures.
2. You can play a game I like to call “Is that what she always wears or is she cos-playing in that hijab?”
You can also buy a whole outfit to take photos in and cos-play yourself. The range of coverings and commitment to respecting the rules was super variable with some people looking borderline disrespectful in overly elaborate, costume-y, Disney princess get ups – but, that’s super judgey on my part. I’m not here to tell you how to live your lives. Well, I will eyeroll a little because I know you are just doing it for your Instagram stories, but make sure you are covering your arms, legs, and hair (females). They will check you at the door if not. I had a scarf with me that worked well but there are plenty of options for sale in the ginormous underground mall if you don’t have anything appropriate.
3. Elves did not make the chandeliers.
I mean, as far as I know. I have not verified this nor have I completely ruled out magic. The mosque is one of the world’s largest and was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – the founding father of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The architecture is somehow both starkly bold and delicate, with an attention to detail that makes me ask “hey Florida, why can’t we have nice things” – I mean, really – look at this chandelier and the vine marble mosaic. Those vines are stunning and there is texture and pattern on every possible surface.
