Abu Dhabi promotes religious and cultural understanding

Abu Dhabi, UAE; 19 February 2008: The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) is to begin scheduled guided tours of the UAE capital's magnificent Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque in a move to promote greater cross-cultural religious and heritage understanding.

Four tours will be held on February 21 as part of Abu Dhabi's celebration of International Tourist Guide Day - staged globally to recognise tourist guides' essential contribution to the tourism experience - and, as of next month, daily tours will be conducted from Saturday to Thursday.

"To reflect the true spirit of Islam, a religion of peace, education and tolerance, the mosque tours will allow residents and tourists alike to experience this inspiring addition to Islamic architecture and to receive an insight into Islam and Abu Dhabi's heritage from trained and certified national tourist guides," said the Director of ADTA's Licensing and Classification Division, Nasser Saif Al Reyami.

The mosque is named in honour of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the man who was known as 'The Father of The Nation' for his work as an architect of the United Arab Emirates' Federation.

"The introduction of the mosque tours reflects Sheikh Zayed's internationally recognised unifying influence - a legacy which is being upheld today by the Abu Dhabi Government. The tours also demonstrate Abu Dhabi's inclusive approach to becoming a global tourism destination with true universal appeal," said Al Reyami.

Set to become a signature building for the UAE capital, the mosque is clearly visible from main approach roads into Abu Dhabi city.

"It stands as a symbol of the warm hospitality and traditions of Abu Dhabi and subtly informs travellers of this message as they approach the capital. The role of the mosque embodies the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Arabic and Islamic traditions," added Al Reyami.

One of the world's largest mosques, covering 22,000 square metres, this landmark architectural statement on the UAE capital's evolving landscape, combines traditional Islamic designs and modern architectural techniques. Abu Dhabi's universality approach also extended to the building of the mosque with craftsmen from all corners of the world commissioned to produce the finest of construction and interiors materials. These include: the world's largest carpet, at 7,119 square metres, from Iran; the world's largest chandelier from Germany made from one million Swarovski crystals; 28 different types of marble and 24-carat gold throughout.

ADTA manages and conducts training programmes to support the tourism industry for the entire emirate, which includes general tourist guide training, site guide training for museums as well as the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayhan Mosque.  UAE nationals are being encouraged to sign up for training and join the professional team of mosque tourist guides.

"The experience of guiding guests through the mosque is truly rewarding," says Ahmed Al Muhaiby, one of the ADTA guides. "I feel so satisfied when I can answer their questions and see the smiles on their faces when they leave.  There is a role for all nationals to be involved in this programme and, as we represent only a small percentage of the population, it is our duty to welcome visitors to our great emirate and make their visit to Abu Dhabi a truly memorable experience."

The ADTA is also urging tour operators throughout the emirate to embrace training and career advancement for tourist guides in Abu Dhabi.

"ADTA has strong commitment to the tourist guide role and is encouraging the private sector to also embrace the need to ensure all guides operating in the emirate are fully-trained, recognised and remunerated in line with the value that they bring to the destination," added Al Reyami.

The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque guided tours, which take between 60 to 90 minutes, will operate at 10am, Saturday to Thursday - registered visitors are asked to be at the mosque 15 minutes before the tours start.

Visitors need to pre-book the complimentary tours by emailing zayedmosquetour@adta.ae. Visitors will be allowed to take photographs.

As a mark of respect to a place of prayer and contemplation, visitors must wear modest, conservative loose fitting clothing with women covering their heads. Long sleeves are necessary and shorts or short skirts will not be acceptable. As footwear has to be removed before entering the mosque, slip-off shoes are recommended.

-Ends-

For further details:
Hani Jaber
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
Tel: +971 2 418 1244
Mobile: +971 50 795 2117
Hjaber@adta.ae

© Press Release 2008