President of the Republic of Lebanon Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

01/05/2025

His Excellency Joseph Aoun, President of the Republic of Lebanon, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Excellency Youssef Raji, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon, along with the accompanying delegation.

The visit began with a stop at the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, where the delegation reflected on his enduring legacy and wise vision that laid the foundations for a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among nations.

His Excellency and the delegation were received by His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, who accompanied  them on a tour of the mosque’s halls and outer corridors. The delegation was introduced to the mosque’s global message, which promotes dialogue, coexistence, and openness—values deeply rooted in the legacy of the late founding father. They were also briefed on the significant role played by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in promoting the essence of Islamic culture and fostering cross-cultural understanding worldwide.

During the tour, the delegation learned about the mosque’s foundation history and admired its architectural grandeur, intricate design elements, and rare artefacts—an embodiment of the finest contributions of Islamic civilisation throughout the ages. The mosque’s design harmoniously unites diverse artistic and architectural styles, creating a singular masterpiece that celebrates the beauty of cultural convergence.

On the sidelines of the visit, His Excellency stated:

“This magnificent religious landmark—through its beauty, architecture, and symbolic significance—reflects the UAE’s genuine commitment to preserving places of worship and ensuring they remain sanctuaries for connection, prayer, and unity.”

At the conclusion of the visit, the guest was presented with a gift reflecting the aesthetic spirit of the mosque: a compass inspired by the design of the mosque’s chandeliers, and a copy of the Centre’s latest publication, "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace". The book offers readers a visually rich journey through the mosque’s architectural marvels, showcasing award-winning photographs from the Spaces of Light competition that highlight the mosque’s unique design features.