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The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Abu Dhabi

Her Excellency Sam Mostyn, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Fahad Al Taffaq, UAE Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Ridwan Joudet, Australian Ambassador to the UAE, and the accompanying delegation.

Her Excellency and the delegation commenced their visit with a stop at the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, reflecting on his enduring legacy and visionary leadership that significantly contributed to promoting a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among peoples around the world.

The delegation, accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, toured the mosque’s halls and external corridors. They were introduced to the Grand Mosque’s civilisational message, which advocates coexistence, tolerance, and openness to the world — principles inspired by the values and achievements of the late Founding Father.

The delegation also learned about the Centre’s pivotal role in promoting Islamic culture and fostering cross-cultural communication globally. They were briefed on the history of the mosque’s establishment and explored its stunning features, marvelling at the exquisite Islamic architectural artistry that is evident throughout the mosque. They admired the rare artefacts and the finest expressions of Islamic art and architecture spanning different eras and regions, harmoniously brought together in this magnificent monument, reflecting the beauty of cultural fusion and unity in a single creative work.

On the sidelines of the visit, Her Excellency remarked:

"It has been an honour to visit the mosque today. It would have been unthinkable to be in this part of the world without visiting one of its most significant landmarks—an enduring symbol that plays a vital role in deepening our understanding of Islam as a faith of peace, compassion, and mutual understanding, where all are welcomed."

She further added:

"It has been a true joy for us to spend time in this extraordinary place, surrounded by exquisite craftsmanship drawn from across the world. This will be a visit we shall never forget, and I sincerely hope to return many times."

At the end of the visit, the guest of the mosque was presented with a commemorative gift, including a compass inspired by the design of the mosque’s iconic chandeliers and a copy of the latest publication issued by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace”. The book offers readers a visual journey through the mosque’s architectural splendour, featuring a selection of award-winning photographs from the “Spaces of Light” Photography Award, celebrating the mosque’s unique architectural artistry.

Continuing its efforts to highlight the Mosque’s global role in promoting cultural and humanitarian exchange, and as part of the ''Minarets of the Two Capitals'' initiative within its ''Jusoor'' programme

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre showcases a model of the mosque and its publications at its latest exhibition in Moscow

As part of its strategy to highlight the civilisational role of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as an exceptional example among global places of worship, embodying the UAE’s values of tolerance, coexistence, and cultural exchange, and within its “Minarets of the Two Capitals” initiative under the “Jusoor” programme, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre inaugurated a mosque model, a mobile library, and the “Spaces of Light” photography Award exhibition at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque.

The inauguration was led by a delegation headed by His Excellency Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Centre, and attended by His Excellency Dr Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation, and His Eminence Sheikh Rawi Ainuddin, Mufti of the Russian Federation and Head of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Russia.

The inauguration of the mosque model is part of the Centre’s “Jusoor” programme, which seeks to promote the UAE’s cultural image worldwide. Since 2012, more than 21 mosque models have been displayed internationally. Prominent among these were those at the UAE Embassy in Moscow; the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur—one of the foremost museums in Southeast Asia and the Islamic world; the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Centre for Arabic Language and Islamic Studies in Beijing; and the Museum of Peace and Reconciliation in Kazakhstan.

The mobile library featured the Centre’s 27 publications specialising in Arab and Islamic culture, highlighting values of tolerance, coexistence, and fraternity—core principles embraced by the UAE and actively promoted worldwide. Meanwhile, the photography exhibition presented a selection of outstanding winning images from the “Spaces of Light” Photography Award, which has drawn extensive participation from professional and amateur photographers across diverse backgrounds and cultures.

The programme also featured two lectures by His Excellency the Centre’s Director-General, titled “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Place for All and Creativity in Specialised Fields.” The first lecture was delivered at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations and attended by students of the Institute, including Emirati students. The second lecture was held at Moscow State University, attended by several university students.

Commenting on the comprehensive programme, His Excellency Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Centre, said:

“Since its establishment, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has represented a unique example among places of worship, embodying values of tolerance and peace. Over the years, it has become a haven where millions of visitors from all nationalities gather annually, serving as a meeting point for diverse cultures from around the world. By organising this programme in Moscow, the Centre reaffirms its civilisational role, representing the UAE’s renowned principles of tolerance and coexistence. This visit aims to convey the Centre’s message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness, while strengthening cooperation and exchanging experiences with Russia’s cultural and academic institutions.”

His Excellency Dr Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation, stated:

“ The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan envisioned the Grand Mosque as a beacon of tolerance, beauty, and Islamic creativity. Today, we share this vision in the heart of the Russian capital at its iconic mosque, which itself symbolises a profound religious and historical legacy for Russia’s Muslims. This architectural exchange between the two mosques conveys a message of hope and dialogue, underscoring that the dialogue of civilisations is expressed not merely through words but through actions and initiatives that build bridges of understanding and closeness among nations.”

On the sidelines of the programme, the Centre’s delegation visited some of Moscow’s most prominent museums and cultural institutions, including the Kremlin Museums, the Museum of Oriental Art, and the Russian National Library. Additionally, the Centre’s Director-General held meetings with the Director of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, the Director of the Russian National Library, and officials from the Fund for Support of Islamic Culture, Science, and Education. Discussions focused on the Mosque’s cultural initiatives, notably the Light & Peace Museum and the experiences offered to visitors from around the globe, as well as opportunities to further enhance collaboration between the Centre and these institutions.

Notably, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is among the leading landmarks visited by members of the Russian community, including both residents and tourists in the UAE. Since its opening, the Mosque has welcomed approximately 2,914,000 Russian visitors, with 293,667 visiting in 2024 alone.

Prime Minister of North Macedonia Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Dr Hristijan Mickoski, Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi today. He was accompanied by His Excellency Abdelqader Mohammedi, Ambassador of North Macedonia to the UAE, along with an official delegation.

Dr Mickoski and his delegation toured the mosque’s prayer halls and courtyards, accompanied by His Excellency Dr Yusuf Al-Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. During their tour, they were briefed on the mosque’s central role in promoting coexistence, tolerance, and openness, values deeply rooted in the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founding father. They also learned about the Centre’s ongoing efforts in promoting the authentic Islamic culture, building bridges with diverse world cultures, and distinguishing the mosque as a unique place of worship.

The delegation was introduced to the mosque's history, admired its unique architectural details, and explored its extensive collection of artworks and artefacts, demonstrating Islamic civilisation's artistic and architectural heritage. The mosque's architecture represents a harmonious fusion of different cultural styles, embodying unity and creativity.

At the end of the visit, Dr Mickoski was presented with a gift—a compass inspired by the mosque’s renowned chandeliers—and the Centre's latest publication, "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace." The book features a visual journey highlighting the mosque’s architectural magnificence through award-winning photographs from the "Spaces of Light" photography Award.