The Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was commissioned in 1996 by the sheikh who was then the ruler of the emirate. Now it is the world's sixth largest mosque.
Halcrow came on board in 2002, working closely with contractor, Impregilo of Italy, as structural supervisor for phase one of the project – the mosque’s exterior – and then as designer and supervisor for the interior of the mosque, completed in late 2007.
“We’ve taken great care with the interior. There’s a lot of very detailed work and we want to make sure we get it absolutely right,” explained project manager Michael Mathews, in 2006. “For example, the marble we’re using has been sourced from Macedonia, Greece, for the purity of its whiteness.”
Halcrow also carried out site
supervision of structural and
MEP construction works,
verification and approval of
contractor's submittals and
structural design of prayer
hall's ground floor slab. Exceptionally high standards
throughout the construction
process reflected the
nation-wide significance of the
Mosque.
The site of the mosque covers an area of 22,000mē. Its three main domes measure 85m each and are surrounded by four elegant minarets that reach 104m into the sky. There are three entrances at the north, south and east, while the western one is reserved for VIP visitors.
Click the play button to watch our video filmed in 2006.
key factors:
landmark religious building designed to maintain its character
durable reinforced concrete structure executed to highest standards
main dome: precast concrete shell 30m dia, top point 73m above floor level
hydraulic design
2,200 cu. metres of structural concrete in substructure
35,100 cu. metres of structural concrete in superstructure
"Accomodating over 30,000 worshippers the mosque is the sixth largest in the world"
The main entrance is inlaid with text from the Koran and botanical images skilfully carved into the marble arches, unusual for a mosque. This leads to the sahn (or courtyard) which measures 17,400m² and is also inlaid with multi-coloured marble and rich floral designs. The arcade surrounding the sahn comprises a series of arches clad with white marble and semi-precious stones. The arcade is covered with 34 domes inlaid with Koranic verses. Artists and artisans from all over the Islamic world are involved in these works.
British Expertise International awards - 2008
Halcrow’s role as project consultant for the Grand Mosque was recognised at the 2008 British Expertise International awards.
The awards are designed to publicise the continuing success of UK professional services throughout the world, and to showcase some of the outstanding projects being carried out.
Halcrow’s project director, Sami Al-Qazzaz was at the ceremony to collect the award. He said: “This award acknowledges the whole team’s dedication and input into the project.
Sami Al-Qazzaz with the award
Teams of artisans spent months, hand-inlaying a pattern of flowering vines onto the 1,054 white marble columns for the entrance and side arcades of the mosque. The thousands of rare and beautiful stones used, included lapis lazuli, amethyst, onyx and aventurine.
The 22,000m² marble floor in the main part of the mosque will also be inlaid with flower patterns.
Halcrow site management
initiated the process of
streamlining communication
from client to project manager
to contractor, resulting in
greater understanding and
better commitment to
successfully complete the
project.
"Halcrow site management
initiated the process of
streamlining communication
from client to project manager
to contractor"
Although now open to the public the mosque grounds are still under development. When it is finished The Grand Mosque will be surrounded by water features and parks making it an oasis of contemplation and focal point for Abu Dhabi’s 1.85 million citizens.
