Visit of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi alongside his partner Jodie Haydon. They were accompanied by Fahad Obaid Al Taffaq, UAE Ambassador to Australia, Ridwan Joudat, Australian Ambassador to the UAE, and senior members of the Australian delegation.
Guided Tour of the Mosque
During the visit, the Australian Prime Minister and the accompanying delegation were guided by Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. He led them through the mosque’s expansive halls and courtyards, outlining the history of the mosque’s establishment and its role as a cultural landmark. The mosque embodies the values of coexistence, tolerance, and openness, principles rooted in the vision of the late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Dr. Al Obaidli also emphasized the Centre’s mission to convey the essence of Islamic culture and to promote dialogue among nations and peoples.
Artistic and Architectural Overview
Cultural tour specialist Rawda Al Marzouqi provided a detailed overview of the mosque’s artistic and architectural splendour. She illustrated how Islamic civilisations across the centuries contributed to its design. The mosque, she explained, unites diverse traditions in a single architectural statement, reflecting the harmony and creativity of cultural exchange.
Visit to the Mausoleum
The Prime Minister and his delegation also visited the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed, recalling his wisdom and vision of peace that continue to shape the UAE’s culture of tolerance and coexistence.
Commemorative Gift
The guest was presented with a commemorative gift reflecting the mosque’s artistic beauty – a compass inspired by the design of its chandeliers – along with a copy of “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace”, a publication that showcases the mosque’s distinctive architectural style. This publication takes readers on a visual journey through its artistic and engineering splendour, featuring award-winning photographs from the “Spaces of Light” competition.
