The Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque, also known as the Al Ain Grand Mosque, is a monumental religious structure located in the heart of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. Named after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan—former President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi—this mosque is one of the largest in the UAE and serves as a landmark of religious, architectural, and cultural significance. Officially opened to the public on April 12, 2021, the mosque can accommodate over 20,000 worshippers, making it a vital spiritual hub for the region.

Strategically situated near the UAE University campus, the mosque covers a vast total area of 256,680 square meters, with a built-up area of 15,684 square meters. The design includes an indoor prayer space for 6,433 worshippers and an expansive outdoor area capable of holding 14,029 more. The architectural layout integrates four minarets, each rising 60 meters high, echoing the iconic design of the Great Mosque of Samarra. The courtyard is framed by a large Andalusian- and Umayyad-inspired arcade that spans 7,660 square meters, creating a harmonious blend of historic and regional styles.

A major highlight of the mosque is the grand Haram Building, which houses a massive steel dome—the largest among all mosques in the UAE. This dome, with an exterior diameter of 86 meters and an interior diameter of 75 meters, reaches an impressive height of 31.3 meters. Remarkably, it is supported solely by perimeter braced columns, eliminating the need for interior supports. This architectural feat was achieved using a complex system of 3D trusses arranged radially and connected with vertical and diagonal members. These rib trusses and secondary trusses were precisely modeled using Tekla software, ensuring ease of fabrication and installation.

Eversendai Engineering LLC oversaw the steelwork for the mosque, which involved over 2,500 metric tons of structural steel. The intricate tension ring truss that supports the dome’s perimeter features a diamond-shaped cross-section, engineered to receive the radial rib trusses. The project also incorporated seamless coordination with HVAC and stone cladding contractors, using BIM tools like Tekla and Bimsight to detect and resolve design clashes early in the construction process.

The mosque also includes several supporting structures: ablution areas, prayer halls, and five-story-high minaret towers with internal spiral staircases anchored by central CHS columns. The minarets rise to a height of 75 meters and were designed to integrate seamlessly with the mosque’s modern Islamic aesthetic. The arcades, featuring delicately designed steel arches, add a graceful architectural rhythm to the overall composition.

With a pedestrian-friendly layout, the mosque ensures accessibility for the elderly and those with mobility challenges. Through its harmonious blend of form, function, and faith, the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque stands not only as a center for worship but also as a symbol of architectural excellence and spiritual inclusivity.