As the largest mosque in United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a phenomenal work of art nestled within charming gardens and aquamarine pools. Before you fret about the colossal size of the mosque, simply make your way through the five stages of appreciation. As you approach the mosque from afar, you will be struck by the grandeur of the mosque’s snow white silhouette against the azure skies, with its conglomeration of spiralling minarets and arched domes. Within the manicured gardens, you can enjoy a serene promenade along the petite fountains and landscaped hedges. Next, as you enter the marble courtyard, take a moment to admire the magnificent symmetry of keyhole arches and cupolas spread out before you. Move on to gape at the unending arcades of gold accented pillars wrapped in a delicate spiral of bejewelled flowers. Finally, you will be subject to the warm golden glow of the resplendent prayer hall. Here, you can relish the texture of the knotted carpet beneath your bare feet, and admire the gorgeous chandeliers and intricate floral designs. At night, the mosque’s beauty is amplified by the reflective pools that mirror the stretch of pillars in the arcade. Under the blanket of dark, the mosque basks in an ethereal indigo hue that varies with the phases of the moon, while the open arches emit luminous gold light from within. With an unparalleled splendour that cannot truly be captured in pictures, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque deserves a spot on your bucket list.