ABU DHABI // An interactive website that provides detailed information on the establishment of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was announced yesterday as part of the events surrounding the capital's 21st International Book Fair.
The bilingual website, launched by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, is intended to be a gateway for architecture and arts enthusiasts to learn about the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.
The mosque, one of Abu Dhabi's most culturally important monuments, was a vision of the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's founding father. The website's many sections will range from informational details about the building of the establishment to a regularly updated schedule of events, activities or programmes hosted and organised by the centre.
The website will also provide a glimpse into the mosque's celebrated library, which will shed light on the contribution of Islam to the arts.
"The library was developed using modern techniques, and it supports the research and promotion of a proper understanding of the Islamic civilisation," said Sheikh Mansour. "At the same time, it sheds light on the contributions of this civilisation to the arts."
Sheikh Mansour said the sentimental and moral values of the mosque have gained it a reputation as a place of high art and architecture. It is renowned as one of the most prominent and beautiful monuments of Islamic architecture in the world, he said.
Details into the design of the mosque, and how its architecture was inspired by Islamic art, will also be available on the website.
"The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre is not a static structure, but rather an expression of our vibrant Islamic culture and the rich experiences it can provide," said Sheikh Mansour.
The website, www.szgmc.ae, will be launched in other languages in the future.