Chandeliers of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque get nice care
Architectural masterpieces combine authentic design and state-of-the-art technology to create nuanced illumination and enchant visitors
Complementing the exquisite beauty and timeless elegance of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are its seven unique chandeliers that embody Islamic architectural detailing at its finest. Creating a perfect harmony with the overall design of the Grand Mosque, they have continued to atract widespread global interest since the opening of the mosque on December 20, 2007.
The beauty of the chandeliers blends seamlessly and cohesively with the medallion and ornamental design on the hand-knotted magnificent carpet below — creating an integrated artistic ensemble. The carpet with colorful crystal pieces hanging overhead resembles a vast stretch of water reflecting vibrant colors.
To preserve the design elements of these intricate masterpieces and ensure their sustainability, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) lately mobilised a special taskforce of experienced Emirati engineers to implement a detailed maintenance plan.
The team comprised 45 members, including a project manager, a site supervisor, engineers, technicians, and health and safety supervisors.
Across a 45-day period, the maintenance works continued for 12 hours every day, with the exception of Friday, from 7:30am to 7:30pm, and spanned the complete overhaul of the chandelier system.
Salem Al Suwaidi, Director of Support Services at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC), said: “The maintenance of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s chandeliers is carried out as part of a strategic plan adopted by SZGMC to ensure future generations can continue to appreciate the mosque’s rich architecture. The chandeliers receive our special atention given their significance in enhancing the overall design of the mosque.”
Al Suwaidi added: “The maintenance of the chandeliers is performed in compliance with the highest international standards, as they capture the atention of a huge number of visitors every day. We are proud of the contributions made by our Emirati workforce in ensuring the timely completion of the maintenance work that demanded meticulous atention to detail, and adherence to highest international quality standards. Such efforts are crucial in maintaining the iconic status of this landmark that has in a short period of time become a key religious and cultural destination.”
The seven chandeliers in variegated sizes and colors each have a story to tell. The largest chandelier in the main prayer hall measures 10 meters in diameter, is 15.5 meters tall, and weighs nearly 12 tonnes. Incorporating 15,500 LED lights, it features a spiral staircase in its trunk to allow maintenance personnel to climb to the top to complete the cleaning work or fix any faults. Using a scaffolding plaform, the middle of the cylindrical section of the chandelier can be lowered to a certain level to allow for seamless maintenance.
The design of this chandelier resembles an upturned palm tree, with the cylindrical section representing the palm’s trunk, the bowl-shaped interlocking section making up the palm’s fronds, and the red, yellow, and green-colored crystal globes symbolising the date fruit. The overall design pays tribute to the legacy of the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The UAE’S first president, ater whom the mosque is named, inculcated in Emirati society the commendable values of sincerity, generosity, and giving.
Manufactured at the renowned facilities of German crystal chandelier maker Faustig, this chandelier uses stainless steel covered with 24-carat gold plates while Swarovski crystals adorn its panels. Nearly 40 million units of green, red, and yellow-colored crystal balls were integrated into the design of the chandelier, lending a special elegance to the entire prayer area.
The two smaller chandeliers in the main hall weigh 8 tonnes each, and are 12.5 metres tall and 7 metres wide. They feature 9,500 intricate light bulbs, with an inbuilt staircase to enable maintenance work.
In addition, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque chandeliers that are 4.5 metres in diameter and 6 metres tall weigh two tonnes. The two smallest chandeliers are 3.5 metres in diameter and 5 metres tall, weighing in at 1.4 tonnes. The later comprises 1,200 lamps while the smallest of them all consists of 1,000 lamps.