The Light and Peace Museum at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi celebrates the spiritual, artistic, and intellectual heritage of Islamic civilisation. Opened to the public in 2024 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, it takes one on a reflective journey through faith, knowledge, and creativity, illuminating the universal values that shape the UAE’s identity and the broader story of Islamic culture.
The museum unfolds across five galleries. The first section, Values of Tolerance – The Abundance of Light, pays tribute to the founding principles of the UAE, rooted in Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision of peace and mutual respect. Sanctity and Worship – The Three Mosques explores the architecture of Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. It reveals how their spiritual and artistic traditions inspired the design of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque itself.
In Beauty and Perfection – The Spirit of Creativity, visitors encounter the scientific and artistic achievements of Islamic civilisation, where geometry, calligraphy, and craftsmanship merge into expressions of divine harmony. Tolerance and Openness – The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque focuses on the mosque’s own story, its architectural symbolism, and its role as a bridge between cultures, displaying a detailed scale model and digital exploration tools. The final section, Unity and Coexistence, highlights the shared motifs and artistic languages that link Islamic art with global traditions.
Among the museum’s highlights are rare artefacts, which include a fragment of the Kiswa (the embroidered cloth that covers the Kaaba in Mecca) and the first Islamic gold coin, minted under Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan. One can also see pages from the luminous ninth-century Blue Qur’an, a 14th-century Andalusian astrolabe, and early scientific manuscripts that chart the evolution of astronomy, medicine, and geometry. Objects linked to the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed, further anchor the collection in the nation’s history of enlightenment and compassion.
The museum experience is enhanced by advanced digital and sensory technologies, such as multilingual displays, immersive projections, and interactive exhibits. A standout installation, Diya – A Universe of Light, offers the visitors a meditative encounter with the natural and spiritual landscapes of the Arab world, culminating in a luminous representation of the Grand Mosque. The museum also features a section for children, where they are welcome to engage in hands-on activities that translate complex ideas of geometry, art, and invention into playful learning.
Through its seamless blend of scholarship, storytelling, and technology, the Light and Peace Museum reflects the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre’s mission to foster intercultural dialogue and understanding. It stands as an invitation to encounter light in all its meanings, from divine revelation to human creativity.
To get more information about the Light and Peace Museum, please go to the official website of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.
In addition, you might be interested in visiting the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation.
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