Abu Dhabi hosts Australian PM Albanese at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, accompanied by his partner Jodie Haydon and senior members of his delegation, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Albanese was joined by Fahad Obaid Al Taffaq, UAE ambassador to Australia, and Ridwan Joudat, Australian ambassador to the UAE. Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, director-general of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, guided the group through the mosque’s expansive halls and courtyards.

Al Obaidli briefed the delegation on the mosque’s history and its role as a cultural landmark. He highlighted the values of coexistence, tolerance, and openness rooted in the vision of the UAE’s late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He also emphasized the Centre’s mission to promote Islamic culture and foster dialogue among nations.

Cultural tour specialist Rawda Al Marzouqi provided a detailed explanation of the mosque’s artistic and architectural features. He described how Islamic civilizations across centuries contributed to its design, noting how the structure unites diverse traditions into a single architectural statement.

The Australian leader and his delegation also visited the mausoleum of Sheikh Zayed, reflecting on his wisdom and vision of peace that continue to shape the UAE’s approach to tolerance and coexistence.

At the conclusion of the visit, Albanese received a commemorative gift symbolizing the mosque’s artistic identity — a compass inspired by the design of its chandeliers. He was also presented with a copy of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace, a publication showcasing the mosque’s architecture and featuring award-winning photography from the “Spaces of Light” competition.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the world, remains a symbol of the UAE’s cultural and spiritual heritage, welcoming millions of visitors annually.