Soon, guided tours at iconic mosques in Abu Dhabi

Special "immersive" tours to iconic and historic mosques in Abu Dhabi will be organised for tourists and residents to promote cultural tourism, it was announced on Saturday.
The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has teamed up with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) to showcase the various stages of development and growth of the mosques.
As part of the agreement signed between the two entities, they will work on providing immersive experiences to tourists and residents at the Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed the First, Mariam Umm Eisa, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan the Second, Al Radwan, Al Aziz and Al Kareem mosques. The agreement also includes the provision of leaflets covering mosques and Islamic culture, the training of tour guides to support the programme and the establishment of a mechanism for booking tours through the DCT Abu Dhabi's electronic platforms.
The two entities will also cooperate on the marketing of books promoting Islamic culture and also work together to promote ethics and tolerance in the community.
Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "The visit of tourists to our iconic mosques will enable them to understand the essence of our religion and its values of tolerance and good morals. It is also a step to explore the architectural diversity of our mosques, including the historic architecture associated with ancient periods. Abu Dhabi has an interesting urban landscape, combining several architectural styles, including the traditional and the contemporary."
Mohammed Saeed Al Neyadi, Director General of Awqaf, said the agreement is conducive to Awqaf's interests in promoting cultural tourism. "The MoU will ensure that tourists get to know Abu Dhabi's history, Islamic culture and historic mosques as well as the architecture of such mosques, which combine decorative arts and Islamic architecture."
A joint committee was formed to follow up the implementation of the provisions of the agreement. The DCT Abu Dhabi will announce the timings of tours of the mosques soon. reporters@khaleejtimes.com
Learn Islamic heritage at these mosques soon
> Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed the First
> Mariam Umm Eisa
> Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan the Second
> Al Radwan
> Al Aziz
> Al Kareem