Korean President Explores Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea, along with First Lady Kim Hea Kyung and a high-ranking delegation, visited the distinguished Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. They were welcomed by Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, and Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Ambassador to South Korea.

The delegation was greeted warmly by Dr. Yousif Abdallah Alobaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. He led them on a comprehensive tour of the mosque, showcasing its vast halls, courtyards, and notable architectural features. During the tour, Dr. Alobaidli offered insights into the mosque’s rich history and its cultural relevance, underlining its status as a beacon of tolerance and coexistence, inspired by the vision of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

As one of the largest mosques globally, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque serves as a hub for spiritual and cultural exchange. Dr. Alobaidli emphasized the Centre's mission of fostering cross-cultural dialogue and enhancing mutual understanding among diverse civilizations. This visit allowed the Korean delegation to appreciate the mosque’s significance in promoting peace and inclusivity.

Cultural expert Fatima bint Hashim facilitated the tour, providing explanations of the mosque’s artistic and architectural features in Korean. She highlighted the mosque's unique architectural style, featuring a blend of traditional Islamic designs with modern elements. The presentation emphasized the mosque’s artistry through intricate marble detailing, calligraphy, and grand domes, showcasing the richness of Islamic art.

During the visit, President Lee and his delegation paid tribute at the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed, honoring his vision of peace and tolerance, which continue to shape the UAE’s culture of harmonious coexistence. This moment prompted reflections on the enduring values that Sheikh Zayed championed, particularly the importance of mutual respect among nations.

At the end of the visit, President Lee received a commemorative gift symbolizing the mosque’s artistic allure. He was also gifted a copy of “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace,” which features award-winning photography from the “Spaces of Light” competition, showcasing the mosque’s architectural brilliance and serene ambiance.

This visit is a significant step in strengthening the cultural bonds between the UAE and South Korea, highlighting shared ideals of tolerance and appreciation for heritage. It reaffirms the UAE’s dedication to fostering understanding among nations through its cultural and religious sites, projecting a global message of peace and unity symbolized by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.