According to information compiled by FEW.ae editor, the Light and Peace Museum, located within the Dome of Peace at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi, is open to the public from December 18, 2024, through December 31, 2025. The year-long event offers a deeply immersive experience that explores Islamic contributions to science, art, and human values. It emphasizes coexistence, tolerance, and cross-cultural dialogue through a modern exhibition design.
The exhibition features five unique conceptual zones
The museum is divided into five thematic spaces that together form a comprehensive narrative. These include Values of Tolerance, Sanctity and Worship, Beauty and Perfection, Tolerance and Openness, and Unity and Coexistence. Each section presents carefully curated objects and interactive displays. Notable items include a segment of the Kaaba’s Kiswa, a 14th-century Andalusian astrolabe, illuminated pages of the Blue Qur’an, and the first Islamic gold dinar. These artifacts highlight the intellectual and spiritual legacy of Islamic civilization.
Located inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque complex
The museum is housed within the recently inaugurated Dome of Peace, which complements the architectural elegance of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This location allows for a smooth flow between spiritual space and cultural exploration. The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Visitors can enjoy both morning and evening visits, and entry is free for a limited time. The complex is easy to navigate and fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.
The Diya experience adds a visual and sensory dimension
A major highlight of the exhibition is the Diya experience. Using projection mapping, ambient sound design, and motion-triggered visuals, Diya takes visitors through a symbolic journey of light and spirituality. It’s designed to stir emotion and offer personal reflection while celebrating the identity and values of the UAE. The experience creates a space where ancient Islamic philosophy meets modern audiovisual technology.
Islamic contributions to global science are emphasized
Beyond spiritual values, the museum places special focus on scientific developments from the Islamic Golden Age. Exhibits include mathematical instruments, astronomy charts, and early medical tools used by scholars in Baghdad, Cordoba, and Samarkand. This section is especially powerful in showing the global impact of Islamic innovation during times when Europe was just entering its own scientific revolutions.
Accessibility and visitor support are well thought out
The museum includes wide corridors, elevators, tactile signage, and multilingual audio guides. Staff members are available for support in both Arabic and English. Visitors must respect the mosque’s dress code, and complimentary abayas are available for female guests. Signage is clear and directions are well-marked from the main mosque entrances to the museum itself.
Transportation options and how to get there
The museum is about 25 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi. Visitors can use taxis, Careem, Uber, or public buses. Bus numbers 94 and 54 both have stops near the mosque complex. For those driving, free on-site parking is available. The museum is designed to handle large volumes of visitors without congestion, especially during peak weekend hours.
Evening visits are popular during cooler months
The event runs during Abu Dhabi’s most pleasant weather months. In December, average temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C. The cooler air and clear skies make evening visits especially enjoyable. The white marble of the mosque and the soft lighting of the museum provide a visually stunning night-time experience.
Organized by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre
This exhibition is curated and managed by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, a major cultural institution under the UAE government. The museum was created in collaboration with regional historians, curators, and international museum consultants. It is part of a broader mission to promote cross-cultural dialogue and deepen understanding of Islamic heritage.
A new form of storytelling through museum architecture
The museum architecture merges traditional Islamic aesthetics with cutting-edge design. Geometric patterns, calligraphy, and light installations are used to evoke emotion and guide narrative flow. This approach turns the museum into a living story—one that bridges past and present through experience rather than explanation.
then "Add to Home Screen"