A habit of many tourists but banned at the largest mosque in the UAE

The V-sign gesture is a common gesture among many people when taking photos, but is inappropriate in a sacred religious space.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi - the largest Islamic building in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) not only overwhelms visitors with its magnificence but also surprises many visitors with its very strict rules of conduct.

The building is overwhelming in its magnificence, considered the largest cathedral in the world with a capacity of more than 40,000 pilgrims at the same time.

PHOTO: LE NAM

According to the local tour guide, the act of raising the hand in a V sign, which is familiar to many tourists, including Vietnamese tourists, when taking pictures, is considered inappropriate in a sacred religious space. "Here, any funny or performative gestures are not allowed. Visitors can take pictures, but must stand straight and maintain a serious attitude," the tour guide explained. In fact, many tourists who raised their hand in a V sign to pose for pictures were immediately reminded by the security team.

The second taboo concerns women’s dress. When entering a mosque, women are required to cover their hair, shoulders, arms, and thighs. Anyone who forgets their headscarf will be asked to borrow a long white robe at the entrance. Covering hair is not only a dress code, but also a sign of respect for Islam.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is currently ranked among the largest mosques in the world, with a capacity of more than 40,000 pilgrims at a time. The entire structure is about 30,000 m² wide, including 82 large and small domes covered with white marble imported from Italy, Greece and China. Particularly impressive is the world's largest hand-woven carpet inside the prayer hall, covering an area of ​​more than 5,600 m², made by 1,200 Iranian artisans in more than 2 years.

Right above is a giant crystal chandelier, 15 meters high, weighing more than 12 tons, plated in 24K gold, with millions of Swarovski crystals, simulating the shape of an upside-down date palm tree, a symbol of the desert.

Whether it is day or night, this place is always bustling with international tourists from Europe, America, Japan, Korea and increasingly more Vietnamese groups. The walkways, lobby, and reflection pool around the dome are always crowded with people lining up to take photos.

The church is never empty

PHOTO: LE NAM

Shop selling traditional UAE costumes is crowded with tourists

PHOTO: LE NAM

Prohibited actions

1. Do not wave, display, or carry banners.
2. No hugging or public displays of affection.
3. No masks, costumes, or toys. Conspicuous accessories such as masks, cosplay costumes, large teddy bears, etc. are not permitted.
4. Do not lie or sit carelessly on the floor of the sanctuary.
5. Do not pose inappropriately while taking photos. This includes making V-signs, performing poses, displaying hand signals, or acting in a playful or provocative manner.
6. No filming or interviewing.
7. Do not speak loudly or laugh loudly.
8. No eating or drinking on the tour premises, including chewing gum.
9. No pets, except guide dogs under special regulations.
10. No revealing clothing. Both men and women must dress modestly: no tank tops, no shorts above the knee, no miniskirts, no off-the-shoulder tops.
11. Women are required to cover their hair.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mot-thoi-quen-cua-nhieu-du-khach-nhung-bi-cam-o-thanh-duong-hoi-giao-lon-nhat-uae-185251130141752238.htm