Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Solo, Replica Building in Abu Dhabi with a Series of Modern Facilities

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque located in Solo, Central Java, has become the newest religious icon in the city after officially opening to the public in February 2023. This mosque immediately caught attention because of its stunning Middle Eastern-inspired architecture. It's not surprising, as the building was made as a replica of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi and became a symbol of friendship between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.

Managed directly by the professional contractor, PT Waskita Karya, the construction process of this mosque took about 19 months, starting on May 27, 2021, and completed on October 31, 2022. Learn more about the construction story in an interview with the President Director of PT Waskita Karya, Destiawan Soewardjono.

Modern Facilities that Support Worship Comfort

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Solo is not only beautiful on the outside. It is also equipped with various modern facilities that support comfort during worship.

"For facilities, this mosque has two floors and can accommodate 4,000 worshipers in the main building. Meanwhile, for the overall capacity, this mosque can accommodate 10,000 worshipers. The mosque is also equipped with a library that contains Islamic religious books," explained Destiawan in the interview.

He also explained other facilities such as ablution rooms for men and women, as well as facilities for people with disabilities. Other facilities include VIP rooms, lactation rooms, and a spacious garden with a small pond around it. Not to forget, a parking area that is certainly needed by visitors.

"The mosque is used as a place for facilities and infrastructure to spread the teachings of Islam and provide an opportunity for visitors, not only Muslims but also people of all religions, to learn more about Islam and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad," he added.

Similarities and Differences with the Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Interestingly, the mosque is a replica of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Destiawan explained that there are certainly some similarities in terms of shape, ornaments, domes, and minarets.

"The difference lies in the size of the mosque. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi has an area of 22,412 m2, while in Solo, the area is 8,400 m2. In this mosque, Waskita showcases the Indonesian characteristics, especially those of Solo, because there are carvings of Kawung batik, a typical Solo batik pattern. We also used carpets from domestic sources," explained Destiawan.

The mosque itself was inaugurated directly by President Jokowi and UAE President Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in November 2022. Both leaders gave positive responses to the mosque's construction.

"Their response was quite good to the presence of this mosque in Solo. They were both very happy that the result of the construction is close to perfection because it is quite similar to the one in Abu Dhabi. Waskita is grateful to have been appointed as the contractor for the construction of this mosque," concluded Destiawan.

Because it is quite similar to the one in Abu Dhabi. Clearly, Waskita is grateful to be appointed as the contractor for the construction of this mosque," concluded Destiawan.