Abu dhabi: Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, recently visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. He was accompanied by Abdulrahman Ali Al Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to Canada, and Radha Krishna Panday, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE, along with a delegation.

According to Emirates News Agency, the Canadian Prime Minister and his delegation were warmly received by Dr. Yousif Abdallah Alobaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. Dr. Alobaidli led them on a tour of the mosque's halls and courtyards, providing insights into the mosque's history and its cultural message of promoting coexistence, tolerance, and openness, inspired by the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father.

Dr. Alobaidli emphasized the centre's role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and enhancing understanding between civilizations worldwide. Cultural tour specialist Aisha Mubarak further enriched the visit by offering an overview of the mosque's artistic and architectural features. She highlighted the blend of diverse architectural styles within the mosque's structure, showcasing Islamic art and design through the ages.

During the visit, Carney and his delegation also paid respects at the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, reflecting on his wisdom and vision of peace that influence the UAE's culture of tolerance and coexistence. Carney expressed his appreciation, noting the monument's unifying vision and its testament to Sheikh Zayed's vision.

As a gesture of goodwill, Carney received a commemorative gift reflecting the mosque's artistic allure, along with a copy of 'Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace.' The publication highlights the mosque's architectural style and offers readers a visual journey through its artistic and engineering marvels, featuring award-winning photographs from the 'Spaces of Light' competition.