Nothing has ever made me feel more vulnerable and noxious than the compulsory black nylon Hijab that conceals me from head to toes, with only my hands and face showing. First time is always weird, especially for a Chinese non-Muslim female like me whose rebellious behaviors often provoke disapproval and resentment in people. I find it hard to accept. I have no choice but to well behave and become extremely self-conscious as my Saudi friend Omar leads me toward the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi. But Omar is still complaining that women should not expose their hair. To show some respect, I run to the restroom and ask a girl to help me cover my hair properly.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the 8th largest mosque in the world. marble has become an obsession. The whole site is completely clay in shining marble and no hint of other colors touches it except the cloudless, blue sky. The grand courtyard (size equivalent to a football field) in square shape is surrounded by corridors topped with rows of domes that spring from shining marble columns; And the floors are paved with marble tiles that you can see reflection on the glossy surface.
It is surreal and I feel disconnected from reality when taking pictures of this elegant architectural extravagance, which marks the transformation of this crescent city--noted for its oil wealth and record-breaking mosque. Most visitors are from the Gulf region who come to pray and witness the UAE's landmark.
