Abu Dhabi: An Indian expat has created a replica of the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque using acrylic and thermocol.
Rashad K. Ali, 34, who works for an advertising company in Dubai, said the model took four months to complete.
The 1.2 x 1.5 metre structure is made to scale down to the most minute details, complete with domes, calligraphy and floor patterns. Ali has even recreated the fountains and the sprawling garden around the mosque.
The replica is currently on display at Capital Mall in Mussafah.
This is the second time Ali has made a replica of the Grand Mosque.
According to him, a bigger version made last year was bought by Abu Dhabi-based Indian businessman B.R. Shetty.
“The Grand Mosque is one of the most difficult structures to copy because of its intricate design, but I attempted it as a challenge. I would visit the mosque every few days and spend hours taking pictures and videos for reference. I worked mostly at night when my roommates had gone to sleep. Often I would work till the wee hours,” recalled the Keralite.
Ali, who has been living in the UAE for around 15 years, said his next project is a model of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Muscat, Oman. “I can’t wait to start work on it,” he said, brimming with excitement.
