Diya – A Universe of Light unfolds — a multi-sensory experience that fuses heritage with technology within the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, is offering visitors a contemplative journey into the symbolic resonance of light.
The installation of Diya deploys 360-degree projection and a harmony of sensory elements such as light, sound, and subtle natural effects such as air and vibration. The result is a fully immersive environment in which visitors find themselves woven into the experience.
More than 1.5 billion light units were used to animate the visuals at Diya, with the depiction of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque alone requiring 1,483,815,000 units. Scenes from the Diya include the Ghaf Tree, the UAE’s national symbol, recreated with 166,315,000 units. Long associated with Emirati history as a place of gathering and refuge in the desert, the tree embodies values of resilience, community, and tolerance. Its presence in Diya elevates the installation into a landmark technical and cultural achievement.
The journey begins beneath a sky filled with stars before gently descending upon the land of the emirates. Visitors traverse green oases, towering mountains, tranquil coastlines, and golden deserts, culminating in the architectural splendour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Each scene highlights an aspect of Emirati identity and reflects the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who envisioned the mosque as a meeting point for cultures and a beacon of peace and coexistence.
Diya invites visitors to contemplate light not only as a physical phenomenon but also as a universal symbol of beauty, spirituality, and shared humanity. By uniting artistry with reflection, the experience appeals to audiences of all ages and enriches Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene with depth and originality.
For further details, bookings, and inquiries, visit: www.szgmc.gov.ae.
