Romuald Wadagni visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on 27 October 2026. The visit to the site in the United Arab Emirates allowed the Beninese official to tour the landmark location and observe its architectural design. This visit served as an opportunity for the delegation to engage with the cultural heritage housed within the facility, which is recognized for its intricate craftsmanship and design elements that reflect Islamic architectural traditions.
Delegation Tour and Hosts
Corinne Amori Brunet, Hazzah Mohammed Al-Qahtani, and Badirou Aguemon accompanied Romuald Wadagni as members of the delegation during the visit. These individuals joined the Beninese official as he toured the facility to learn about its cultural and artistic significance. The delegation spent time exploring the various halls of the mosque, examining the detailed calligraphic inscriptions and the expansive floral designs that characterize the interior and exterior of the structure.
Yousif Abdallah Alobaidli, director general of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, served as the host for the group. He guided the delegation through the mosque, providing insights into the history and construction of the landmark. As they walked through the various sections of the site, Yousif Abdallah Alobaidli explained the materials used in the construction process, including the marble and precious stones integrated into the building’s aesthetic. The tour provided a full overview of how the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre manages the preservation and presentation of the site to international visitors.
Romuald Wadagni visited the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan during his time at the site. This portion of the visit allowed the delegation to pay their respects at the final resting place of the founder of the United Arab Emirates. The delegation observed the quiet surroundings of the mausoleum, acknowledging the historical importance of the late leader to the nation.
The visit continued with a detailed exploration of the mosque's prayer halls and the surrounding courtyards, where the delegation observed the reflection pools. The architectural coordination of the site was a primary focus of the tour, with Yousif Abdallah Alobaidli emphasizing the vision behind the project and its role as a bridge between different cultures.
Officials concluded the tour by presenting Romuald Wadagni with a commemorative gift. The presentation of the gift served as a gesture of goodwill between the host institution and the visiting delegation. He also received a copy of the book 'La Grande Mosquée Sheikh Zayed : Lumières de la Paix', which details the architectural and cultural aspects of the mosque. The book provides a visual and historical documentation of the mosque’s development, offering a permanent record of the design philosophies that shaped the landmark. Following the presentation, the delegation concluded their official visit to the premises, having engaged with the historical and cultural narratives presented by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.
