News

Under the Slogan “Peace,” with Prizes Totaling AED 850,000 Spaces of Light Photography Award Extends Submission Period, Welcoming Global Creativity

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has extended the submission deadline for the Spaces of Light Photography Award to December 31, inviting photographers and artists worldwide to participate. The award provides a platform for creators to use photography as a tool for cultural exchange, fostering connections and enhancing understanding across diverse cultures of the world.

This extension aligns with the UAE’s national initiatives, including the World’s Coolest Winter campaign, allowing photographers to capture the mosque through different seasons, thus enhancing the creative scope of submissions. It also grants a second chance for photographers who missed the initial deadline, reinforcing the UAE’s dynamic and thriving artistic landscape.

 

The eighth edition of the award features a diverse array of categories, welcoming both professional and amateur photographers to submit images that capture humanitarian themes and unique, unconventional works. The grand category, titled “Mosques and Masjids,” invites photographers to submit pictures of mosques worldwide.

 

Additional categories include “Technical and General Photography”; “Digital Art”; and “Life at the Mosque,” which is divided into three subcategories: “Narratives,” “Time Lapse,” and “Video Clips.”

 

Valuable Prizes

The Centre offers AED 850,000 in cash prizes for the top three winners in each category, underscoring its commitment to nurturing artistic talent. Interested participants may submit their entries through the official award website at https://photo.szgmc.ae.

 

For updates, follow @spacesoflight and @szgmc_ae on Instagram.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Takes Spaces of Light Photography Award on a Nationwide Mobile Exhibition

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre continues to champion its cultural mission through the eighth season of the prestigious "Spaces of Light" Photography Award. Under the global theme of "Peace," the Centre has launched a mobile exhibition, now stationed at the "Souq Al Jami," adjacent to the Grand Mosque. This exhibition offers visitors from diverse cultures the opportunity to engage with the award’s message of tolerance, coexistence, and peace. 

A Nationwide Tour 

The mobile exhibition has already visited seven prominent locations across the UAE, including the World Media Congress, the National Archives and Library, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, the Erth Hotel, Manarat Al Saadiyat, 06 Mall, and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Future stops will include other key cultural and educational institutions, encouraging broader public participation in the award. 

Exhibition Highlights 

The traveling mobile exhibition showcases a curated collection of exceptional photographs from previous seasons of the "Spaces of Light" Award. These images convey themes of peace and tolerance, reaffirming the Centre’s belief in the power of visual art to foster intercultural dialogue. The exhibition has garnered significant public interest, featuring 32 breathtaking photographs that capture the architectural splendor of the Grand Mosque and its rich Islamic heritage, illustrating the harmony of cultures through artistic expression. 

Award and Participation 

For this year’s competition, the Centre is offering substantial cash prizes to the top three winners in each category, with a total prize fund of AED 850,000. Photographers and artists are invited to submit their work via the official website https://photo.szgmc.ae/. 

Since its inception, the "Spaces of Light" Photography Award has drawn participation from over 7,419 photographers from more than 70 countries, collectively submitting over 27,000 images. 

Prime Minister of Solomon Islands visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Jeremiah Manele, Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by Peter Shanel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands.

During their visit, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and his accompanying delegation toured the halls and external corridors of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, accompanied by Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, where they were briefed on the mosque's message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others, all of which are rooted in the principles and values established by the UAE’s Founding Father.

They also learned about the significant role played by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in promoting a tolerant Islamic culture and enhancing cultural communication between various cultures and peoples worldwide, further exploring the history of the grand structure, its aesthetic grandeur, and the exquisite art of Islamic architecture displayed in all its aspects.

At the end of the visit, the guest was presented with a copy of "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace". This publication provides a photographic journey through the mosque's architectural splendour, featuring award-winning images from the "Spaces of Light" Photography Award while highlighting the mosque's unique architectural artistry.

 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Strengthens Its Position on the Global Cultural Tourism Map, Coinciding with World Tourism Day

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre continues to solidify its position on the global cultural tourism map, offering a range of innovative services and initiatives that have turned it into a gathering place for cultures from around the world.

The Centre enriches the visitor experience through cultural tours available in Arabic, English, French, Russian, Hebrew, Mandarin, Korean, and Spanish, alongside specialized tours conducted in sign language. These tours provide an in-depth exploration of the mosque’s intricate Islamic architecture and the cultural narratives behind each design, underscoring the Centre’s mission to showcase Islamic art and heritage.

Reflecting its forward-thinking approach, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre offers "El-Delleel," a multimedia guide that provides immersive virtual tours in 14 languages, harnessing state-of-the-art augmented reality technology. Visitors are also invited to explore the mosque after hours through the exclusive "Sura" night tours, available from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., extending beyond regular visiting hours. Additionally, the "Unseen Glimpses from the Mosque" tour offers a unique cultural experience, allowing guests to spend an entire day at the mosque, with  club cars provided for convenience. These tours can be booked in advance via the Centre’s website, www.szgmc.gov.ae.

In celebration of World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27, the Centre has organised a series of cultural tours for visitors, highlighting the mosque’s pivotal role in promoting cultural tourism within the UAE. Over the years, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has become a key destination for both domestic and international tourists, establishing itself as an essential stop on any itinerary. The mosque plays a significant role in the cultural and tourism landscape of the nation.

In recent years, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has cemented its status as one of the most important tourist destinations in the region and the world, welcoming nearly 7 million visitors annually. These guests are introduced to the stunning beauty of its Islamic architecture, which reflects the richness of Islamic civilization and emphasises values of tolerance, coexistence, and fraternity.

Speaker of Somalia's Senate visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, Speaker of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Somalia, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by Mohammed Al Yamahi and Mohammed Al Dhohori, members of the Federal National Council (FNC).

During their visit, Abdi Hashi Abdullahi and his accompanying delegation toured the halls and external corridors of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, accompanied by Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, and were briefed on the mosque's message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others, all of which are rooted in the principles and values established by the UAE’s founding father.

They also learned about the significant role played by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in promoting a tolerant Islamic culture and enhancing cultural communication between various cultures and peoples worldwide, further exploring the history of the grand structure, its aesthetic grandeur, and the exquisite art of Islamic architecture displayed in all its aspects.

At the end of the visit, the guest was presented with a copy of "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace". This publication from the Centre which offers a photographic journey through the mosque's architectural splendour, featuring award-winning images from the "Spaces of Light" Photography Award and highlighting the mosque's unique architectural artistry.

Brazilian FM visits SZGM

 Mauro Vieira, Brazil's Minister of Foreign Affairs, has visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM), accompanied by the Brazilian Ambassador to the UAE, Sidney Leon Romero, and his accompanying delegation.

Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, accompanied Vieira on a tour of the mosque's halls and external corridors of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where they were briefed by the mosque officials on the mosque's message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others, all of which are rooted in the principles and values established by the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

They also learned about the mosque's history, its collection and aesthetic features of Islamic art and architecture that manifest in every corner of this grand edifice.

At the end of the visit, Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the guest was presented with a copy of “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace”. This publication from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre offers a photographic journey through the mosque's architectural splendour, featuring award-winning images from the "Spaces of Light" Photography Award and highlighting the mosque's unique architectural artistry.

Egyptian Foreign Minister visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, toured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by Sharif Eissa, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the UAE, and the accompanying delegation, as part of his official visit to the UAE.

During their visit, Dr. Badr Abdelatty and his delegation toured the halls and external corridors of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where they were briefed by the mosque officials on the mosque's message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others, all of which are rooted in the principles and values established by the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

At the end of the visit, the guest was presented with a copy of "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace." This publication from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre offers a photographic journey through the mosque's architectural splendour, featuring award-winning images from the "Spaces of Light" Photography Award and highlighting the mosque's unique architectural artistry.

Speaker of National Assembly of Djibouti visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Dileita Mohamed Dileita, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Djibouti, has visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

During their visit, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Djibouti and his delegation, toured the halls and external corridors of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, accompanied by Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, along FNC members Mohammed Ahmed Hassan Al Dhahouri and Mohammed Al Yamahi.

They were briefed on the mosque's message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others, all of which are rooted in the principles and values established by the UAE’s Founding Father.

They also learned about the significant role played by the Centre in promoting a tolerant Islamic culture and enhancing cultural communication between different cultures and peoples worldwide, further exploring the history of the grand structure, its aesthetic grandeur, and the exquisite art of Islamic architecture displayed in all its aspects.

At the end of the visit, the guest was presented with a gift that encapsulates the mosque's beauty: floral mosaic designs of the exterior columns, a compass inspired by the mosque's chandeliers, and a copy of "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace." This publication from the Centre offers a photographic journey through the mosque's architectural splendour, featuring award-winning images from the "Spaces of Light" Photography Award and highlighting the mosque's unique architectural artistry.

Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya, has visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

During their visit, Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi and his delegation toured the halls and external corridors of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, accompanied by Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.

They were briefed on the mosque's message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others, all of which are rooted in the principles and values established by the UAE’s Founding Father.

They also learned about the significant role played by the Centre in promoting a tolerant Islamic culture and enhancing cultural communication between different cultures and peoples worldwide, further exploring the history of the grand structure, its aesthetic grandeur, and the exquisite art of Islamic architecture displayed in all its aspects.

At the end of the visit, the guest was presented with a gift that encapsulates the mosque's beauty: floral mosaic designs of the exterior columns, a compass inspired by the mosque's chandeliers, and a copy of "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace." This publication from the Centre offers a photographic journey through the mosque's architectural splendour, featuring award-winning images from the "Spaces of Light" Photography Award and highlighting the mosque's unique architectural artistry.

31% Increase from the First Half of Last Year Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi Welcomes Over 4.37 Million Worshippers and Visitors in the First Half of 2024

More than 2,958 cultural tours conveyed the message and culture of the United Arab Emirates, embodying peace and coexistence with various cultures worldwide.

 

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi received 4,379,258 worshippers and visitors in the first half of this year, a 31% increase compared to the same period last year. This number included 1,765,698 worshippers and fasting individuals and 2,584,425 visitors, while the number of users of the jogging track reached 29,135.

Details of Worshipper Numbers:

The number of worshippers who attended Friday prayers at the mosque reached 149,666, with 348,573 performing daily prayers and 617,458 worshippers attending prayers during Ramadan and the two Eids. On the 27th of Ramadan, 1445 AH (5th of April), the mosque saw the highest number of worshippers in its history, with 87,186 attending, including 70,680 who observed the 27th night of Ramadan.

As part of the "Our Fasting Guests" project, the Centre prepared 2,150,000 iftar meals, 650,001 of which were served within the mosque and 1.5 million meals distributed to labor cities in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, 30,000 suhoor meals were distributed during the last ten days of Ramadan.

81% of Visitors from Outside the Country:

The Centre strengthened its position on the global cultural tourism map, with 81% of visitors coming from outside the UAE and 19% being residents. Asia topped the list of visitors by continent at 52%, followed by Europe at 34%, North America at 7%, Africa and South America at 3% each, and Australia at 1%.

Visitor Country Rankings:

India ranked first with 22% of total visitors, followed by China at 11%, Russia at 8%, Germany and the USA at 4% each, France, Italy, the UK, and Pakistan at 3% each, and the Philippines at 2%. The second day of Eid Al-Fitr saw the highest number of visitors, with 32,722.

 

Cultural Tours:

The cultural tour specialists at the Centre conducted 2,958 tours attended by 41,957 visitors from around the world. The first half of the year saw 823 bookings for official delegations, with 13,655 participants. The mosque welcomed 170 high-level delegations, including visits from 3 heads of state, one vice president, 4 prime ministers, 2 parliamentary speakers, and 35 ministers.

All participants in the cultural tours were introduced to the mosque's message of tolerance and cultural communication, the unique Islamic architecture, and the world-class experiences and services offered.

The Centre has introduced several experiences that contributed to the increase in visitors, such as the "Unseen Glimpse of the Mosque" tours, which offer cultural tours in club cars showcasing exclusive details of the mosque. The night cultural tours (Sura) for visitors, available outside official working hours, were designed to allow visitors to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the country, especially those on transit flights, to visit the mosque. Visitors also benefit from the "El-Delleel" service, a multimedia device offering virtual cultural tours in 14 global languages, enabling 24-hour mosque visits. Additionally, "Souq Al-Jami’" provides a diverse experience with over 50 commercial units, including restaurants, shops, kiosks, and entertainment areas, catering to the needs of family members of all ages. Children can enjoy activities at Fun Block and the Kingdom Martial Arts Academy. More information is available at www.souqaljami.ae.

Advanced Global Rankings:

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has been recognized as one of the top cultural and historical landmarks globally as a result of its various initiatives and projects. According to a report by TripAdvisor, the mosque has achieved high rankings in several categories. In the "Top Attractions" category, it was ranked first in the Middle East. In the "Top Experiences" category, it secured the second position in the Middle East for the "Dubai to Abu Dhabi Tour" experience, which includes visits to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and Etihad Towers. Additionally, in the "Cultural and Historical Experiences" category, the mosque was ranked third globally.