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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre launches the first episode of the Contributions of Muslim Scholars series

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has released the first episode of the “Contributions of Muslim Scholars” series, launched in conjunction with the Centre’s new initiative that celebrates the enduring civilizational role of Muslim scholars throughout history and highlights their pioneering scientific contributions that formed the foundation of many modern sciences. The initiative reflects the UAE vision of preserving human cultural heritage and aligns with the cultural mission embodied by the Centre’s "Noor and Salaam" Museum, which serves as a platform that introduces global audiences to the depth of Islamic civilization and its universal human values.

The inaugural episode serves as an introductory gateway that provides viewers with a clear overview of the initiative and its cultural and civilizational messages. It highlights the first phase of the series, which focuses on the contributions of Muslim scholars in the fields of astronomy and mathematics. The Centre will continue producing and releasing upcoming episodes, aiming to underscore the pivotal role of Islamic civilization in advancing scientific progress throughout history, while showcasing the achievements of Muslim scholars across various fields of knowledge and documenting this legacy through an engaging, contemporary format accessible to diverse audiences.

The Centre produced the series through its highly skilled national cadre, who leveraged their expertise in integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the design and production of the content, ensuring high quality and effectively conveying the series’ cultural messages. This includes the introduction of a narrator character representing the Emirati identity, as well as visual scenes that reflect the cultural and historical depth of Islamic civilization, blending elements of the past and present within a dynamic narrative style.

In conjunction with the initiative, the Centre also launched a comprehensive programme of cultural events and activities, including an exhibition held inside the “Dome of Peace” documenting the contributions of Muslim scholars, in addition to panel discussions, a visual cultural series, and activities that enrich the cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi.

The “Contributions of Muslim Scholars” Exhibition is open to visitors during the mosque’s official visiting hours. The public may follow updates on the initiative’s events and activities through the Centre’s official website: www.szgmc.gov.ae and on Instagram at @szgmc_ae.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre launches Contributions of Muslim Scholars initiative to safeguard shared human cultural heritage

Programme spotlights the achievements of Muslim astronomers and mathematicians, linking new generations to the roots of scientific renaissance

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has launched the “Contributions of Muslim Scholars” initiative in response to directives from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, to highlight the civilisational role of Muslim scholars across the ages. The initiative aims to showcase the pioneering scientific contributions of Islamic civilisation and the role Muslim scholars played in laying the foundations of many modern sciences.

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision of safeguarding shared human cultural heritage and extends the cultural message embodied by the Light & Peace Museum at the Centre, positioned as a platform that introduces the world to the depth of Islamic civilisation and its human values.

As part of the initiative, the Centre has rolled out an integrated programme of cultural events and activities, including an exhibition documenting Muslim scholars’ contributions, discussion sessions, a visual cultural series, and activities that enrich Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape. Through these programmes, the Mosque reinforces its role as a platform of knowledge and civilisation. The launch of the initiative was attended by His Excellency Dr. Omar Habtour Al Derei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat; His Excellency Dr. Sab’a Salem Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the UAE Council for Fatwa; His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director-General of the National Library and Archives; His Excellency Emilio Benjumea Gutiérrez, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the UAE; His Excellency Kamal R. Vaswani, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the UAE; along with a number of specialists, enthusiasts, and school students. The event marked the inauguration of the initiative’s first theme, titled “Astronomy and Mathematics,” which spans three months and highlights the pioneering role of Muslim scholars in these fields, offering an enriching knowledge-based experience for visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds.

On the occasion, His Excellency Dr Yousif Alobaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, said: “The launch of the Contributions of Muslim Scholars initiative is in line with the wise vision of our leadership, and embodies the Centre’s commitment to its cultural and knowledge role in strengthening concepts of cultural identity and deepening awareness of the essence of Islamic culture and what it has offered in human and scientific contributions that played a pivotal role in building human civilisation. The initiative reflects the Centre’s keenness to highlight the bright image of Islamic culture and to introduce its openness and scientific depth in ways that enrich the experience of visitors from different cultures.” 

He added: “The initiative’s activities were designed to bring together knowledge content, innovative presentation methods and interactive experiences, in a way that strengthens civilisational communication, aligns with the UAE’s vision of safeguarding intellectual heritage and connecting generations with the elements of their Islamic culture and its values, and does so by re-reading Islamic scientific history as a renewed source of inspiration that stimulates research and innovation. It also affirms knowledge as a bridge for convergence between civilisations and a tool for building a more hopeful and future.”

“Contributions of Muslim Scholars” exhibition

The exhibition enables visitors to explore landmark scientific contributions by Muslim scholars in astronomy and mathematics through rare manuscripts and artefacts that serve as historical testimony to Islamic scientific heritage. It offers an interactive, multimedia-supported experience featuring notable items including: Nihayat al-Idrak fi Ma‘rifat al-Ajram al-Samawiyyah by Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi; Khulasah Wafiyah li-Utruhat fi ‘Ilm al-Falak wa al-Riyadiyyat by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi; an Arabic celestial globe from the Borgia Museum in Velletri; a qibla compass, “Da’irat al-Mu‘adil”, dated 1298 AH; and the “al-Rub‘ al-Mujib” instrument dated 1136 AH, among the oldest crafted by Muhammad bin Ahmad al-Battuti.

The Centre said the exhibition will continue to introduce new scientific themes in the coming periods to explore how Islamic culture helped pave the way for a scientific renaissance whose influence continues globally to this day.

Cultural discussion sessions

A cultural discussion session was held, highlighting multiple aspects of Islamic scientific heritage through presentations delivered by a select group of specialists and experts. Adnan Al-Rais — Assistant Director General, Space Operations and Exploration Sector, at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre — presented the first theme, “UAE Achievements in Astronomy and Space Sciences”. 

Professor Mashhoor Ahmad Salameh delivered the second presentation, titled “The Golden Age of Astronomy and Mathematics in Islamic Civilisation”. 

The session concluded with a third presentation by Professor Masoud Idris, Professor of Islamic History and Civilisation at the University of Sharjah and Director of the Sharjah International Foundation for the History of Sciences among Arabs and Muslims, titled: “Astronomy and Mathematics: A Bridge Between Civilisational Heritage and Modern Sciences”, drawing on Islamic manuscripts in astronomy and mathematics. The Centre will continue to organise cultural discussion sessions under the initiative, in support of its civilisational message.

Cultural series

In parallel with the launch of the initiative, the Centre released the first episode of the “Contributions of Muslim Scholars” series, produced for the occasion. The opening episode serves as an entry point, introducing the initiative and its civilisational messages and values, while highlighting its first phase focused on the contributions of Muslim scholars in astronomy and mathematics. The Centre will continue producing and publishing episodes to showcase the role of Islamic civilisation in advancing scientific knowledge across history, highlight the pioneering role Muslim scholars played in diverse scientific fields, and document their civilisational legacy in a contemporary, engaging format designed for all audiences.

The series is produced by highly skilled Emirati teams at the Centre, who have used artificial intelligence capabilities in design and production to ensure efficiency and quality, reflecting the core idea and civilisational messages of the episodes. This includes portraying a narrator character representing Emirati identity, alongside scenes that reflect the cultural and historical dimension of Islamic civilisation, blending the spirit of past and present through narrative storytelling.

A cultural platform for all

The exhibition’s location in the Dome of Peace offers visitors the opportunity to enrich their experience by visiting the Light & Peace Museum, which provides a comprehensive glimpse into Islamic civilisation and its intellectual and artistic output across the ages, through rare artefacts and interactive experiences that employ the latest technologies. The visitor journey is complemented by the 360-degree “Diya” experience, which uses sound and light to deliver an immersive and inspiring sensory encounter.

In this context, the Centre noted that the initiative’s exhibition extends its wider cultural efforts, as part of a programme of permanent and temporary exhibitions that reinforce the Mosque’s position as a global hub for cultural dialogue — including “Hajj: A Journey in Memory”, “Al-Andalus: History and Civilisation”, and “Islamic Coins: A History Unveiled”.

Visits to the “Contributions of Muslim Scholars” exhibition are available during the Mosque’s official visiting hours: Saturday to Thursday from 9:00am to 9:00pm; and Fridays from 9:00am to 12:00pm, and from 3:00pm to 9:00pm. The public can view the agenda of events and accompanying activities via the Centre’s website www.szgmc.gov.ae, and through its Instagram platform @szgmc_ae.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi welcomes nearly 7 million guests in 2025, achieving its highest annual figure on record and marking a 4% increase year on year

• More than 4,000 cultural tours conveyed the message and culture of the United Arab Emirates, rooted in peace and coexistence across the world’s diverse cultures.
• The Mosque welcomed 1,890,144 guests—worshippers and visitors—during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr.
• The Centre distributed 2,625,568 iftar and suhoor meals through the ‘Our Fasting Guests’ initiative.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre received 6,846,723 guests in 2025, representing a 4% increase compared to 2024, and recording the highest annual figure in its history. The number of worshippers reached 1,531,192, including 257,859 who performed Friday (Jumu‘ah) prayers, 697,961 who performed daily prayers, and 575,372 who attended during Ramadan and the two Eids. The number of iftar guests reached 898,767, while the number of visitors totalled 4,331,046. Users of The Mosque Promenade reached 85,718.

Guests from outside the UAE comprised 82% of total visitors, while UAE residents represented 18%. Asia topped the list of guests by continent at 49%, followed by Europe at 33%, North America at 11%, Africa and South America at 3% each, and Australia at 1%.

By nationality, India ranked first at 20% of total guests, followed by China at 9%; Russia and the United States came third at 8% each. Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy ranked fourth at 3% each, followed by the Philippines and Pakistan at 2% each.

Cultural tours and official visits

A total of 55,730 guests joined the cultural tours delivered by the Centre’s cultural tour specialists, across 4,031 tours. In addition, 21,988 guests were received as part of official delegations, with 1,564 bookings recorded. The Mosque also welcomed 335 high level delegations, including visits by 9 heads of state, 2 vice presidents, 4 state governors and 1 deputy governor, 8 sheikhs and princes, 12 prime ministers and 2 deputy prime ministers, 6 parliamentary speakers and 1 deputy speaker, 78 ministers, 25 deputy ministers, 51 ambassadors and consuls, 3 deputy ambassadors/consuls, one visit by religious denominations, 70 visits from the military sector, and 62 official visits by delegations from various entities.

During Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, the total number of guests reached 1,890,144 (worshippers and visitors). Throughout the holy month and the Eid Al Fitr holiday, 594,236 performed prayers at the Mosque: 193,435 attended Isha and Taraweeh, 195,987 attended Tahajjud, 72,533 marked the 27th night of Ramadan, and 26,025 performed Eid Al Fitr prayer. During the same period, the Mosque received 391,011 visitors. Over the Eid Al Fitr holiday days, total guests reached 122,819, including 57,629 worshippers and 64,959 visitors—reflecting a 10% increase compared to 1445H.

‘Our Fasting Guests’ initiative

Through the ‘Our Fasting Guests’ initiative, the Centre distributed 2,625,568 iftar and suhoor meals, sponsored by the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation, and delivered in partnership with Erth Hotel. This included 898,767 meals at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Abu Dhabi, 442,345 meals at Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Grand Mosque in Al Ain, 1,160,000 meals in labour accommodations in Abu Dhabi, 105,935 meals in various areas across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and 19,000 suhoor meals distributed at the Mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan.

Enriching cultural experiences

Throughout the year, the Centre continued enhancing guests’ experiences by developing its cultural tours and diversifying services, including the Souq Al Jami’ marketplace, ensuring varied experiences suited to different audiences. The Centre also strengthened its civilisational presence locally and internationally through initiatives such as ‘Minarets of the Two Capitals’ in Moscow as part of the Jusoor Program, and participation in the St. Petersburg International Forum of Religions.

The Light & Peace Museum welcomed 47,266 visitors, while Diya – A Universe of Light immersive experience received 45,699 visitors. The Al Jami’ Library welcomed 5,930 visitors. The Centre organised a range of cultural activations, including the Australian exhibition ‘Boundless Plains’, ‘Memory of Place’ in collaboration with the National Archives and Library, and ‘Artistic Features… Inspirations from Light & Peace’. It also delivered 16 cultural workshops involving 14 schools and 331 students, using innovative approaches to introduce them to the richness of Islamic culture.

The Centre further advanced its religious and cultural content by publishing 330 episodes across 12 knowledge series, including Kursi Al Jami’, Wamda Fiqhiyyah, The Most Beautiful Names of Allah, Minbar Al Jami’, Architecture and Arts, Gheras Al Qiyam, and Rare Books and Manuscripts. It launched an audio edition of “Houses of Allah: From the Great Mosque of Kairouan to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque”, alongside translated versions in Spanish, French, and Mandarin, in addition to publishing “Light & Peace” in support of the museum’s content, and the children’s story “Dīrat Al Durūr wa Al Tawāli‘”, which encapsulates ancestral knowledge. The Centre also continued its pivotal role in the Hijri calendar project, enriching the content of the 1447H edition on scholarly, Sharia, and astronomical foundations.

The Centre’s affiliated mosques

The Centre continued enriching the experiences of worshippers and visitors at its affiliated mosques, with guest numbers in 2025 recording notable growth compared to the previous year. Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque in Al Ain welcomed 1,032,320 guests, marking a significant 95% increase compared to 2024. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah received 660,110 guests, achieving a 10% increase. Meanwhile, the number of worshippers at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Ras Al Khaimah reached 147,348, reflecting a 35% increase compared to 2024—underscoring growing attendance at these religious and cultural landmarks and their expanding role in serving guests from diverse cultures.

Global standing and a stronger presence on the tourism and cultural landscape

These figures reflect the stature of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s most prominent religious, cultural, and tourism destinations, and its role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s cultural and tourism momentum by welcoming millions of guests annually, reinforcing the capital’s position as a global destination for civilisational dialogue and tolerance.

As part of ongoing efforts to elevate the guest experience and strengthen international visibility, the Centre achieved advanced positions among the world’s leading cultural and historical destinations, according to the travel and tourism platform Tripadvisor. The Mosque ranked 8th globally among the top 25 destinations worldwide,rising two places compared to last year, and maintained 1st place in the Middle East within the list of the region’s top ten landmarks.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre names winners of inaugural Dhay photography contest

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has announced the winners of the first edition of the Dhay Photography Competition, held under the theme “Reflection”.

The results were revealed on the Centre’s digital platforms. Adarsh Kuruvath of the Republic of India took first place, followed by Alisha Bamrel Sarki of the Republic of Nepal in second. Riyas Kulangarakath, also of the Republic of India, secured third place.

A rich cultural output

From 1 November to 3 December 2025, the competition attracted more than 700 photographers from around the world, who submitted 971 photographs. The inaugural edition centred on the theme of “Reflection”, offering participants a platform to explore the concept across its many forms and settings. Entrants drew on reflective surfaces — including water, glass, marble, metals, mirrors, and more — to present visually compelling works marked by aesthetic refinement and human depth.

Dhay returns for its second edition during the holy month of Ramadan

The Centre will launch the second edition of the “Dhay” Photography Competition during the holy month of Ramadan, with a focus on the atmosphere and spirit of the blessed month. Further details will be announced in due course. Interested participants can follow updates on the award’s account: @spacesoflight.

Spaces of Light Award: global leadership in photography

The “Dhay” Photography Competition is positioned as an artistic extension of the Spaces of Light Photography Award, reflecting the Centre’s belief in photography as a shared, universal language. Across eight editions since its launch in 2010, the award has drawn more than 12,300 photographers from over 70 countries, who have submitted nearly 30,000 works. 

H.E. the Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre’s Statement on Martyrs’ Day

Martyrs’ Day stands as a profound national occasion in which we honor the heroic sacrifices of our sons and their families, individuals who have etched unparalleled stories of loyalty and devotion, affirming that love for the homeland is beyond measure. On this solemn and noble day, we proudly draw inspiration from their enduring legacy, which reflects the highest ideals of courage, selflessness, and dedication in safeguarding the security and stability of our beloved nation. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting the UAE’s achievements and to continuing the journey of building, progress, and service across all fields, ensuring that our nation continues to ascend to ever-greater heights.

H.E. Dr. Yousif Alobaidli
Director-General, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre

Prime Minister of Canada Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Excellency Abdulrahman Ali Al Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to Canada, and His Excellency Radha Krishna Pandey, Canada’s Ambassador to the UAE, along with the accompanying delegation.

The delegation toured the mosque’s halls and external corridors, accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. His Excellency Dr. Al Obaidli outlined the history of the mosque’s establishment and its cultural mission, grounded in the values of coexistence, tolerance, and openness—principles inspired by the legacy of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He also highlighted the Centre’s role in presenting the essence of moderate Islamic culture and strengthening avenues of cultural engagement worldwide.

Cultural Tour Specialist Aisha Mubarak provided an in-depth explanation of the mosque’s artistic and architectural features, highlighting refined expressions of Islamic civilisation across centuries—traditions that, despite their diversity, come together in the mosque’s design to embody harmony and unity in a single creative form.

The Prime Minister and the delegation also visited the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, reflecting on his enduring legacy and the far-reaching vision that laid the foundations for a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

On the sidelines of the visit, His Excellency remarked:
“What an extraordinary privilege to receive such an expert demonstration and guide to an absolutely extraordinary monument… apart from the sheer beauty and the inspiration that it provides, it unifies in so many different ways… it is truly humbling, inspiring for me to see… and a testament to Sheikh Zayed, a testament to the Emirati people to have conceived, created, built, and shared this with humanity… “

At the conclusion of the visit, the  guest a commemorative gift reflecting the mosque’s artistic identity, a compass inspired by the design of its chandeliers, and a copy of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace, which showcases the mosque’s distinctive architectural character through a photographic journey featuring award-winning images from the “Spaces of Light” Photography Award.

Prime Minister of Tuvalu Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Feleti Penitala Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Tausaga Teo; His Excellency Dr. Tauisi Menit Taubo, Ambassador of Tuvalu to the UAE; and the accompanying delegation.

His Excellency and the delegation toured the mosque’s halls and external arcades, accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, who briefed them on the history of the mosque’s establishment and its civilisational message promoting coexistence, tolerance, and openness — values inspired by the noble legacy of the Founding Father. He also highlighted the Centre’s prominent role in presenting the principles of the Islamic culture and fostering cultural exchange among nations worldwide.

Hashar Al Zaabi, Cultural Tours Specialist at the Centre, provided His Excellency and the delegation with an in-depth explanation of the mosque’s aesthetic features and the remarkable Islamic architectural artistry evident throughout its design. He outlined how diverse artistic and engineering traditions from across the Islamic world harmoniously converge in the mosque’s architecture, reflecting the beauty of cultural unity in a single creative masterpiece.

The delegation also visited the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “may he rest in peace,” reflecting on his wise legacy and the values he instilled — values that continue to uphold the principles of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among peoples worldwide.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Prime Minister was presented with a commemorative gift reflecting the beauty of the mosque, along with a compass inspired by the design of its chandeliers, and a copy of the book “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:  Lights of Peace,” which showcases the mosque’s distinctive architectural artistry and takes readers on a visual journey through a collection of award-winning photographs from the “Spaces of Light” competition.

President of the Republic of Fiji Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Ratu Naivama Lalabalavu, President of the Republic of Fiji, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Excellency Sainaila Lagai, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Fiji to the UAE, and the accompanying delegation.

His Excellency and the delegation toured the mosque’s halls and external arcades, accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, who briefed them on the history of the mosque’s establishment and its civilisational message promoting coexistence, tolerance, and openness — values inspired by the noble legacy of the Founding Father. He also highlighted the significant role of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in presenting the principles of the Islamic culture and enhancing cultural communication among nations around the world.

Hamad Al Baloushi, Cultural Tours Specialist at the Centre, provided His Excellency and the delegation with a detailed explanation of the mosque’s aesthetic features and the outstanding Islamic architectural artistry evident throughout its design. He highlighted how diverse artistic and engineering traditions from across the Islamic world, despite their differences, harmoniously converge in the mosque’s architecture, reflecting the beauty of cultural unity in a single creative masterpiece.

At the conclusion of the visit, the President was presented with a commemorative gift reflecting the beauty of the mosque, along with a compass whose design is inspired by its chandeliers, and a copy of the book “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace,” which showcases the mosque’s unique architectural artistry and takes readers on a visual journey through a collection of award-winning photographs from the “Spaces of Light” competition.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Organises a Series of Cultural Workshops for School Students in Collaboration with the Ministry of Education

As part of its commitment to providing an interactive environment that nurtures creative thinking among young generations, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) organised two cultural workshops at Al Jami’ Library, with the participation of 45 students from schools across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The workshops form part of a series of seven cultural sessions hosted by the Centre throughout September and October 2025.

An Initiative Aligned with the Centre’s Cultural Vision

This initiative reflects the Centre’s vision to host and organise educational and interactive activities targeting diverse age groups, enriching the intellectual and cultural awareness of youth, and encouraging students to become part of the cultural scene of Al Jami’ Library.

The workshops come under the umbrella of the “Al Shabab Al Bani” programme, which encompasses the Centre’s initiatives and activities dedicated to nurturing Emirati youth.
The programme aims to invest in the potential of the younger generation and refine their intellectual and creative skills through innovative and interactive programmes that help build their capacities and broaden their cultural and cognitive horizons.

Workshops Exploring Cultural Themes and Modern Technologies

The workshops began with an introductory tour of Al Jami’ Library, during which students explored its sections, collections, and the knowledge resources it offers to researchers and enthusiasts.
The sessions addressed a range of cultural and artistic themes, including the aesthetics, ornamentation, and history of mosque architecture, along with a practical workshop on employing artificial intelligence in story creation.

Students took part in a hands-on exercise writing a story about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque that reflected its history, cultural and humanitarian messages, and distinctive architectural beauty.

The cultural workshops also included tours of the Light & Peace Museum and the Diya – A Universe of Light immersive experience, where students explored artefacts and exhibits that highlight the richness of Islamic civilisation and its continuous dialogue with cultures around the world.

Al Jami’ Library: A Gateway to Knowledge and Culture

Al Jami’ Library stands as a leading knowledge hub, housing more than 8,000 rare and specialised books and periodicals in 14 languages, together with 31 publications issued by the Centre in the fields of Arab and Islamic culture.
Since its establishment in 2010, the library has continued to play a pivotal role in enhancing the UAE’s cultural landscape and promoting the contributions of Islamic civilisation to science and the arts.
Through its valuable manuscripts and rare collections, the library continues to serve as a bridge of cultural exchange between nations and civilisations.

President of the Republic of Palau Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, and the accompanying delegation visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

His Excellency and his delegation toured the mosque’s halls and outer arcades, where they were introduced to the history of its establishment and its civilisational message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others — values inspired by the noble legacy of the Founding Father. They also learned about the pivotal role of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in presenting the essence of Islamic culture and fostering cultural communication among peoples and nations around the world.

Mohamed Al Shamsi, Cultural Tour Specialist at the Centre, gave His Excellency and the delegation a detailed explanation of the mosque’s architectural beauty and the splendour of Islamic art reflected in its design. He highlighted how the mosque brings together a variety of artistic and architectural styles that harmoniously converge in one creative expression, symbolising the beauty of unity in diversity.

The President and his delegation also visited the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recalling his legacy and wise vision that laid the foundations for a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among nations.

On the sidelines of the visit, His Excellency remarked:

"Well thank you for this incredible opportunity to visit this mosque, and I think most importantly the message that this mosque is a symbol of tolerance and people coming together. Today has been really an amazing experience .”

At the end of the visit, His Excellency was presented with a commemorative gift reflecting the mosque’s artistic elegance — a compass inspired by the design of its chandeliers — together with a copy of “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Lights of Peace”, which highlights the mosque’s architectural brilliance and offers a visual journey through a selection of award-winning photographs from the “Spaces of Light” competition.