SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE CENTRE

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque- Abu Dhabi Welcomes Over 6.5 Million Worshippers and Visitors in 2024, Marking a 20% Increase from the Previous Year

Over 5,600 Cultural Tours Showcase the UAE’s Message of Peace and Coexistence

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi welcomed 6,582,993 worshippers and visitors in the past year, marking a 20% increase compared to 2023. This included 2,259,275 worshippers and those fasting and 4,262,781 tourists, while 60,937 visitors utilized the mosque’s jogging track.

Among the total worshippers, 281,941 attended Friday prayers, while 709,875 participated in daily prayers. Ramadan and Eid prayers attracted 617,458 worshippers, with the 27th night of Ramadan 1445H (April 5) witnessing a record-breaking 87,186 attendees, including 70,680 worshippers, the highest number in the mosque’s history.

As part of the ‘Our Fasting Guests’ initiative, the Centre prepared 2,150,000 iftar meals, with 650,001 meals distributed within the mosque’s premises and 1.5 million meals delivered to labor accommodations across Abu Dhabi. Additionally, 30,000 Suhoor meals were provided during the last ten nights of Ramadan.

81% of Mosque Visitors from Outside the UAE

Reaffirming its status as a leading cultural tourism destination, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre recorded that 81% of its visitors in 2024 were international tourists, while 19% were residents of the UAE.

Among global visitors, Asia led with 52%, followed by Europe (33%), North America (8%), Africa (3%), South America (3%), and Australia (1%).

In terms of visitor nationalities, India topped the list with 841,980 visitors, followed by China (397,048), Russia (293,667), the United States (204,018), Germany (149,277), the United Kingdom (127,691), France (124,691), Italy (113,204), Pakistan (104,166), and the Philippines (86,898).

The highest single-day attendance was recorded on the second day of Eid al-Fitr (April 11), with 32,722 worshippers and visitors.

Meanwhile, the Centre’s cultural tour specialists conducted 5,607 guided tours , attracting 75,752 visitors from around the world. Additionally, 1,510 official delegation bookings were recorded, with 23,951 attendees taking part in guided experiences that highlighted the mosque’s cultural, religious, and architectural significance.

The mosque also welcomed 309 high-level delegations, including visits from 8 heads of state, a vice president, 3 state governors, 4 sheikhs and princes, 9 prime ministers, 7 deputy prime ministers, 11 parliament speakers, 63 ministers, 18 deputy ministers, 49 ambassadors and consuls, and 10 deputy ambassadors and consuls. Furthermore, 5 interfaith delegations, 62 military delegations, and 54 official delegations from various institutions visited the mosque. All attendees participated in cultural tours that provided insights into the mosque’s message of tolerance and civilizational dialogue, while also showcasing its unique Islamic architecture, visitor experiences, and world-class services.

The Centre further introduced a range of experiences that contributed to the increase in worshipper and visitor numbers, offering unique and immersive cultural journeys tailored to enhance the mosque’s visitor experience.

Among these initiatives is the ‘Unseen Glimpses’ tour, which takes visitors on exclusive guided explorations aboard club cars, unveiling hidden details of the mosque’s architecture and history that are not typically accessible in standard tours.

The Centre also launched the ‘Sura’ evening cultural tours, available from 10 PM to 8 AM, allowing guests—especially transit passengers—to experience the mosque’s serene atmosphere during the quieter nighttime hours. Participants gain rare insights into the mosque’s exceptional maintenance and cleaning processes, while also enjoying a tranquil and reflective ambiance that defines the mosque at night.

Visitors can also benefit from ‘El-Delleel’, a multimedia eGuide available in 14 languages, providing virtual cultural tours for an enhanced self-guided experience.

Additionally, ‘Souq Al Jami’ offers a diverse shopping and dining experience, featuring over 50 retail units, including restaurants, boutiques, kiosks, and entertainment spaces designed to cater to visitors of all ages. More details on the services available at Souq Al Jami’ can be accessed through www.souqaljami.ae.

The ‘Light & Peace Museum’

In the past year, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, inaugurated the ‘Light & Peace Museum’ at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, unveiling the ‘Diya – A Universe of Light’ immersive experience within the Peace Dome.

The museum features five sections: ‘Tolerance – A Guiding Light,’ ‘Sanctity and Worship – The Three Grand Mosques,’ ‘Precision and Beauty – The Spirit of Invention,’ ‘Tolerance and Openness – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque,’ and ‘Universal Coexistence’; besides a dedicated family and children's section. The museum offers interactive exhibits that incorporate advanced multimedia technologies, showcasing rare and unique artifacts that reflect the museum’s message while providing engaging sensory storytelling, allowing visitors to actively engage with its rich cultural content and fostering dialogue between civilizations.

A key highlight of the museum is the ‘Diya – A Universe of Light’ interactive experience, a 360-degree immersive light display enhanced with sensory and auditory effects, including wind simulations that further elevate the experience.

Since its inauguration in late November, the museum has drawn significant interest from dignitaries, scholars, and enthusiasts of Islamic civilization and arts, welcoming 9,728 visitors to date.

115 Episodes of Cultural Series

In 2024, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre reaffirmed its pivotal role among Islamic thought institutions by presenting an enlightened image of Islam through its religious programs, which were introduced in a fresh new format. This included the launch of a series of short educational films inspired by the values of Islam.

As part of this initiative, the Centre introduced a new cultural video series titled ‘Kursi AlJami’, which explores various societal topics such as the best times for supplication, the meanings of the call to prayer, and interpretations of select Quranic verses, enriched by narratives from Islamic history and literature.

A second series, ‘Wamda Fiqhiyyah’, was also launched, featuring members of the UAE Council for Fatwa. This series focuses on religious and jurisprudential topics relevant to different segments of society, delivering content in a simplified manner that helps individuals understand their religious duties more effectively. Both series reinforce the mosque’s religious role and its commitment to serving the community.

The Centre continued to publish episodes of its existing religious and cultural series, including ‘The Beautiful Names of Allah,’ ‘Minbar Al Jami’, ‘Architecture and Arts,’ and ‘Gheras Al-Qiyam.’ It also produced the ‘Rare Books’ series, which presents excerpts from some of the most valuable and rare books housed in the mosque’s library. Additionally, through the ‘Manuscripts’ series, the Centre highlighted rare Islamic manuscripts available in microfiche format, offering the wider public insight into the historical treasures preserved within the library.

Throughout 2024, the Centre released 115 episodes across these cultural and religious series, further solidifying its mission to promote Islamic knowledge and heritage to a global audience.

New Publications

Last year, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre released its latest publication, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Lights of Peace, which takes readers on a visual journey through the mosque’s architectural beauty. The book features a collection of award-winning photographs from the ‘Spaces of Light’ Photography Award, showcasing the mosque’s distinctive architectural artistry.

In addition, the Centre published the Light & Peace Museum Catalogue and the Al-Andalus: History and Civilization Exhibition Catalogue, further enriching its collection of publications that document and celebrate Islamic heritage, architecture, and culture.

Preserving Islamic Cultural Heritage

In 2024, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre continued its efforts in the 1446H Hijri Calendar Project, ensuring its accuracy based on scientific, religious, and astronomical principles. The Centre enriched the 1446H Hijri Calendar with comprehensive and integrated content, including the wall-mounted ‘Roznamah’ calendar and the newly introduced desk edition.

The Centre also released an updated version of the ‘Hijri Calendar’ video series, presenting it in a fresh format. Additionally, the Centre enhanced the interactive smart application for the 1446H Hijri Calendar, making it accessible across all cities and regions in the UAE.

To further expand accessibility, the Centre launched the ‘Interactive Roznamah’, allowing users to explore detailed content of the wall-mounted calendar and track prayer times effortlessly throughout the year.

Leading Global Rankings

As a result of its diverse initiatives and projects, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has secured a top global ranking among the world’s premier cultural and historical landmarks. The mosque was ranked among the top 1% of tourist attractions worldwide and earned the title of the Middle East’s top cultural and historical attraction, according to TripAdvisor, the globally recognized travel and tourism platform.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Worship of the Argentine Republic Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Gerardo Vierci, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Worship of the Argentine Republic, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Excellency Saeed Al Qamzi, UAE Ambassador to Argentina, and His Excellency Agustín Molina Arámbari, Ambassador of Argentina to the UAE, along with the accompanying delegation.

During the visit, His Excellency and the delegation toured the mosque’s halls and outer corridors, where they learned about its civilizational message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness—values inspired by the legacy of the late founding father. They were also introduced to the significant role played by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in promoting the values of Islamic culture and fostering connections with diverse world cultures, distinguishing the mosque from other places of worship.

The delegation explored the history of the mosque’s establishment, its architectural magnificence, and the exquisite Islamic artistic features that adorn its every corner. They also viewed its unique collections, showcasing the finest artistic and architectural contributions of Islamic civilization throughout history. The mosque’s design, integrating diverse artistic influences, stands as a testament to the harmony and beauty of cultural fusion.

At the conclusion of the visit, the distinguished guest was presented with a copy of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Lights of Peace, the latest publication by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. This visually rich book takes readers on a photographic journey through the architectural beauty of the mosque, featuring award-winning images from the Spaces of Light competition that highlight its distinctive artistic and structural elegance.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Completes Preparations for Ramadan, Collaborating with Over 20 Government and Local Entities to Serve More Than Two Million Worshippers, Fasting Guests, and Visitors

Centre’s core value: We volunteer to give back to our homeland.

Over 8,000 Parking Spaces and More Than 70 Electric Vehicles for Worshipper Transportation, Along with a Range of Services Catering to Various Community Needs

The Centre has ensured the availability of more than 70 club cars to facilitate the transportation of worshippers from the parking areas to the prayer halls. These vehicles have been strategically deployed across the mosque’s premises, with priority given to the elderly and people of determination. In addition, SZGMC has designated 8,379 parking spaces for worshippers, including 1,500 spaces exclusively for women on the northern side, ensuring proximity to their designated prayer halls. The Centre has also allocated over 60 parking spaces for people of determination, including new spaces introduced this year in collaboration with relevant authorities, bringing the total number of additional parking spaces to 1,800 along Grand Mosque Street, adjacent to Al Ta’ayush Gate (Gate 7).

The designated teams have completed road planning within the mosque premises, clearly marking pedestrian and bicycle lanes to facilitate safe and convenient movement for visitors. Additionally, directional signage has been installed throughout the mosque, including parking areas, to guide visitors seamlessly to various facilities.

Over 80,000 Iftar Meals Distributed Daily

As part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility, SZGMC, in collaboration with its long-term strategic partner Erth Abu Dhabi Hotel, will provide more than 35,000 Iftar meals daily within the mosque. In addition, 45,000 Iftar meals will be distributed daily in cooperation with ZonesCorp, benefiting fasting individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Ramadan Cannon – A Timeless Emirati Tradition

Upholding Emirati traditions, the Centre has partnered with the Ministry of Defense to announce the beginning of Ramadan and daily Iftar times through the traditional Ramadan Cannon, in coordination with the Moon-Sighting Committee. The cannon will be fired daily from the mosque grounds, offering visitors a firsthand experience of this heritage practice. The event will be broadcast live on Abu Dhabi Media’s channels, including Abu Dhabi TV and Al Emarat TV.

Comprehensive Services for a Comfortable Worship Experience

In preparation for Ramadan, SZGMC has carried out extensive technical inspections and optimizations of the mosque’s sound systems. Mobile information desks will be positioned throughout the mosque to assist visitors and worshippers with inquiries. The mosque’s courtyard has been arranged to accommodate large congregations, with more than 1,480 custom-designed prayer rugs inspired by the mosque’s iconic main carpet. Prayer halls and domes have been deep-cleaned to maintain a pristine worship environment.

To further ensure the comfort of visitors, SZGMC has provided 3,515 seating options, including 50 wheelchairs for elderly worshippers and people of determination. In line with authentic Emirati hospitality, worshippers will be welcomed with the finest oud incense, enhancing the spiritual ambiance. Copies of the Holy Qur’an have been placed throughout the mosque, and newly installed privacy dividers for women’s prayer areas, crafted in Germany to the highest design standards, have been introduced while maintaining the mosque’s architectural elegance. Fully equipped ambulances will be stationed at the mosque in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority, ensuring immediate response to medical emergencies.

Extended Visiting Hours from Sunrise to Sunrise

Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the mosque through guided cultural tours. Ramadan visiting hours will be from Saturday to Thursday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and from 9:30 PM to 1:00 AM. On Fridays, visiting hours will be from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and from 9:30 PM to 1:00 AM. During the last ten nights of Ramadan, visits will conclude at 11:30 PM to accommodate Tahajjud prayers, ensuring that the mosque operates 24/7 throughout the month.

SZGMC invites worshippers to embrace the Ramadan atmosphere with family and friends at Souq Al Jami’, where electric vehicle transportation services will be available after prayers to facilitate movement between the mosque and the marketplace. Souq Al Jami’ will remain open until 1:00 AM from Monday to Thursday and until 2:00 AM from Friday to Sunday, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and outdoor kiosks positioned along the northern and southern sides of the mosque, providing a scenic view of the landmark. More details can be accessed at www.souqaljami.ae.

Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque in Al Ain and Fujairah Ready for Ramadan

Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque in Al Ain will, for the first time, host Iftar services, providing 10,000 daily meals for fasting individuals. The mosque has undergone extensive maintenance and is prepared to accommodate worshippers, with 2,176 parking spaces, including 28 dedicated for people of determination. Security teams have been trained to ensure a smooth flow of visitors, while Abu Dhabi Police patrols will manage traffic control around the mosque.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah has also finalized its Ramadan preparations, completing safety inspections of fire protection systems, elevators, and sound systems. To facilitate entry, Gate 9 on the southern side and Gate 3 on the northern side have been allocated for worshippers, while Gate 6 will be reserved for visitors. Additional gates, including Gates 4, 7, and 8, will be opened as needed during peak hours. The mosque has prepared 2,000 parking spaces to accommodate visitors and has partnered with Fujairah Police to host the traditional Ramadan Cannon for the announcement of Ramadan, daily Iftar

Stay Updated on SZGMC’s Ramadan Programs

SZGMC invites the public to stay updated on Ramadan programs through its official channels. Live broadcasts of Ramadan prayers will be streamed on the Centre’s YouTube channel (@szgmc_ae), while updates on services, prayer schedules, and Ramadan initiatives will be shared through its social media platforms, including Instagram accounts for Abu Dhabi (@szgmc_ae), Fujairah (@szgmfuj), and Al Ain (@skgmuae). Additional details are available on the official website at www.szgmc.gov.ae.