The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre welcomed over 3.2 million visitors across its managed mosques throughout the holy month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr prayers, according to official figures released by the center. The mosques under the center’s supervision recorded a combined total of 3,226,103 guests during this period, spanning facilities in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. This remarkable turnout underscores the significant role these religious landmarks play in serving worshippers and visitors during the holiest month of the Islamic calendar.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi alone received 1,695,698 guests, including 510,046 worshippers, 205,642 visitors, 4,862 users of the walking track, and a record-breaking 980,010 people who broke their fast at the mosque. Meanwhile, the Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque in Al Ain hosted 960,011 guests, comprising 409,155 worshippers, 550,240 people breaking their fast, and 616 walking track users.
Record Numbers at UAE Grand Mosques During Ramadan
In Fujairah, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomed 507,222 guests, including 231,020 worshippers, 265,560 people breaking their fast, and 10,642 visitors, of whom 8,670 used the walking track. Additionally, the Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque in Ras Al Khaimah received 63,172 worshippers during the same period. These figures represent a significant milestone in the center’s history of serving the community during religious occasions.
Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, emphasized that the Ramadan project represents a unique national model embodying institutional integration and community responsibility. According to Dr. Al Obaidli, the initiative reflects the center’s civilizational role in promoting values of tolerance, coexistence, and community service throughout the United Arab Emirates.
Enhanced Services and Visitor Experience
The center has developed a comprehensive operational system to provide quality services to mosque guests according to the highest standards, ensuring their safety, comfort, and spiritual experience during the blessed month. The efforts of volunteers and work teams reflected a high level of commitment and efficiency, embodying authentic Emirati values of generosity, giving, and collective action. However, the center’s approach extends beyond traditional religious services to encompass cultural and social dimensions.
Distinguished imams from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre led Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers throughout Ramadan, including Idris Abkar, Yahya Aishan, Alaa Al Mazjaji, Abdullah Al Balushi, and Abdulbasit Abdulsamad Al Mazeed. Their recitations resonated across all mosques managed and supervised by the center throughout the various emirates. The spiritual atmosphere created by these renowned reciters contributed significantly to the enriching experience of worshippers.
Historic Iftar Distribution Achievement
The center achieved its highest-ever number in the “Our Fasting Guests” project, distributing a total of 2,605,810 iftar meals across all mosques under its supervision. This annual initiative is implemented in memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan under the umbrella of the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation, through the Zayed Al Khair Foundation, and in cooperation with strategic partner Erth Hotel Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi mosque alone distributed 980,010 meals, marking the highest number in its history.
The center maintained its cultural role alongside its religious mission through several quality initiatives. It launched the “Afnan” account on social media platforms to deliver religious and cultural content featuring recitations by mosque imams and cultural and religious series produced by the center. Furthermore, special episodes of “Sada Al Jami” and “Wamda Fiqhiya” were published, along with two episodes of “Kursi Al Jami” during Ramadan.
Cultural Programs and Community Engagement
Three Ramadan lectures for the Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis were held at the mosque premises, while scholars and guests of the UAE President delivered 18 lectures in the main prayer hall after Taraweeh prayers. In cooperation with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, these lectures addressed diverse topics aimed at raising community awareness. On Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, which falls on the 19th of Ramadan annually, the center distributed copies of audio Qurans to worshippers.
The center also launched the second season of the “Dhai Photography Competition” under the theme “Ramadan in the Embrace of the Mosque” and continued organizing the sixth season of the “Jusoor” program. This initiative brought together 164 participants from various embassies, including Slovenia, Australia, the United States, Canada, and students from New York University Abu Dhabi, who volunteered together and shared iftar meals. The center produced more than 130 media materials about its Ramadan activities, with coverage appearing in over 560 local, regional, and international media outlets.
The center plans to continue its institutional programs and initiatives while building on this year’s success to further enhance services for future religious occasions. Officials have not yet announced specific details regarding preparations for next year’s Ramadan season, though the center remains committed to its mission of promoting Islamic culture and humanitarian values.
