The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi has reported a significant increase in visitors during the first half of 2025, reinforcing its standing as a leading global religious and cultural destination.
Figures released by the Centre show that the landmark welcomed 4,346,831 guests between January and June, marking a 5% rise compared with the same period last year.
The total included 1,948,482 worshippers and fasting guests, 2,355,165 international visitors, and more than 43,000 people who used the mosque’s Jogging Track.
Worship and Ramadan turnout
The mosque’s busiest periods came during Ramadan and Eid, with a total of 575,372 worshippers attending prayers across the holy month and Eid Al-Fitr.
On the 27th night of Ramadan (25 March 2025), the mosque recorded its highest attendance, with 72,710 worshippers, including more than 61,000 for Tahajjud prayers and 11,400 for Taraweeh.
The “Our Fasting Guests” initiative continued this year, in collaboration with Erth Zayed Philanthropies and Erth Hotel. Around 2.6 million Iftar and Suhoor meals were prepared, with nearly 900,000 meals distributed at the Grand Mosque alone. Other distributions took place in Al Ain, labour cities across Abu Dhabi, and various communities across the Emirate.
Eid and global visitors
During Eid Al-Adha, the mosque welcomed almost 97,000 guests, including more than 12,700 worshippers who attended Eid prayers.
Statistics also highlighted the global nature of visitors. 82% of guests came from outside the UAE, with Asia accounting for 49%, followed by Europe (35%), North America (10%), and smaller proportions from Africa, South America, and Australia.
The top countries were India (20%), China (9%), Russia (8%), and the United States (7%), with Germany, France, the UK, Italy, the Philippines, and Poland each making up 3%.
Cultural and official engagements
The Centre’s cultural tour specialists conducted 2,363 tours, offering insights into the mosque’s role as a hub of peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue.
It also received 826 official delegations, including visits from six heads of state, six prime ministers, and 44 ministers, underscoring its diplomatic and cultural significance.
Enhancing visitor experience
The Centre has expanded its facilities to accommodate rising numbers, providing over 70 electric vehicles for transport, 3,515 seats, and 50 wheelchairs for accessibility.
It has also launched innovative cultural experiences, such as the “Unseen Glimpses” electric vehicle tours, Souq Al Jami’, the Jogging Track, and the Sura Night Tours, designed for transit travellers.
Visitors can also explore the mosque through “El-Delleel”, a multimedia guide available in 14 languages, including sign language and child-friendly formats.
The rising visitor numbers and expanded offerings reaffirm the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s place not only as a site of worship, but also as one of the world’s leading cultural and tourism landmarks.
