Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi has welcomed an impressive 3.3 million visitors in the first half of the year, marking a significant 127% increase compared to the same period last year. From January to June, a total of 3,337,757 individuals visited the mosque, including 914,195 worshippers.
Tourists comprised the majority of the visitors, accounting for around 2,388,437 people. Among them, 1,684,409 explored the mosque itself, while 704,028 guests explored the market and visitor center located within the complex. The mosque’s library also saw 1,104 visitors during this period.
International visitors played a significant role in boosting footfall, with Indian tourists leading the rankings, followed by visitors from Russia and China. In total, cultural specialists at the mosque conducted 2,637 tours in Arabic, English, Spanish, and Korean languages for 37,402 visitors from all around the world.
Apart from sightseeing, there were several other activities available for visitors. Approximately 32,125 individuals took advantage of the jogging trail surrounding the holy site, while the mosque received visits from 10 heads of states, three deputy heads of state, and two prime ministers. Moreover, there were 87 official foreign delegations that paid a visit.
One notable record occurred in April when the mosque witnessed its highest number of worshippers in a single day, with 63,919 people coming to perform prayers.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands as a testament to the legacy of the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It serves as a commemoration of his values, memory, qualities, and contributions to humanity.
Famous personalities have also graced the mosque with their presence. In 2007, the current King of the United Kingdom, Prince Charles, and his wife, Camilla, Queen Consort, visited the site. Queen Elizabeth II paid her respects at the tomb of Sheikh Zayed during her visit in 2010, and Prince Charles returned once again in 2016.
Visitors can experience the grandeur of the mosque from the moment they step into the visitors’ center, which features exhibition halls, an auditorium, and a library. The journey ends at Souq Al Jami, where a variety of shops, entertainment areas, and restaurants await.
Cultural tours led by Emirati guides in Arabic and English have become one of the most sought-after experiences at the mosque. These tours are also available in sign language. Additionally, efforts are underway to train guides to provide tours in Mandarin, Russian, Hebrew, Turkish, and French languages.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque continually strives to provide a memorable experience for visitors. Combining architectural beauty, religious significance, and cultural richness, it has become a must-visit destination for travelers from all corners of the globe.
