The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) in Abu Dhabi recorded a remarkable rise in visitors during the first half of 2025, welcoming 4,346,831 guests, a 5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. The figures reaffirm the mosque’s standing as one of the world’s most significant religious and cultural destinations.
Rising Global Appeal
Of the total, 1,948,482 were worshippers and fasting guests, 2,355,165 were visitors from various nationalities, and 43,184 used the mosque’s Jogging Track. The Centre reported that 82 percent of all visitors came from outside the UAE, underscoring its status as a global tourism landmark.
Regionally, Asia accounted for 49 percent of visitors, followed by Europe (35 percent), North America (10 percent), Africa (3 percent), South America (2 percent), and Australia (1 percent). The top source markets were India (20 percent), China (9 percent), Russia (8 percent), the USA (7 percent), and Germany (4 percent).
Worship And Community Initiatives
The mosque hosted 127,672 worshippers for Friday prayers and 575,372 worshippers during Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr, with the 27th night of Ramadan (25 March 2025) marking the peak attendance of 72,710 worshippers.
As part of its “Our Fasting Guests” initiative, SZGMC partnered with Erth Zayed Philanthropies and Erth Hotel to distribute 2.6 million Iftar and Suhoor meals, with nearly 900,000 meals distributed at the Abu Dhabi mosque alone.
Official Delegations And Cultural Engagement
The Centre received 826 official delegations, including visits from 6 Heads of State, 6 Prime Ministers, 44 Ministers, and 25 Ambassadors, reflecting its stature as a hub of cross-cultural diplomacy. Additionally, its Cultural Tour Specialists conducted 2,363 guided tours, introducing guests to the mosque’s message of peace, tolerance, and dialogue.
Enhancing Visitor Experience
To elevate the guest journey, SZGMC provided over 70 electric vehicles for transport, 3,515 comfort seats, and 50 wheelchairs for elderly visitors and People of Determination. Innovative offerings such as the “Unseen Glimpses” electric vehicle tours, Souq Al Jami’, Jogging Track, and Night Cultural Tours (Sura Tour) further enriched the experience.
The mosque also introduced “El-Delleel” multimedia guide devices available in 14 languages, including sign language tours and child-friendly options, ensuring inclusivity for diverse audiences.
A Global Symbol Of Culture And Tolerance
With its blend of spiritual, cultural, and community-driven initiatives, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque continues to embody the UAE’s vision of cultural openness, interfaith dialogue, and inclusive tourism, solidifying its place among the world’s most visited religious landmarks.
–Input WAM
