In a recent global ranking released by TripAdvisor for 2025, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) in Abu Dhabi has ascended to the 8th position worldwide in the Top Attractions category, up two places from its 2024 standing. It continues to hold its crown as the number one attraction in the Middle East, outpacing nine other regional landmarks.
This impressive ranking is based on a comprehensive review involving over eight million international landmarks—with SZGM placing within the top one percent, affirming its growing prominence in global cultural tourism.
Meanwhile, the newly activated Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah also achieved a commendable milestone by ranking among the top ten percent of global landmarks, a phenomenal feat considering its recent opening to visitors.
These accomplishments underscore both mosques’ leadership as cultural pilgrimage sites that transcend faith and geography, attracting visitors from across the world.
Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director‑General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC), said, “The global recognition attained by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi reflects the visionary leadership of the UAE. It is the outcome of the centre’s strategic plan, which focuses on enhancing services and providing exceptional experiences for its guests.”
“This success crowns a continuous series of outstanding initiatives and services offered throughout the year. These efforts have included the development of both cultural and physical infrastructure, enhancement of facilities, excellence in specialist staff, and the empowerment of Emirati youth by qualifying them to deliver cultural tours and host the mosque’s diverse visitors through distinguished programmes that embody the mosque’s civilisational message.”
Dr. Al Obaidli added,“These accomplishments open new horizons for the centre, through which we anticipate the future with strategies and plans that enable it to continue fulfilling its civilisational mission with greater efficiency. They also allow us to consistently enrich the guest experience through religious and cultural programmes, exhibitions, and initiatives that reflect the mosque’s message, presented in innovative formats and a refined manner that meets aspirations and fulfils our vision.”-WAM
