Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi receives 235,700 worshippers, visitors in H1 2021 ABU DHABI, 17th July, 2021 (WAM) -- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi received 65,500 worshippers and 126,000 visitors during H1 2021, totalling 235,700 people. According to statistics, 54 percent of the visitors came from within the UAE while the rest were foreign tourists. In Q2, the mosque witnessed a 53 percent growth in the number of visitors compared to Q1, reaching 142,600. Males comprised 54 percent of the visitors while females accounted for the rest. The age group of 25 to 35 years constituted the majority with 41 percent. During the first half of the year, 44,000 people used the Jogging Trail. Over the first six months of 2021, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) conveyed the mosque’s message of tolerance, stemming from the true teachings of Islam, through 1,700 cultural tours, led by official Cultural Tour Specialists and attended by 4,918 visitors from around the world. In addition, the centre organised 75 virtual tours in Arabic and English via Instagram and Microsoft Teams, recording 7,382 views. This included 20 pre-booked tours with the participation of 797 followers. Three tours were conducted in sign language as part of the RE'HAAB ALHEMAM programme that caters to people of determination to include them in various initiatives organised by the centre as part of its commitment to social responsibility and in recognition of their influential role within the community. The mosque plays a pivotal role in presenting a positive image of the Islamic religion to the world in line with the vision of the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He sought for the mosque to become an important bridge between different cultures, a platform for global dialogue, and a vehicle for promoting the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence between religions of the world. Since its establishment, the mosque has fulfilled this goal, following the directives of the leadership to embrace diversity, openness and respect in a country that is home to more than 200 nationalities. Rebecca Costel, a visitor from the United States (US), said, "I was pleased to visit the mosque, which I had previously seen through websites and read about its message calling for openness to the cultures of the world, which is embodied in its construction and the artworks that bring together various civilisations in one place." Another visitor from the US, Brett Hopkins, agreed that the mosque is one of the most significant cultural and tourist destinations in the UAE, which is full of world-leading landmarks. "There is no doubt that our visit to the mosque left us with an impression of its importance due to the architectural design, inspired by its rich history," he added. A group of Brazilian tourists shared their admiration for the magnificent architecture of the mosque with its domes, columns and creative artistic elements. Bruna Gomez, a member of the group, said, "The mosque is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the UAE. We visited many other sites in the country, but our visit to the mosque was the highlight of our trip here." A French visitor indicated that he was happy to visit the mosque and see the Islamic architecture and traditional art in harmony with modern designs. He expressed a wish to return to explore the external architectural details in greater depth. Visitor Sarah Mahmoud praised the excellent organisation that meets the needs of visitors of all ages, starting from entering the visitors’ centre and touring the mosque’s courtyards and corridors, and continuing to Souq Al Jami. Despite the increase in the numbers of worshippers and visitors to the mosque, the SZGMC continues to apply precautionary measures and the highest standards to health and safety The mosque offers a unique Tolerance Path experience that takes visitors on an unforgettable journey of exploration, in addition to its role as a place of worship. The centre fulfils its role as a beacon of enlightenment through its library, which supports the intellectual movement in the country and enhances the cultural significance of the mosque by providing access to content that sheds light on the cultural, Islamic and Arab heritage and the intrinsic values of the UAE. When you enter Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you will understand why it is such a special place. Here, people from all walks of life come together to take in the architecture's beauty and gain a deeper understanding of religion and culture in the United Arab Emirates. The mosque is one of the world's largest and was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - the Founding Father of the UAE. He envisaged the creation of a welcoming and cultural haven that inspires people from all backgrounds. Even the construction was a cultural collaboration. The grand structure was designed and built by skilled teams from all over the world, including 1,300 Iranian artisans who hand-knotted the main prayer hall's carpet - the world's largest. On your journey through the marbled halls, you'll see one-of-a-kind treasures, including gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the courtyard's vast marble mosaic artwork and reflective pools that mirror some of the many amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns. When you're outside, look up to see the mosque's four stunning minarets that proudly stand at 106 metres. You’ll be overwhelmed not just by the architecture but by how welcoming the mosque feels. The open-door policy encourages visitors from around the world, from families to groups, solo travellers to congregations, to not only witness its beauty but also gain a deeper understanding of the Emirate’s culture of open dialogue. Remember, as well as welcoming visitors to admire the architecture; the building is still an active mosque that welcomes up to 50,000 worshippers daily. Bear this in mind when planning your visit. Respectful clothing is a requirement for visitors to enter Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and on Fridays, the main prayer hall is closed to visitors between 12 pm and 3 pm as Friday prayers take place. Past visitors will encourage you to take one of the free guided tours. Experts will guide your eyes and ears to details some may usually miss, like the gold-leaf calligraphy which encircles the hollows of the mosque’s remarkable 82 domes. Make a second trip to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque when the sun goes down to witness the whole facade light up with even more majesty. Combining your evening trip with a visit to the poignant Wahat Al Karama memorial and dinner in the Al Qana district is highly recommended.