Listen to the article
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi welcomed nearly 7 million guests during 2025, marking a historic milestone for the landmark religious and cultural destination. According to official figures released by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, the facility received 6,846,723 guests throughout the year, representing a 4 percent increase compared to 2024 and setting an all-time record for the mosque.
The total number of visitors included 1,531,192 worshippers and 4,331,046 general visitors, according to the center. Additionally, 85,718 people used the sports walkway facility. Among the worshippers, 257,859 attended Friday prayers, 697,961 performed daily prayers, and 575,372 participated in Ramadan and Eid prayers throughout the year.
International Visitors Dominate Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Traffic
International tourists accounted for 82 percent of all guests to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, while UAE residents made up the remaining 18 percent. Asian visitors led all continents with 49 percent of total guests, followed by European visitors at 33 percent and North American visitors at 11 percent. Africa and South America each contributed 3 percent, while Australia represented 1 percent of guests.
India topped the list of countries by nationality, accounting for 20 percent of all mosque visitors. China ranked second with 9 percent, while Russia and the United States tied for third place with 8 percent each. Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy each represented 3 percent of visitors, and the Philippines and Pakistan each accounted for 2 percent.
Ramadan and Eid Celebrations Draw Record Attendance
During the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr celebrations, the mosque received 1,890,144 guests in total. The center reported that 594,236 worshippers performed prayers during Ramadan and the Eid holiday period. Taraweeh and night prayers attracted 193,435 worshippers, while Tahajjud prayers drew 195,987 participants.
On the night of the 27th of Ramadan, 72,533 worshippers gathered at the facility. During the Eid al-Fitr holiday period specifically, the mosque welcomed 122,819 guests, representing a 10 percent increase compared to the previous Islamic year. Meanwhile, the mosque served 898,767 iftar meals on-site as part of the “Our Fasting Guests” project.
Cultural Programs and Educational Initiatives Expand Reach
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center offered 4,031 cultural tours throughout 2025, attended by 55,730 visitors, according to the organization. The facility also hosted 1,564 official delegation bookings involving 21,988 individuals. Furthermore, the mosque received 335 high-level delegations, including 9 heads of state, 4 state governors, 12 prime ministers, and 78 ministers, among other dignitaries.
The center’s educational outreach included 16 cultural workshops involving 14 schools and 331 students. Additionally, the Noor wa Salam Museum attracted 47,266 visitors, while the Diya experience drew 45,699 guests. The mosque library welcomed 5,930 visitors throughout the year.
Sister Mosques Report Significant Growth
Other mosques managed by the center also experienced substantial visitor increases in 2025. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Grand Mosque in Al Ain received 1,032,320 guests, representing a remarkable 95 percent increase over 2024. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah welcomed 660,110 visitors, a 10 percent rise from the previous year.
In contrast, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Ras Al Khaimah recorded 147,348 worshippers, marking a 35 percent increase compared to 2024. These figures reflect growing interest in the UAE’s religious and cultural landmarks across multiple emirates.
Global Recognition Reinforces Tourism Appeal
The mosque’s international standing received further validation through travel industry rankings. According to TripAdvisor, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ranked eighth globally among the top 25 cultural and historical destinations worldwide, advancing two positions from the previous year. The facility maintained its first-place position in the Middle East among the region’s top ten landmarks.
The center published 330 episodes across 12 educational series covering topics including Islamic architecture, values, and rare manuscripts. New publications included audio versions of books in Spanish, French, and Chinese, as well as children’s literature exploring traditional knowledge. However, specific details about future programming for 2026 have not yet been announced by mosque authorities.
