Historic Gathering: Over 70,000 Attend Night Prayers At Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

On the 27th night of Ramadan, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi experienced an unprecedented gathering, welcoming a record-breaking 70,000 worshippers. This significant night saw 11,589 individuals performing Taraweeh prayers and a staggering 59,091 engaging in Tahajjud prayers. The mosque also provided Iftar meals to 33,500 attendees, underscoring its commitment to community support during the holy month.

Sheikh Idris Abkar, the esteemed imam of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, led the prayers. He invoked blessings for the UAE's continued security and prosperity, guidance for its leaders, and forgiveness for the nation's Founding Fathers. The mosque's vast halls, corridors, and courtyards were filled with a diverse congregation, reflecting a serene atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

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Beyond Abu Dhabi, other mosques across the UAE also witnessed large congregations. The Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque in Al Ain reported 28,850 worshippers, with 3,734 attending Isha and Taraweeh prayers and 25,116 for Tahajjud prayers. Similarly, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah saw a total of 13,634 attendees, including 2,318 for Isha and Taraweeh and 11,316 for Tahajjud prayers.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre went to great lengths to accommodate this influx of worshippers. In collaboration with various government agencies, the Centre provided an array of services to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for all attendees. These services included over 70 electric cars for transport within the mosque premises, more than 50 wheelchairs for those in need, special prayer areas carpeted for women's comfort, and an increase in mobile information points throughout the mosque.

To further assist worshippers, additional water bottles were distributed alongside more than 3,515 comfortable seats placed in various parts of the mosque. A medically equipped ambulance was also made available in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority.

In anticipation of the large number of worshippers this year, the Centre increased parking spaces by 1,800, bringing the total to 8,379. A shuttle bus service facilitated movement between parking lots and the mosque to alleviate traffic congestion around its entrances.

The Directorate General of Traffic and Patrols at Abu Dhabi Police implemented a comprehensive traffic plan. This included an increased presence of police officers and patrols around the mosque to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Emphasizing the value of volunteering, the Centre doubled its volunteer numbers to more than 580. This diverse group comprised Centre employees across various specialties who dedicated their time after official working hours. They were joined by volunteers from Emirates Red Crescent, the "Absher Ya Watan" volunteer team, police officers, paramedics, civil defence personnel, and support staff. This collective effort was instrumental in managing the large congregation effectively.

The record attendance at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque during this Ramadan highlights not only the spiritual significance of this period but also showcases the community's unity and dedication. Through meticulous planning and cooperation between various entities, worshippers were able to partake in prayers and Iftar meals in an environment that was both welcoming and well-organized.

With inputs from WAM