Over 570,000 Visitors Flock To Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque In Ramadan's First Half

During the initial weeks of Ramadan, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi has been a focal point for spiritual gatherings, attracting a staggering 570,113 visitors. This impressive number comprises 164,704 individuals who attended prayers, 194,978 guests exploring the mosque, and 210,431 participants in the iftar gatherings. Additionally, the mosque witnessed 102,419 devotees performing the Isha and Taraweeh prayers.

Not to be overlooked, the Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque in Al Ain and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah also saw significant attendance, with 77,233 and 50,456 worshippers respectively. These figures underscore the mosques' central role in the community during the holy month.

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In anticipation of the last ten days of Ramadan, a period of heightened devotion, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has made extensive preparations. Mobile information stations have been strategically placed throughout the mosque's grounds to assist visitors with their queries and guide them to various locations. To manage the expected increase in inquiries, the centre has also doubled its switchboard staff.

The mosque has scheduled the Tahajjud night prayer at 12:00 AM, with visiting hours extending until 11:30 PM throughout this period. To accommodate worshippers, approximately 1,500 carpets have been laid out in the mosque’s courtyard. For those requiring assistance moving from parking areas to prayer halls, 70 electric vehicles have been made available, prioritising the elderly and those with special needs. Additionally, 50 wheelchairs and 3,515 seats have been arranged to ensure all worshippers can participate comfortably.

In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, ambulances and a civil defence team will be stationed at the mosque to ensure safety. To further facilitate access during these last ten days of Ramadan, an additional 8,379 parking spaces have been arranged. This includes 1,500 spots designated for women near the northern prayer halls and 60 spots reserved for individuals with disabilities.

This year has seen an expansion in parking facilities with an additional 1,800 spaces on Grand Mosque Street opposite Gate of Coexistence - Number 7. Additional locations such as Zayed Sports City, Erth Hotel, and near the Oasis of Dignity are also part of this expansion. A shuttle bus service from these locations to the mosque is available to support worshippers attending Tahajjud night prayers.

"Our Fasting Guests" Initiative

The "Our Fasting Guests" project continues to honour the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan by distributing Iftar meals daily. Throughout the first half of Ramadan, a total of 960,431 Iftar meals were distributed; this includes 210,431 served at the mosque and approximately 750,000 delivered to workers’ cities in partnership with Erth Hotel and ZonesCorp in Abu Dhabi.

To support this initiative, 580 volunteers have joined forces with employees from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Emirates Red Crescent, police officers, paramedics, and civil defence teams. This collaborative effort underscores a community-wide commitment to sharing and caring during one of the most sacred times on the Islamic calendar.

With inputs from WAM