Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Enhances Its Role In Sustainable Cultural Tourism On World Tourism Day

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi is a renowned cultural and religious site. It offers visitors a rich blend of Islamic architecture and cultural experiences. Annually, it attracts nearly 7 million visitors, with 82% being international guests. The mosque serves as a hub for diverse cultures, making it a key destination for dignitaries and tourists worldwide.

Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, emphasised the mosque's role in sustainable cultural tourism. He stated: "At the Centre, we are committed to offering a holistic cultural experience that combines the beauty of Islamic architecture with rich cultural content, while considering environmental, social, and cultural dimensions in alignment with the UAE’s vision for sustainable tourism." The mosque aims to present Islamic heritage in a modern way that appeals to various audiences.

This year has seen significant growth at the mosque. In the first half alone, 4,346,831 guests visited, marking a 5% increase from last year. This rise has extended average visitor stays from two to four hours. The increase is due to diverse cultural and educational offerings like the "Sura" experience and virtual tours available in 14 languages.

The Centre offers over 5,400 annual cultural tours in multiple languages such as Arabic, English, French, Russian, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish. Sign language tours are also available through qualified Emirati guides who embody UAE’s cultural identity. These initiatives aim to enhance intercultural understanding among visitors.

The "Peace Dome" at the Centre is home to the "Noor & Salam" Museum. This museum features interactive exhibits simulating the ambiance of three holy mosques and displays rare artifacts like the Kaaba’s belt and Blue Quran. It caters to researchers and enthusiasts of art and science.

Interactive Cultural Offerings

The museum includes the "Diya Interactive Experience," which combines art and technology inspired by Emirati culture's authentic values. This multi-sensory narrative uses 360-degree projection to engage visitors with light, sound, and tactile effects mimicking natural elements like wind.

The "Peace Dome" also houses a specialized library, cultural theater, exhibitions, restaurants, shops catering to all ages, and the "Mosque Letters" mural. These facilities enrich visitor experiences while promoting cultural dialogue globally.

Recognition on Global Tourism Map

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque holds an esteemed position globally. It ranked eighth on TripAdvisor's 2025 list of top landmarks worldwide while retaining its first-place status in the Middle East. The mosque continues to be a prominent destination for fostering intercultural dialogue through guided tours highlighting Islamic architecture's finest details.

In Fujairah, another Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque managed by the Centre stands out as a unique landmark. For the first time this year, it was ranked among the top 10% of global landmarks based on traveler reviews worldwide.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre remains committed to enhancing its offerings by blending authenticity with innovation. Its success reflects its ability to harmonise traditional values with modern experiences for diverse audiences globally.

With inputs from WAM