Abu Dhabi: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi celebrated a milestone year, welcoming 6,582,993 worshippers and visitors in 2024, a 20% increase from the previous year. This impressive figure includes 2,259,275 worshippers and those fasting, alongside 4,262,781 tourists, with an additional 60,937 visitors making use of the mosque's jogging track.
According to Emirates News Agency, the mosque experienced significant attendance during key religious events. A notable 281,941 individuals attended Friday prayers, while 709,875 participated in daily prayers. The holy month of Ramadan and Eid prayers saw 617,458 worshippers, with the 27th night of Ramadan 1445H (April 5) alone attracting a record 87,186 attendees, the highest in the mosque's history.
The Centre's 'Our Fasting Guests' initiative was a major highlight, distributing 2,150,000 iftar meals, with 650,001 served within the mosque and 1.5 million delivered to labor accommodations across Abu Dhabi. Additionally, 30,000 Suhoor meals were provided during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
In 2024, 81% of the mosque's visitors were international tourists, with Asia leading the demographics at 52%, followed by Europe (33%), North America (8%), Africa (3%), South America (3%), and Australia (1%). Indians topped the list of visitor nationalities, with 841,980 visitors, followed by China (397,048) and Russia (293,667).
The Centre's guided tours attracted 75,752 visitors through 5,607 tours, with 1,510 official delegation bookings. High-level delegations included visits from heads of state, prime ministers, and other dignitaries, all participating in cultural tours highlighting the mosque's significance.
To enhance visitor experience, the Centre introduced initiatives like the 'Unseen Glimpses' tour and 'Sura' evening cultural tours. Visitors can also enjoy 'El-Delleel', a multimedia eGuide, and explore 'Souq Al Jami', featuring over 50 retail units.
Inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 'Light and Peace Museum' at the Centre has drawn considerable interest, welcoming 9,728 visitors with its interactive exhibits and 360-degree immersive light display.
The Centre's religious programs were also revamped, introducing new video series like 'Kursi AlJami' and 'Wamda Fiqhiyyah', alongside existing series, reinforcing the mosque's religious and cultural role.
Publications released include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Lights of Peace, and catalogues for the Light and Peace Museum and Al-Andalus exhibition, celebrating Islamic heritage and architecture.
In 2024, the Centre continued its 1446H Hijri Calendar Project, enhancing its interactive application and releasing updated video series, cementing its position as a top cultural and historical landmark worldwide, as recognized by Trip Advisor.
