6.5m worshippers visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in 2024

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi has welcomed 6,582,993 worshippers and visitors in the past year, marking a 20 per cent increase compared to 2023.

The figures included 2,259,275 worshippers and those fasting and 4,262,781 tourists, while 60,937 visitors utilised the mosque’s jogging track.

Among the total worshippers, 281,941 attended Friday prayers, while 709,875 participated in daily prayers. Ramadan and Eid prayers attracted 617,458 worshippers, with the 27th night of Ramadan 1445H (April 5) witnessing a record-breaking 87,186 attendees, including 70,680 worshippers, the highest number in the mosque’s history.

As part of the ‘Our Fasting Guests’ initiative, the mosque prepared 2,150,000 iftar meals, with 650,001 meals distributed within the mosque’s premises and 1.5 million meals delivered to labor accommodations across Abu Dhabi. Additionally, 30,000 Suhoor meals were provided during the last ten nights of Ramadan.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque recorded that 81 per cent of its visitors in 2024 were international tourists, while 19 per cent were residents of the UAE. Among global visitors, Asia led with 52 per cent, followed by Europe (33 per cent), North America (8 per cent), Africa (3 per cent), South America (3 per cent), and Australia (1 per cent).

In terms of visitor nationalities, India topped the list with 841,980 visitors, followed by China (397,048), Russia (293,667), the United States (204,018), Germany (149,277), the United Kingdom (127,691), France (124,691), Italy (113,204), Pakistan (104,166), and the Philippines (86,898). The highest single-day attendance was recorded on the second day of Eid al-Fitr (April 11), with 32,722 worshippers and visitors.

Meanwhile, the mosque’s cultural tour specialists conducted 5,607 guided tours, attracting 75,752 visitors from around the world. Additionally, 1,510 official delegation bookings were recorded, with 23,951 attendees taking part in guided experiences that highlighted the mosque’s cultural, religious, and architectural significance.

The mosque also welcomed 309 high-level delegations, including visits from eight heads of state, a vice president, three state governors, four sheikhs and princes, nine prime ministers, seven deputy prime ministers, 11 parliament speakers, 63 ministers, 18 deputy ministers, 49 ambassadors and consuls, and 10 deputy ambassadors and consuls. In addition, five interfaith delegations, 62 military delegations, and 54 official delegations from various institutions visited the mosque.

All attendees participated in cultural tours that provided insights into the mosque’s message of tolerance and civilizational dialogue, while also showcasing its unique Islamic architecture, visitor experiences, and world-class services.

The Centre further introduced a range of experiences that contributed to the increase in worshipper and visitor numbers, offering unique and immersive cultural journeys tailored to enhance the mosque’s visitor experience.