Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque enters world’s top 10 attractions
Fujairah mosque secures place among top 10% worldwide
ABU DHABI’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) has advanced two places to secure the eighth position in the Top Attractions category of TripAdvisor’s 2025 global report.
The mosque retains its title as the number one cultural landmark in the Middle East, topping a list of the region’s ten most celebrated sites.
The recognition places SZGM within the top one percent of more than eight million landmarks reviewed worldwide. The annual ranking is based on traveller ratings and reviews from across the globe, underscoring the mosque’s status as a symbol of the UAE’s cultural and architectural excellence.
Other top-ranked global attractions in this year’s list include the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona (1st), Eiffel Tower in Paris (2nd), NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in the USA (3rd), Louvre Museum in Paris (4th), and Angkor Wat in Cambodia (5th).
What makes it stand out?
With its striking white domes, reflective pools, and intricate Islamic artistry, the SZGM attracts more than seven million visitors annually. Praised for both its visual grandeur and serene atmosphere, the mosque has become a cultural bridge, welcoming guests from diverse faiths and backgrounds.
Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC), credited the achievement to the UAE’s visionary leadership and long-term strategies to enhance guest experiences. He highlighted ongoing initiatives including infrastructure improvements, cultural exhibitions, and the training of skilled Emirati cultural tour guides.
How are other UAE mosques faring?
In a parallel achievement, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah was ranked within the top 10 percent of landmarks globally. This is a remarkable feat considering it only recently launched full visitor services. The recognition positions it as an emerging cultural destination, complementing Abu Dhabi’s landmark in showcasing the UAE’s heritage.
Together, the two mosques reflect the growing influence of Emirati cultural institutions on the global tourism stage.
What does Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offer?
The SZGM in Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of attractions beyond its main prayer hall. Facilities include Souq Al Jami’, featuring shops, restaurants, and recreational spaces; a jogging track encircling the mosque; and cultural venues such as the Al Jami Library and a dedicated auditorium.
Visitors can choose from general cultural tours, “Unseen Glimpses” electric car tours to restricted areas, and Sura evening tours granting 24-hour access. The mosque also offers El-Delleel, a multimedia device with tours in 14 languages, including sign language and child-friendly options.
Immersive experiences such as the Light & Peace Museum and the Diya – A Universe of Light attraction provide sensory journeys combining sound, visuals, and wind effects, narrating the mosque’s message of coexistence and peace.
Permanent and temporary exhibitions at the mosque explore themes from Islamic calligraphy to the history of Al-Andalus, as well as displays on ancient Islamic coins and the pilgrimage to Makkah.
The SZGMC’s facilities and programmes have made it a destination for global dignitaries, with overseas visitors comprising around 82 percent of total guests.