Ramadan 2026: How Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is welcoming worshippers with 580 volunteers and new services
Expanded prayer, charity, transport and visitor support plans announced
ABU DHABI – The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is set to welcome worshippers and visitors during Ramadan with a wide package of integrated services, expanded facilities and coordinated humanitarian initiatives, as part of a nationwide Ramadan project.
Authorities say preparations are complete to handle large crowds while maintaining smooth access, spiritual atmosphere and community support throughout the holy month.
The mosque’s centre confirmed enhanced operational readiness following coordination meetings with strategic partners, focusing on inter-agency collaboration and unified service delivery. Officials stressed that the Ramadan project reflects a model of cohesive government work, supported by multiple entities working together on worship, charity, logistics and visitor care.
Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers will be held daily in a spiritually focused setting, led by a panel of imams including Idris Abkar, Yahya Eshan, Alaa Al-Mizjaji, Abdullah Al-Balushi and Abdulbasit Abdulsamad, alongside guest reciter Raad Al-Kurdi. Prayers will be broadcast live each day through Abu Dhabi TV, allowing wider audiences to follow Ramadan worship from home.
Prayer plans
Alongside congregational prayers, the centre will roll out religious and educational content designed to enrich Ramadan knowledge and highlight the virtues of the month. Special religious series will be published, focusing on Islamic values, reflection and worship practices linked to Ramadan.
The annual Jusoor programme will continue, hosting Ramadan gatherings that promote cultural dialogue and understanding among diverse communities. The second season of the Diyaa photography competition will also launch under the theme “Ramadan at the Mosque”, extending the visual and artistic scope of the Spaces of Light Photography Award. Additional cultural and humanitarian initiatives are scheduled, with further details to be released during the month.
Charity drive
The “Our Fasting Guests” initiative will again provide daily iftar meals within the mosque premises in memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The programme is sponsored by Erth Zayed Philanthropies and implemented with Erth Abu Dhabi Hotel.
Weekly integrated food packages will also be supplied to the Specialised Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) to support the preparation of daily iftar meals for beneficiaries across different communities. The effort forms part of a broader humanitarian outreach linked to Ramadan.
More than 580 volunteers, including mosque staff and trained community members, have been assigned across specialised committees and task forces. They will work alongside police officers, paramedics, civil defence teams and support staff around the clock to manage operations and visitor needs.
Visitor access
To manage increased footfall, all mosque gates and entrances will remain open. More than 8,000 parking spaces are available, including 1,500 designated for women, over 60 for People of Determination, and an additional 1,800 spaces along Al Jami’ Al Kabeer Street next to the mosque.
Traffic and pedestrian movement will be regulated in coordination with Mawaqif and Abu Dhabi Police traffic units to ensure steady flow in surrounding areas. Visitors will also be able to witness the traditional iftar cannon live at the mosque or through daily broadcasts, with support from Ministry of Defence units marking sunset each day.
A Ramadan market with 22 kiosks will operate across the northern and southern plazas, while visitor experiences will continue at the Dome of Peace and Souq Al Jami, which includes retail and dining outlets. After prayer times, cultural tours, the Sura experience and guided visits will resume according to the Ramadan schedule.
More than 70 electric vehicles will operate inside the complex to support mobility between prayer halls, plazas and visitor zones. Facilities upgrades include over 1,480 carpets installed across courtyards and arcades, more than 160 partitions in women’s prayer areas, 3,515 seats and over 50 wheelchairs for senior citizens and People of Determination.
Service robots will distribute water bottles, and guests will be welcomed with traditional Emirati hospitality, including oud fragrance across prayer halls. Expanded call centre staffing, mobile information points, children’s safety wristbands and fully equipped ambulances are also in place to handle medical and visitor support needs.