Record-breaking Ramadan sees over 3.2 million visitors at UAE grand mosques
Massive turnout recorded across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah and RAK
ABU DHABI – The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and its affiliated mosques across the UAE recorded an exceptional turnout during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr 2026, welcoming more than 3.2 million guests in a season marked by record-breaking attendance and expanded community initiatives.
The figures, released by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, highlight the growing significance of the country’s grand mosques as both spiritual and cultural landmarks.
From worshippers attending nightly prayers to visitors engaging in cultural tours, the holy month saw an unprecedented level of participation.
Visitor surge
Across all mosques under the centre’s management, a total of 3,226,103 guests were recorded. These include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque.
Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque alone welcomed 1,695,698 guests, comprising 510,046 worshippers and 205,642 visitors, alongside 4,862 walkway users. The mosque also hosted 980,010 Iftar guests, marking the highest number of meals served in its history.
In Al Ain, Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque recorded 960,011 guests, including 409,155 worshippers and 550,240 Iftar participants, with 616 walkway users. Fujairah’s mosque saw 507,222 guests, including 231,020 worshippers, 265,560 Iftar attendees, and 10,642 visitors, among whom 8,670 used the mosque’s walkways. Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah’s Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque welcomed 63,172 worshippers during the period.
Spiritual gatherings
The spiritual atmosphere throughout Ramadan was led by a distinguished group of imams, including Idris Abkar, Yahya Aishan, Alaa Al-Mazjaji, Abdullah Al-Balushi, and Abdulbasit Abdulsamad. They led Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers across the mosques, contributing to a spiritually uplifting environment marked by tranquillity and devotion.
Their recitations resonated across the mosques, drawing large congregations each night and enhancing the communal experience for worshippers observing the holy month.
Iftar initiative
A cornerstone of the Ramadan programme was the “Our Fasting Guests” initiative, launched in memory of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan under the umbrella of Erth Zayed Philanthropies and implemented through the Zayed for Good Foundation in collaboration with Erth Abu Dhabi.
The initiative delivered a total of 2,605,810 Iftar meals across the mosques during Ramadan. Of these, 980,010 meals were distributed at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi alone, setting a new benchmark. Al Ain accounted for 550,240 meals, while Fujairah distributed 265,560 meals, reflecting the scale and reach of the programme.
Volunteer effort
To manage the large influx of worshippers and visitors, the centre mobilised extensive volunteer teams comprising its own staff and more than 600 external volunteers. Support came from organisations such as the Emirates Red Crescent, the Abshir Ya Watan, and the Ma’an volunteer team.
They were joined by police officers, paramedics, civil defence personnel, and staff from Mawaqif and Saaed for Traffic Systems, ensuring smooth operations and safety across all sites.
The centre also coordinated with more than 20 government entities and institutions, strengthening operational efficiency and maintaining high standards of service throughout the holy month.
Cultural drive
Beyond its religious role, the centre expanded its cultural outreach through a series of initiatives. It launched the Afnan social media platform, offering religious recitations and cultural content, alongside special Ramadan episodes of programmes such as Sada Al-Jami’, Wamda Fiqhiyyah, and Kursi Al-Jami’.
The mosque also hosted three Ramadan lectures as part of the Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis, in addition to 18 lectures delivered by scholars participating in the Guests of the UAE President programme, organised in cooperation with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs Endowments and Zakat.
Community engagement continued through the second season of the Dhay Photography Competition and the sixth edition of the Bridges programme, which brought together 164 participants, including embassy representatives, students from New York University Abu Dhabi, and members of various cultural initiatives.
Visitor experience
Visitors experienced a vibrant Ramadan atmosphere across the mosque complex, particularly at the Dome of Peace and Souq Al Jami’, which featured a range of retail outlets and dining options. The Ramadan market Masabeeh included 18 kiosks set up in the mosque’s external courtyards, adding to the festive environment.
Cultural tours remained a key attraction, with 87 tours conducted during Ramadan, attended by 1,444 visitors. Tourism companies made 3,491 bookings, bringing in 72,205 visitors, while official delegations accounted for 27 bookings with 652 guests.
Media reach
The centre significantly amplified its media presence during Ramadan, producing more than 130 media materials. Its activities were covered by over 560 local, regional, and international media outlets.
In total, the mosque featured in more than 1,900 news reports, visual features, and social media posts, reflecting its global prominence as a symbol of Islamic culture and UAE values. Updates on programmes, services, imam schedules, and daily supplications were regularly shared with the public throughout the month.