Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomes 3.1 million guests in six months
Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi welcomed more than 3.12 million guests in the first half of 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the UAE’s most prominent religious and cultural landmarks and an increasingly important destination for international visitors. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre said 3,127,607 people visited or used the mosque and its facilities during the…
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi welcomed an impressive 3.12 million guests in the first half of 2026, solidifying its status as a key religious and cultural site in the United Arab Emirates and an important international tourist destination. The mosque's visitor centre reported 3,127,607 individuals entering the premises and utilizing its amenities during the six-month period, which included 1,841,305 worshippers and Iftar attendees, 1,241,808 visitors from diverse nations, and 44,494 users of the mosque's sports walkway.
Notably, the figures highlight the mosque's dual purpose as a place of worship and a cultural institution. Cultural initiatives, including exhibitions, guided tours, and community programs, were launched alongside the visitor program to promote dialogue, knowledge, and community engagement. International visitors accounted for 78 percent of all mosque visitors, with the majority originating from Asia (52 percent), Europe (31 percent), and North America (10 percent).
The period also saw the highest-ever distribution of Ramadan meals through the mosque's "Our Fasting Guests" project, with 2,605,810 Iftar meals served across mosques managed or supervised by the center.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.