3.22 million visitors celebrate Ramadan at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque / Image: File
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center recorded a historic achievement this year, as it welcomed 3,226,103 guests during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr prayers through its mosques in the United Arab Emirates, one of the highest numbers ever recorded.The large turnout includes worshipers, visitors and thousands who gather daily to break the fast, reflecting the increasing spiritual and cultural importance of these mosques during the holy month.At the heart of this record lies the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. It alone received 1,695,698 guests, confirming its status as one of the most visited religious monuments in the world.
Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Fujairah are witnessing a high demand
The record numbers spread in many of the mosques managed by the center, as each of them witnessed a large turnout during the month of Ramadan and Eid.
- The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi: 1.69 million guests, including more than 510,000 worshipers and about one million breaking the fast.
- Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque: 960,011 visitors, thanks to strong community participation
- Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque Fujairah: 507,222 guests, worshipers and visitors - Ras Al Khaimah Mosque recorded 63,172 worshipers during the same period
Abu Dhabi Mosque also set a new record for iftar meals, serving 980,010 meals, the highest ever at the site. Across all locations, an astonishing 2.6 million iftar meals were distributed as part of the annual Ramadan initiative.
Ramadan initiatives attract millions
Beyond prayer, the increase in visitors has been driven by a wide range of Ramadan initiatives designed to deepen community engagement.
The centre’s pioneering “Our Fasting Guests” program has served millions of Iftar meals, continuing the legacy inspired by the UAE’s founding values of generosity and service.More than 10 initiatives were launched during the month of Ramadan, including:
- Digital religious and cultural platforms such as Afnan
- Educational programs such as Echoes of the Grand Mosque and the Mosque Chair
- A series of Ramadan lectures held in cooperation with national institutions
Special events, including Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, contributed to enhancing awareness efforts, with Qur’an copies distributed to worshipers and visitors.These efforts have transformed mosques into vibrant centers of learning, philanthropy and cultural exchange, not just places of worship.
Why is this so?
What makes this record even more important is the broader context in which it was made.Despite regional tensions during Ramadan, worshipers continued to gather in large numbers, highlighting the mosque’s role as a symbol of unity, steadfastness and faith.The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only a spiritual center, but also a global cultural landmark. It received nearly 6.85 million visitors in 2025, the highest annual number in its history, underscoring its international appeal.With its ability to host tens of thousands of worshipers at any one time and its reputation as one of the most famous mosques in the world, its ability to attract millions during the month of Ramadan reflects its size and importance.
Looking forward
This year’s number of 3.22 million visitors is more than just a statistic, it indicates the mosque’s enduring role in bringing communities, cultures and religions together during one of the most important times in the Islamic calendar.From record-breaking iftar distributions to packed Eid prayer halls, the numbers tell a bigger story: a story of generosity, dedication, and a shared spiritual experience that continues to grow year after year.
