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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Organises a Series of Cultural Workshops for School Students in Collaboration with the Ministry of Education

As part of its commitment to providing an interactive environment that nurtures creative thinking among young generations, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) organised two cultural workshops at Al Jami’ Library, with the participation of 45 students from schools across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The workshops form part of a series of seven cultural sessions hosted by the Centre throughout September and October 2025.

An Initiative Aligned with the Centre’s Cultural Vision

This initiative reflects the Centre’s vision to host and organise educational and interactive activities targeting diverse age groups, enriching the intellectual and cultural awareness of youth, and encouraging students to become part of the cultural scene of Al Jami’ Library.

The workshops come under the umbrella of the “Al Shabab Al Bani” programme, which encompasses the Centre’s initiatives and activities dedicated to nurturing Emirati youth.
The programme aims to invest in the potential of the younger generation and refine their intellectual and creative skills through innovative and interactive programmes that help build their capacities and broaden their cultural and cognitive horizons.

Workshops Exploring Cultural Themes and Modern Technologies

The workshops began with an introductory tour of Al Jami’ Library, during which students explored its sections, collections, and the knowledge resources it offers to researchers and enthusiasts.
The sessions addressed a range of cultural and artistic themes, including the aesthetics, ornamentation, and history of mosque architecture, along with a practical workshop on employing artificial intelligence in story creation.

Students took part in a hands-on exercise writing a story about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque that reflected its history, cultural and humanitarian messages, and distinctive architectural beauty.

The cultural workshops also included tours of the Light & Peace Museum and the Diya – A Universe of Light immersive experience, where students explored artefacts and exhibits that highlight the richness of Islamic civilisation and its continuous dialogue with cultures around the world.

Al Jami’ Library: A Gateway to Knowledge and Culture

Al Jami’ Library stands as a leading knowledge hub, housing more than 8,000 rare and specialised books and periodicals in 14 languages, together with 31 publications issued by the Centre in the fields of Arab and Islamic culture.
Since its establishment in 2010, the library has continued to play a pivotal role in enhancing the UAE’s cultural landscape and promoting the contributions of Islamic civilisation to science and the arts.
Through its valuable manuscripts and rare collections, the library continues to serve as a bridge of cultural exchange between nations and civilisations.

President of the Republic of Palau Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, and the accompanying delegation visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

His Excellency and his delegation toured the mosque’s halls and outer arcades, where they were introduced to the history of its establishment and its civilisational message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others — values inspired by the noble legacy of the Founding Father. They also learned about the pivotal role of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in presenting the essence of Islamic culture and fostering cultural communication among peoples and nations around the world.

Mohamed Al Shamsi, Cultural Tour Specialist at the Centre, gave His Excellency and the delegation a detailed explanation of the mosque’s architectural beauty and the splendour of Islamic art reflected in its design. He highlighted how the mosque brings together a variety of artistic and architectural styles that harmoniously converge in one creative expression, symbolising the beauty of unity in diversity.

The President and his delegation also visited the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recalling his legacy and wise vision that laid the foundations for a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among nations.

On the sidelines of the visit, His Excellency remarked:

"Well thank you for this incredible opportunity to visit this mosque, and I think most importantly the message that this mosque is a symbol of tolerance and people coming together. Today has been really an amazing experience .”

At the end of the visit, His Excellency was presented with a commemorative gift reflecting the mosque’s artistic elegance — a compass inspired by the design of its chandeliers — together with a copy of “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Lights of Peace”, which highlights the mosque’s architectural brilliance and offers a visual journey through a selection of award-winning photographs from the “Spaces of Light” competition.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Yemen Performs Friday Prayer at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

His Excellency Salem Saleh Bin Buraik, Prime Minister of the Republic of Yemen, performed the Friday prayer at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque alongside worshippers from various nationalities. His Excellency was accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, who briefed him following the prayer on the mosque’s civilizational message that promotes coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others—values inspired by the legacy of the late Founding Father.

During the visit, His Excellency and the accompanying delegation were introduced to the history of the mosque’s establishment, its architectural aesthetics, and the exquisite Islamic art that adorns its spaces. They explored the harmonious blend of diverse Islamic architectural styles that reflect the beauty of cultural convergence in a single creative masterpiece.

At the conclusion of the visit, the guest was presented with a copy of the book Houses of God from Al-Kairouan Mosque to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which highlights the history of mosques in Islamic civilization, including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

 

Australian PM visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi alongside his partner Jodie Haydon. They were accompanied by His Excellency Fahad Obaid Al Taffaq, UAE Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Ridwan Joudat, Australian Ambassador to the UAE, and senior members of the Australian delegation.

During the visit, His Excellency and the accompanying delegation were accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, who led them through the mosque’s expansive halls and courtyards. His Excellency outlined the history of the mosque’s establishment and its role as a cultural landmark embodying the values of coexistence, tolerance, and openness—principles rooted in the vision of the late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, while also emphasizing the Centre’s mission to convey the essence of Islamic culture and to promote dialogue among nations and peoples.

Cultural tour specialist Rawda Al Marzouqi provided a detailed overview of the mosque’s artistic and architectural splendour, illustrating how Islamic civilisations across the centuries contributed to its design. The mosque, he explained, unites diverse traditions in a single architectural statement, reflecting the harmony and creativity of cultural exchange.

His Excellency the Prime Minister and his delegation also visited the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed, recalling his wisdom and vision of peace that continue to shape the UAE’s culture of tolerance and coexistence.

The guest was presented with a commemorative gift reflecting the mosque’s artistic beauty—a compass inspired by the design of its chandeliers—along with a copy of “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:  Lights of Peace”, a publication that showcases the mosque’s distinctive architectural style and takes readers on a visual journey through its artistic and engineering splendour, featuring award-winning photographs from the “Spaces of Light” competition.

 

On the Occasion of World Tourism Day Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Strengthens Its Position on the Map of Sustainable Cultural Tourism

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its status as one of the most prominent cultural and religious landmarks, offering a comprehensive tourism experience that blends the aesthetics of Islamic architecture with rich cultural content and a wide range of services that cater to the aspirations of visitors from around the world.

World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27, highlighting the vital role of the tourism sector in promoting sustainable development and fostering intercultural understanding. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has become a key destination for dignitaries and tourists globally, serving as a meeting point for diverse cultures. The mosque welcomes nearly 7 million guests annually, with international visitors accounting for 82% of the total.

On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, affirmed the mosque’s role as a distinguished model of sustainable cultural tourism in the UAE, stating:

“At the Centre, we are committed to offering a holistic cultural experience that combines the beauty of Islamic architecture with rich cultural content, while considering environmental, social, and cultural dimensions in alignment with the UAE’s vision for sustainable tourism. We also strive to raise awareness of Islamic heritage and present it in a contemporary manner that resonates with diverse audiences. The mosque’s global achievements year after year reflect its success in harmonizing authenticity with innovation.”

Diverse Services Enrich the Visitor Experience

In the first half of this year, the mosque welcomed 4,346,831 guests, marking a 5% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth contributed to an increase in the average visitor stay from two to four hours. The rise is attributed to the variety of cultural and educational experiences offered by the Centre, most notably the “Sura” experience, which provides 24-hour guided tours tailored for transit travelers or those unable to visit during regular hours. Additionally, the “Guide” device offers virtual tours in 14 languages using virtual reality technology, with accessibility features for people of determination, including the visually and hearing impaired, to convey the mosque’s message of tolerance. The “Hidden Gems of the Mosque” tours allow visitors to explore architectural and cultural details via specially equipped electric vehicles.

A Multilingual Cultural Experience

The Centre enriches the visitor journey through over 5,400 cultural tours annually, delivered in multiple languages including Arabic, English, French, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and others. Sign language tours are also available, conducted by qualified Emirati professionals who reflect the UAE’s cultural identity.

Peace Dome: A Global Hub for Cultural Dialogue

The Centre continues to reinforce its role as a global platform for cultural dialogue through the “Peace Dome,” home to the unique “Noor & Salam” Museum. The museum features interactive exhibits that simulate the ambiance of the three holy mosques and showcases rare artifacts such as the Kaaba’s belt, the Blue Quran, and the Andalusian astrolabe. It offers diverse cultural content for various audiences—from researchers and art and science enthusiasts to children, who have a dedicated section.

The museum also includes the “Diya Interactive Experience,” an immersive journey that blends art and technology, inspired by the authentic values of Emirati culture. This experience adds a distinctive dimension to the Centre’s cultural offerings, presented through a multi-sensory narrative using 360-degree circular projection, transporting visitors through captivating light, sound, and tactile effects that simulate natural elements like wind and light.

The “Peace Dome” also houses the mosque’s specialized library, cultural theater, permanent and temporary exhibitions, and the mosque’s market, which includes restaurants and shops catering to all age groups, as well as the “Mosque Letters” mural.

Global Recognition in Tourism Rankings

The mosque holds a prestigious position on the global tourism map. This year, it ranked eighth on the “TripAdvisor 2025” list of the world’s top landmarks, advancing two places from its 2024 ranking, while maintaining its first-place position in the Middle East.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah, managed by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, is one of the emirate’s most prominent landmarks and a unique cultural and tourist destination. For the first time, it was ranked among the top 10% of global landmarks, based on traveler reviews from around the world.

The mosque welcomes guests from all cultures and backgrounds daily, offering guided cultural tours in Arabic and English. These tours highlight the mosque’s role in fostering intercultural dialogue and showcase the finest details of Islamic architecture and art.

 

SZGMC Director-General’s Message on Emirati Women’s Day

On this special day, as we mark Emirati Women’s Day, we pause with pride to honour a journey of remarkable accomplishments charted by Emirati women from the dawn of the Union to the present day.

It is a day that celebrates an unwavering resolve inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his memory live on, and nurtured by the conviction of our wise leadership in women’s vital role as equal partners in the nation’s progress. We take pride in the achievements of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation,” who has been, and continues to be, a pillar of support and a beacon of inspiration for Emirati women and generations to come.

At the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Emirati women have gone beyond fulfilling professional duties to shaping the Centre’s vision and advancing its cultural and civilisational mission. Through their work, they embody the values of tolerance, openness, and dialogue among peoples. Our colleagues stand as shining examples of dedication and excellence, leading initiatives, welcoming visitors from across the globe, and representing this landmark with dignity that reflects both its stature and that of the nation.

Their achievements affirm that teamwork knows no distinction between men and women, and that creativity and success are the fruits of sincerity, perseverance, and dedication. On this occasion, we renew our commitment to supporting and empowering women, recognising that their success is the success of the institution, an advancement for society, and a lasting contribution to the nation’s story.

To every Emirati woman, I say: you are the heartbeat of the nation and the voice of its civilisation. And to our colleagues at the Centre, your commitment inspires us to move forward with confidence towards a future bright with achievement.

H.E. Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli
Director-General
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi Welcomes Over 4.3 Million Guests During the First Half of 2025

A 5% Increase Compared to the Same Period Last Year

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi witnessed a significant increase in visitor numbers during the first half of 2025, welcoming a total of 4,346,831 guests. This marks a 5% growth compared to the same period in 2024, reaffirming the mosque’s position as a leading religious and cultural destination on the global stage.

The guest count included 1,948,482 worshippers and fasting guests, 2,355,165 visitors from various nationalities, and 43,184 users of the Mosque’s Jogging Track. The mosque hosted 127,672 worshippers during Friday prayers, 346,671 during daily prayers, and 575,372 during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. Notably, the mosque recorded its highest number of worshippers on the 27th night of Ramadan (25 March 2025), with 72,710 worshippers, including 11,483 for Taraweeh prayers and 61,050 for Tahajjud prayers, in an atmosphere of serenity and spiritual reflection.

As part of the “Our Fasting Guests” initiative, the Centre collaborated with the Erth Zayed Philanthropies and its strategic partner Erth Hotel to distribute Iftar and Suhoor meals. The hotel prepared approximately 2.6 million meals, of which 898,767 were distributed at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, 442,345 at Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Grand Mosque in Al Ain, 1,160,000 in labour cities across Abu Dhabi, and 105,935 in various areas of the Emirate.

During the Eid Al-Adha holiday, the mosque welcomed 96,497 guests, including 41,385 worshippers—12,740 of whom performed Eid prayers—54,751 visitors, and 361 Jogging Track users. The number of vehicles that used the mosque’s parking facilities reached 988,411.

According to the Centre’s statistics, 82% of visitors came from outside the UAE, while 18% were UAE nationals and residents. This reflects the mosque’s growing prominence as a global cultural tourism landmark.

In terms of regional distribution, Asia accounted for 49% of visitors, followed by Europe with 35%, North America with 10%, Africa with 3%, South America with 2%, and Australia with 1%. The top visiting countries were India (20%), China (9%), Russia (8%), USA (7%), Germany (4%), followed by France, UK, Italy, Philippines, and Poland, each contributing 3% of the total visitors.

The Centre’s Cultural Tour Specialists conducted 2,363 cultural tours, introducing guests to the mosque’s message of peace, tolerance, and cross-cultural dialogue. The Centre also received 826 official delegation bookings, including 196 high-level delegations. These included visits from 6 Heads of State, 1 Vice President, 6 Prime Ministers, 4 Parliament Speakers, 1 Deputy Speaker, 3 Governors, 4 Sheikhs and Princes, 44 Ministers, 16 Deputy Ministers, 25 Ambassadors and Consuls, 52 Military Delegations, and 34 delegations from various official entities.

To enhance the visitor experience, the Centre provided over 70 electric vehicles to transport worshippers from parking areas to prayer halls, prioritising the elderly and People of Determination. Additionally, more than 3,515 comfortable seats were provided for their comfort and 50 wheelchairs were made available to facilitate movement within the mosque.

The Centre continued to enrich its offerings with innovative experiences, including public cultural tours, “Unseen Glimpses” tours via electric vehicles, Souq Al Jami’, the Jogging Track, and Night Cultural Tours (Sura Tour) available 24/7. The “Sura” experience was designed specifically for transit passengers and those with limited time during their stay in Abu Dhabi.

Furthermore, the Centre offers “El-Delleel”, a multimedia guide device that provides virtual cultural tours in 14 languages, including a sign language tour for the hearing impaired and child-friendly tours, ensuring an inclusive and enriching experience for all visitors.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Launches Season 13 of the Junior Cultural Guide Programme Under the Al Shabab Al Banie Initiative for the Summer Holidays

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has announced the launch of the thirteenth edition of the Junior Cultural Guide Programme, one of its initiatives under the Al Shabab Al Banie umbrella, which unites the Centre’s youth-focused activities and programmes dedicated to the nation’s younger generations.

Embodying the Concepts of Social Responsibility

This programme embodies the Centre’s commitment to social responsibility and its pioneering role in serving the community, by supporting the family’s role in fostering the ethical upbringing of emerging generations among the nation’s youth. Through its activities targeting the UAE’s youth, it harnesses their energies and talents, hones their skills and imparts the personal attributes that qualify them to present the nation’s civilisational image—applying the Centre’s foremost value: “We work with the spirit of patriotism rooted in the UAE’s authentic heritage.”

Integrated Training Methodology

The Junior Cultural Guide training programme, launched as part of the Youth of the Nation initiative, is an educational model aimed at refining the talents and energies of young people through a comprehensive set of training components and diverse workshops. The programme stimulates participants’ passion for conducting cultural tours at an early age, while providing them with the essential knowledge and skills required in this field.

In addition, the programme introduces participants to the fundamentals and standards of cultural tour delivery and provides them with training accordingly. It also acquaints them with the Centre’s messages in reviving the arts of Islamic civilisation, as a cultural legacy passed down through generations.

Through this programme, the Centre seeks to prepare a new generation of youth to become worthy ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates, reflecting its noble message of promoting values of tolerance and fraternity among the peoples of the world.

The Centre has invited male and female school students to register for the summer training programme, which is divided into two sessions targeting two groups of students in each. The first training period runs from 14 to 24 July, while the second runs from 4 to 14 August. Both sessions include two age groups: the first from 11 to 14 years old, and the second from 15 to 17 years old. Each group is trained separately.

The programme includes two training workshops. The first is entitled The Impactful Speaker, which introduces the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the approach of the wise leadership, presentation, speech delivery and effective communication skills, overcoming anxiety, and preparing impactful commentary. The second workshop is entitled The Aesthetics of the Mosque and Practical Application, and includes an introduction to 498 graduates of the programme during its previous cycles

It is worth noting that, since its inception, the number of Junior Cultural Guide graduates has exceeded 498. The Centre strives to cultivate the talents of the emerging generation and prepare them for a promising future through this programme, which forms part of the Al Shabab Al Banie initiative . It affords participants the opportunity to gain direct insight into the Centre’s values and messages of tolerance and coexistence—principles upon which Emirati society is founded—and instils in them an awareness of their role as ambassadors representing their homeland with distinction.

Continuous Education

The programme opens future horizons for its participants to pursue careers as Cultural Tour Specialists—embracing the principles of coexistence and respect for others. It is built upon an integrated educational methodology, comprising diverse training modules and workshops that ignite their enthusiasm for leading cultural tours at an early age and encourage ongoing development through successive stages. The Centre has steadfastly ensured the sustainability of training and qualification for the programme’s elite graduates, continually refining emerging talents’ skills via the ‘Guide of the Future’ initiative, which supports select alumni of the Junior Cultural Guide Programme with advanced training. This pathway culminates in the ‘Ibn Al-Dar’ programme, which prepares them to serve as trainee guides within the mosque or to work part-time, with graduates given employment priority in this vocation.

National Competencies

It is worth noting that the training and qualification of participants in the Al Shabab Al Banie initiative is conducted by highly competent national cadres of Cultural Tour Specialists within the Centre, while the Emiratization rate for the Cultural Tour Specialist role at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has reached 100%.

 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Launches Hijri Calendar for 1447 AH

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has announced the launch of the Hijri calendar for the year 1447 AH, beginning on 27 June 2025. This annual publication aligns with the Centre’s cultural and educational mission, highlighting Islamic traditions and the UAE’s rich heritage. The calendar provides detailed information, including accurate prayer timings for Abu Dhabi and surrounding regions, based on meridian and sunset calculations. It also encompasses astronomical data such as zodiac signs, traditional seasonal periods known as "Duroor," stellar risings (Ṭawāliʿ), weather patterns significant to maritime and agricultural activities, notable monthly astronomical events, and tidal schedules.
Serving as an essential reference, the calendar enhances community awareness of the lunar calendar, crucial for Islamic rituals and cultural practices. It also fosters astronomical literacy, bridging traditional knowledge with Islamic cultural heritage.
The wall calendar edition includes prayer timings across Abu Dhabi, comprehensive details of both Hijri and Gregorian calendars, seasonal and astronomical insights, and tidal information. It is enriched with verses from the Quran, prophetic sayings (Hadith), inspirational quotes from UAE leadership, and traditional Emirati wisdom, emphasizing the depth of national culture and strengthening generational connections to the UAE’s identity.
Rich Content and Multiple Editions
This year’s Hijri Calendar project includes two significant publications. The "Hijri Calendar" book features precise prayer timings based on meridian and sunset calculations, tidal information, and a collection of supplications (Dhikr) and prayers, highlighting moral virtues, significant events, and the merits associated with each Hijri month.
The "Duroor and Ṭawāliʿ" publication offers unique cultural and religious content, enriching readers' understanding of seasonal cycles, zodiac signs, stellar risings (Ṭawāliʿ), prevailing winds, maritime conditions, lunar phases, and their effects on tides. It celebrates the UAE’s ancestral knowledge, preserving and highlighting local heritage. Both publications are available at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Library and can be downloaded from the Centre’s website: https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/.
Additionally, the Centre has updated its digital Hijri Calendar App for 1447 AH, incorporating prayer timings, Qibla direction, annual events, and the comprehensive content of the printed calendar, presented through an accessible digital platform.
The Centre also continues its popular Hijri Calendar series on its YouTube channel and social media platforms. Hosted by cultural specialists, the series covers the history and significance of the Hijri calendar, detailed explanations of meridian and sunset timings, lunar phases, their influence on tides, seasonal characteristics, local poetic traditions linked to astronomical events, and ancestral practices, such as observing the Suhail star. Through this series, shared on Instagram, the Centre actively promotes Emirati cultural heritage and the extensive traditional knowledge inherited from previous generations.
The 1447 AH Hijri Calendar project was developed through rigorous scientific, religious, and astronomical collaboration with prominent UAE entities. Key partners include the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, National Centre of Meteorology, International Astronomical Centre (Abu Dhabi), Department of Municipalities and Transport, Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, alongside distinguished Islamic scholars, astronomers, and Emirati researchers. Internal Centre teams managed editorial processes, research, design, artistic production, logistical and technical support, and digital publishing, ensuring the project's excellence, accuracy, and completeness.
 

National Archives and Library Honours Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre

The National Archives and Library today honoured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre at its Abu Dhabi premises in recognition of the Centre’s exemplary support for the archival framework. By safeguarding the nation’s collective memory, the Centre has established a lasting legacy of pride and inspiration for future generations.