News

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.

Prime Minister of Lebanon Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to His Highness the President of the UAE; His Excellency Dr. Ghassan Salamé, Minister of Culture of the Lebanese Republic; His Excellency Fouad Chehab Dandan, Ambassador of Lebanon to the UAE; and their accompanying delegation.

The Prime Minister and his delegation were accompanied through the mosque's halls and external courtyards by His Excellency Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. During the tour, His Excellency the Director General provided an overview of the mosque’s history, its civilisational mission promoting coexistence, tolerance, and openness inspired by the legacy and values of the founding father. He highlighted the significant role of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in introducing the compassionate essence of Islamic culture and fostering cultural dialogue among diverse peoples and civilisations worldwide.

Saeif Al Mutawa, Cultural Tour Specialist, offered the Prime Minister and delegation an in-depth explanation of the mosque’s architectural beauty, illustrating the exquisite Islamic artistry evident throughout the mosque. He showcased its unique artefacts and highlighted the diverse Islamic architectural traditions, whose harmonious integration within the mosque's design symbolises cultural convergence and creativity.

The delegation also visited the tomb of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recalling his enduring legacy and wise approach that established the foundations of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among nations.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Prime Minister received a commemorative gift reflecting the mosque’s aesthetics, a compass inspired by its chandeliers, and a copy of the book "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace." The book presents readers with a photographic journey showcasing the mosque's architectural magnificence through selected images from the "Spaces of Light" photography award.

 

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

His Excellency Santiago Peña, President of the Republic of Paraguay, accompanied by First Lady Leticia Ocampos de Peña, visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The delegation included His Excellency Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay; Her Excellency Dr Al Saghira Wobran Hamad Mubarak Al Ahbabi, UAE Ambassador to Paraguay; Her Excellency Carina Conther López, Ambassador of Paraguay to the UAE; and other accompanying officials.

The President and the delegation commenced their tour by visiting the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, reflecting on his enduring legacy and wise vision that established foundations for tolerance, coexistence, and peace among diverse peoples worldwide.

Accompanied by His Excellency Dr Yousef Al Obaidli, Director-General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, the delegation toured the mosque’s halls and outer courtyards, where they learned about the mosque’s cultural mission promoting coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others—principles inspired by the UAE's Founding Father. They explored the Centre’s pivotal role in presenting Islamic culture and enhancing intercultural dialogue among peoples and cultures globally. The delegation also learned about the mosque’s historical background, architectural magnificence, and exquisite Islamic artistry clearly visible throughout, including unique collections that embody the richness and diversity of Islamic civilisation. The mosque’s distinct architectural style integrates various cultural influences into one harmonious, artistic masterpiece.

Reflecting on his visit, President Peña stated, "I am truly honoured to participate and be here. This is a deeply spiritual occasion for us to strengthen our relationship and build bridges between our cultures and nations."

At the conclusion of the visit, the distinguished guest received a commemorative gift symbolising the mosque’s aesthetic—a compass inspired by its chandeliers—and a copy of the Centre’s latest publication, “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Lights of Peace,” which highlights the mosque’s extraordinary architectural artistry through a photographic journey featuring images from the “Spaces of Light” Photography Award.

 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre: A Beacon of Cultural Diversity and Civilisational Openness

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre: A Beacon of Cultural Diversity and Civilisational Openness

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre stands as a prominent cultural landmark embodying the spirit of cultural diversity and civilisational openness. Seamlessly blending tradition and modernity, religion and art, local heritage and global perspectives, it extends beyond its majestic religious significance to become a dynamic platform celebrating multicultural dialogue and the convergence of civilisations.

The Centre vividly reflects the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who believed that cultural diversity is an inexhaustible source of enrichment, and openness towards others forms the foundation of social stability and human advancement. It hosts an array of vibrant events and programmes, representing a mosaic of global cultures.

A Space Celebrating Diversity

Annually welcoming millions of visitors from diverse cultures and nationalities, the Centre serves as an interactive space for cultural exchange. Guided cultural tours offered in multiple languages enable visitors to appreciate Islamic architecture, intricately woven with artistic influences from around the world, symbolising global heritage within this extraordinary landmark.

Last year, the Centre received 6,582,993 visitors, solidifying its prominent status on the global cultural tourism map, with international guests constituting 81% of visitors and local residents 19%.

Platform for Human Values

The Centre's cultural impact extends to educational and awareness initiatives that reinforce universal human values such as tolerance, coexistence, and acceptance of others. Key among these initiatives is the Jusoor Programme, along with artistic exhibitions and community-oriented projects, all of which promote societal awareness grounded in openness and cultural pluralism.

Jusoor Programme: Bridging Cultures from the UAE to the World

The Jusoor Programme is pivotal in highlighting cultural diversity within the Centre, fostering enriching dialogues between international visitors and the local community. Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, visitors gain insights into Islamic culture, Emirati lifestyles, and the ethos of coexistence inherent in UAE society.

The programme comprises numerous initiatives designed to introduce individuals and institutions from diverse backgrounds to Islamic culture and the humanitarian values championed by the Centre. Participants explore the Centre's core message, inspired by the visionary legacy of the late  Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the wise leadership's commitment to humanistic principles and Emirati heritage.

One recent Jusoor initiative, "Minarets of the Two Capitals," involved unveiling a model of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a mobile library, and the "Spaces of Light" Photography Award Mobile Exhibition at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque. Since 2012, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Centre has inaugurated over 21 mosque models across various countries worldwide.

Land of Tolerance Platform

Reaffirming its role as a beacon of tolerance, peace, and human fraternity, the Centre introduced the "Land of Tolerance" platform, offering visitors a virtual journey that underscores the Mosque's cultural and civilisational contributions in promoting the UAE's global message of coexistence, peace, and harmony. This initiative embodies Sheikh Zayed's visionary ideals and the leadership's aspirations.

Light & Peace Museum: A Captivating Cultural Journey

Further enhancing its cultural offerings, the Centre launched the "Light & Peace " Museum and the immersive "Diya "Interactive Experience, blending art with technology to explore light as a metaphor for inner peace and spiritual openness. Beyond religious narratives, the museum celebrates human diversity through multilingual storytelling, underscoring universal human messages. Previous notable exhibitions include "Hajj: Memories of a Journey," highlighting pilgrimage traditions, and "Coins of Islam: History Revealed ."

Spaces of Light Award: Celebrating Architectural Diversity

The Centre celebrates architectural beauty and diversity through the "Spaces of Light" Photography Award, attracting global participation. This award epitomises cultural diversity, showcasing how each photographer uniquely perceives the mosque through their cultural and artistic lens.

A Global Beacon

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has become a premier cultural landmark in the Arab and Islamic world, renowned not only for its architectural splendour but also for its growing role in promoting cultural diversity as a civilisational value. It has garnered international acclaim as a monument harmonising spirituality and multiculturalism.

In an era marked by increasing challenges to pluralism, the Centre stands as an exemplary model of promoting positive cultural diversity, illustrating that intercultural dialogue does not lead to cultural erosion but celebrates, integrates, and builds enduring human bridges across time and place.

 

Accompanied by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, US President visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

US President Donald Trump has visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The visit started with a solemn stop at the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, where the US President and his accompanying delegation paid tribute to the UAE’s Founding Father and reflected on his enduring legacy that laid the foundations for promoting tolerance, coexistence and peace around the world.

During the tour, the US President and his accompanying delegation explored the mosque’s halls and outer courtyards, receiving insights into the mosque’s role in fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding among diverse cultures and faiths. They were also briefed on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre’s efforts to promote the values of Islam, and strengthen cross-cultural and civilisational exchange worldwide.

The US President and his delegation were additionally guided through the history of the mosque and its distinctive architectural and artistic features, which reflect the rich heritage of Islamic architecture across the centuries, embodied through intricate designs and engineering elements that showcase the beauty of traditional Arab and Islamic culture.

As Part of the 'Jusoor' Programme Aimed at Bridging Cultures and Nations, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Hosts a Delegation from Abu Dhabi Accueil for French Speakers

c

As part of the "Jusoor" programme, encompassing all initiatives, activities, and events launched by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre to promote intercultural dialogue, foster closer ties between cultures, and enhance the UAE’s global image, His Excellency Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Centre, met a delegation from Abu Dhabi Accueil. The association supports newly arrived French-speaking residents in Abu Dhabi by organising a variety of social, cultural, and recreational activities.

The Centre had previously launched the "Jusoor" programme to invite individuals and institutions from diverse cultures to participate in various activities and programmes held at the mosque. Participants are given the opportunity to explore the Centre’s core message, inspired by the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, and the country’s wise leadership, which aims to consolidate humanitarian values and introduce them to Emirati heritage.

The meeting, held at the Peace Dome, was particularly significant as the mosque is among the foremost landmarks visited by the French community in the UAE, including tourists and residents. Since its opening, the mosque has welcomed approximately 1,820,000 French visitors, notably including France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron, former French President François Hollande, former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, former Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, and Jean-Luc Martinez, President of the Louvre Museum in Paris. Additionally, in 2024 alone, the mosque hosted 124,691 visitors.

During the meeting, His Excellency the Director-General emphasised that when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan decided to build the mosque, he envisioned it as a meeting place for diverse cultures from around the world. This vision was realized through the mosque's construction, which incorporated elements and materials sourced from across the globe, ensuring that every visitor found a connection to their own culture or geographical region.

His Excellency the Director-General further noted that guest feedback received by the Centre through "Google Reviews" and "TripAdvisor," as well as visitor experiences from the cultural tours offered by the Centre, confirmed that the mosque has significantly contributed to fostering an accurate understanding of Islamic culture and promoting a positive image of the UAE. Visitors mentioned that, through their experience at this prominent landmark, they discovered shared elements connecting them to the region's peoples, such as arts and other aspects, and indicated they would recommend Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to others interested in learning about the region's culture.

His Excellency the Director-General also highlighted the "Light & Peace Museum," which houses numerous exhibits symbolising coexistence and intercultural dialogue.

Following the meeting, delegation members toured the "Light & Peace Museum," exploring its sections, collections, and activities. They were introduced to various aspects of Islamic civilisation, its rich legacy of art and science, and its enduring values of tolerance and coexistence, which have significantly influenced global cultural exchanges. The delegation also experienced "Diya – A Universe of Light," an immersive, interactive experience featuring a 360-degree multimedia presentation accompanied by sound and sensory effects, including wind, guiding visitors through an inspiring sensory journey from the star-lit cosmos to the landscapes of the UAE.

The delegation then toured the mosque’s halls and external arcades, where they learned about its civilisational message promoting coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others. They were introduced to the history behind the establishment of this iconic landmark, appreciating the aesthetic magnificence and exquisite Islamic architecture evident throughout its spaces. The visitors also admired unique collections and splendid examples of Islamic artistry and design, which, despite their diversity, seamlessly converge in the mosque’s design, embodying the harmonious blend of cultures in a single, creative masterpiece.

It is noteworthy that Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre actively participates in events organised by countries around the world, including the French Republic. A delegation from the Centre previously took part in France’s International Tourism Exhibition, "Top Resa."