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ABU DHABI / AD MEDIA OFFICE
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has enhanced readiness to welcome guests throughout the holy month of Ramadan as part of a comprehensive nationwide Ramadan initiative.
His Excellency Dr Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, held a coordination meeting with strategic partners of the Ramadan project, underscoring the importance of integration among entities and enhanced collaboration to ensure the project’s success and reflect a model of cohesive government work. His Excellency commended the sustained efforts of partners over the years and the vital role each entity plays in serving the community, contributing to the ongoing success of this national initiative.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has completed its preparations for the holy month, with Tarawih and Tahajjud prayers to be held in a spiritually uplifting atmosphere, led by the mosque’s imams Idris Abkar, Yahya Eshan, Alaa Al-Mizjaji, Abdullah Al-Balushi, and Abdulbasit Abdulsamad, alongside guest reciter Raad Al-Kurdi. The centre has also coordinated with Abu Dhabi TV to broadcast the prayers live daily throughout the holy month.
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the mosque’s role during the holy month, the centre will continue to deliver a range of programmes and initiatives that highlight the mosque’s message and humanitarian values. These include the publication of religious series that enrich Ramadan content and highlight the meanings and virtues of the month.
The centre has also prepared a package of supportive initiatives aligned with its mission, most notably the continuation of its annual ‘Jusoor’ programme, which hosts Ramadan gatherings aimed at fostering cultural dialogue and building bridges of understanding among diverse communities. In addition, the centre is launching the second season of the ‘Diyaa’ photography competition under the theme ‘Ramadan at the Mosque’, serving as an artistic extension of the ‘Spaces of Light Photography Award’. These initiatives are complemented by further cultural and humanitarian programmes that reinforce the mosque’s presence and impact, with additional details to be announced in due course.
The centre has also prepared for the annual ‘Our Fasting Guests’ initiative held at the mosque, held in memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sponsored by Erth Zayed Philanthropies and implemented in collaboration with its strategic partner Erth Abu Dhabi Hotel, the programme provides daily iftar meals within the mosque’s premises. In addition, the centre will supply integrated food packages weekly to the Specialised Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) to support the preparation of daily iftar meals for beneficiaries from diverse communities.
The centre has formed specialised committees and task forces comprising more than 580 volunteers, including centre employees and carefully selected volunteers meeting high standards of expertise and competence, alongside police officers, paramedics, civil defence personnel, and support staff. These integrated teams will operate around the clock, from dawn to dawn, embodying the centre’s core value: ‘We Volunteer to Give Back to Our Homeland’.
To ensure smooth and safe access for growing number of visitors, the mosque has opened all gates and entrances. More than 8,000 parking spaces have been provided, including 1,500 designated for women, over 60 for People of Determination, and an additional 1,800 spaces along Al Jami’ Al Kabeer Street adjacent to the Mosque.
The centre’s teams work closely with Mawaqif, affiliated with the Integrated Transport Centre, and with the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate to regulate vehicle and pedestrian movement and ensure seamless traffic flow around the mosque.
Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the traditional iftar cannon live at the mosque or via daily broadcasts on the Abu Dhabi Media Network. In cooperation with supporting units from the Ministry of Defence, the cannon will be fired to mark the beginning of Ramadan and at sunset each day to signal the time of iftar.
Reinforcing its position as a global cultural destination, the centre will offer a range of experiences and initiatives, including a Ramadan market featuring 22 kiosks across the mosque’s northern and southern plazas. Visitors can also enjoy cultural services and experiences at the Dome of Peace and Souq Al Jami, which hosts a variety of shops and restaurants.
Following prayer times, the centre will resume welcoming visitors for cultural tours, including the ‘Sura’ experience and guided tours, in accordance with the Ramadan schedule. Electric vehicle transport services will be available to facilitate movement between prayer halls, the Dome of Peace, and the Souq. In addition, the centre has developed a package of programmes and supporting initiatives that reinforce its role and mission, enabling visitors to gain deeper insight into Islamic culture and the values deeply rooted in UAE society.
All facilities have been fully prepared to ensure the comfort of guests. The centre has deployed more than 70 electric vehicles to facilitate mobility, completed extensive cleaning and maintenance works, and equipped courtyards and arcades with over 1,480 carpets to accommodate increased numbers of worshippers.
More than 160 partitions have been installed in women’s prayer areas to enhance privacy, alongside 3,515 comfortable seats and over 50 wheelchairs for senior citizens and People of Determination. Water bottles are distributed through dedicated service robots, and guests are welcomed daily with emirati hospitality, including the fragrance of premium oud incense that fills the halls of the mosque.
The centre has also expanded call centre staffing, deployed mobile information points, provided children with safety wristbands, and prepared for medical emergencies by supplying fully equipped ambulances in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Civil Defence.
As part of its commitment to keeping the public informed, the centre will continue to share updates on its programmes, services, and initiatives throughout Ramadan, including prayer schedules and daily supplications, via its official social media platforms (@szgmc_ae). The centre will also publish episodes from its religious and cultural series to engage both local and international audiences.