
Prominent landmarks: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque rises in global rankings
The
2025 Top Attractions
category in its global report.
The mosque also retained its position as the number one attraction in the Middle East in this category, topping a list of the region's 10 most iconic sites.
The ranking, based on reviews of more than eight million landmarks worldwide, places the mosque in the top one per cent globally.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah also made the list, ranking among the top 10 per cent of sites globally after recently opening visitor services.
Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, director-general of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, credited the achievement to the UAE's 'visionary leadership' and the centre's strategic focus on service quality. 'This success crowns a continuous series of outstanding initiatives and services offered throughout the year,' he said.
The mosque attracts global visitors
The Abu Dhabi mosque draws more than seven million visitors annually, about 82 per cent of them from overseas.
New initiatives include general cultural tours, 'Unseen Glimpses' guided rides to restricted areas, Sura evening tours for 24-hour access, and El-Delleel multimedia guides in 14 languages, including sign language.
The centre has also expanded its cultural facilities with the Dome of Peace, Al Jami Library, a cultural auditorium, and permanent and temporary exhibitions on Islamic history and art.
These include
Al-Andalus: History and Civilisation
,
Coins of Islam: History Revealed
, and
The Hajj: Memories of a Journey
.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ranking: Numbers
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi ranked eighth globally in TripAdvisor's
2025 Top Attractions
list, up two spots from 2024
Retains top spot as the Middle East's leading attraction in the category
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah ranked among the top 10 per cent of landmarks worldwide
Abu Dhabi mosque welcomes more than seven million
New visitor offerings include 'Unseen Glimpses' electric car tours, Sura evening tours, and El-Delleel multimedia guides in 14 languages
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The National
9 hours ago
- The National
My Abu Dhabi Salary: 'I earn up to Dh80,000 a month in property sales. You have to hustle hard'
Alexandra Warren moved to working in real estate after a six-year career in aviation as a flight attendant with Etihad Airways. The career switch felt like a natural progression, says the 32-year-old South African, who lives with her husband and four-year-old daughter in Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi. 'A role in aviation as cabin crew or flight attendant has you at the front line dealing with people, so you need strong interpersonal skills,' says Ms Warren, who works as a sales consultant at Crompton Partners Estate Agents in Abu Dhabi. 'Those are easily transferable skills. In real estate, too, we work with different people, so it was a natural transition.' Ms Warren, who is from Cape Town, finished a bachelor's degree in arts with a major in communication and psychology. She's been in the UAE for more than 11 years and has worked in property for just over two-and-a-half years. What was your first job and salary? My first job was right out of university in 2013, when I joined Etihad Airways as a flight attendant at the age of 21. I worked this job for six years. My salary at the time was around Dh11,000 ($2,995) to Dh12,000 a month. It fluctuated, based on our flights and rosters. I was travelling, enjoying and exploring, until Covid-19 happened and I was one among many of the cabin crew who were made redundant. Tell us about your current role. What is your salary now? I joined real estate over two years ago. I started off doing rentals and the average salary would range between Dh12,000 to Dh13,000 a month. It's a commission-based job. During an exceptional month in leasing, I would make around Dh25,000 to Dh30,000. A year ago, I was promoted and transitioned into sales. The salary has increased significantly, especially in the past six months. My July salary was around Dh195,000. It's hard to give an average figure as the income varies every month. I did a deal in February for an off-plan project. Sometimes, the developers take time to pay us. So, some of my commission in July would have been from a deal that was done a few months ago. On average, I earn about Dh70,000 to Dh80,000 a month. But it depends on the deal that you're making. We do not receive a basic salary, so what you put in is what you get out. You need to hustle hard to make money. This industry is all about trust, building relationships and networking. In this industry, referrals are important for your business. Do you manage to save and have considerable savings? I do. When I was doing leasing, it was quite difficult to save because my salary then was significantly smaller. With sales now, we're in a much better position where I'm able to provide or have a cushioning. I'm saving now and looking at investments of my own, which will probably be real estate as well. I have around Dh250,000 worth of savings now. That is a significant number from somebody who was a housewife two years ago. What asset classes do you invest in? We've only been investing in real estate. We own the three-bedroom apartment that we live in, which has appreciated well since we bought it. It was worth Dh2.5 million when we bought it last year and took out a mortgage to pay for it. It's currently worth Dh3.6 million. We also own a land plot in South Africa. Plots there are rare and valuable, so those perform well over a long period of time. We plan to eventually build on it, rent it out or sell it to invest and diversify our portfolio. It's currently rented out as a storage unit. My next investment will also be in Abu Dhabi real estate: a smaller property with a low entry point in one of the up-and-coming areas. Do you have any debt? Nothing except the mortgage, which my husband has been paying off. People say some debt can be healthy, but I haven't reached that stage yet. Growing up, were you taught how to handle your finances? Yes. My parents would tell me to work hard to build a good future for my kids and save every month, while still trying to maintain a healthy balance. That was something my dad always tried to instil in me. My father also has a strong real estate investment portfolio, so he's been able to guide me. What are your major monthly expenses? The mortgage mainly. Personally, my main expenses are on my daughter, pets, a nanny, gas and utilities. I pay municipal tax on our property in South Africa. I also pay service charges for our home here. How do you budget your salary every month? It depends on the money I earn that month. I do not live above my means. I budget by trying to set aside a certain amount for savings every month, just so I have that financial cushion. I just save what I can, at least more than half my income every month. Have you started saving for retirement? I haven't started saving for retirement, but I've started saving. I do not plan to retire anytime soon. My goal right now is to focus on investments in real estate that can provide me with a passive income stream when I retire. A certain amount of interest would come in and I wouldn't have to stress. That's something my parents have done for themselves. I see the way they live and that's something I want for myself. Watch: Why expat salary packages are not what they used to be Do you have an emergency fund? Yes, my savings. I'm working on increasing that number. What do you spend your disposable income on? Activities with my daughter, going out with friends, dinners, personal upkeep and retail therapy. I spend a maximum of Dh2,000 on myself each month. Do you worry about money? Everyone worries about money, especially when you have the responsibility of kids. I wouldn't say that I can't sleep at night. But we all want to be comfortable. We consider my kid's expenses as she grows up. My husband's work covers her school fees. But when she goes to university or college, that's an additional expense. I work hard to provide a comfortable life for my daughter. Having properties that have appreciated gives you a strong sense of reassurance, and knowing that we don't have liabilities in South Africa. What are your financial goals? My goal is to continue closing deals to bring in an income for myself, perform better than the previous month and the prior year. I want to exceed the targets that I set for myself. What is your idea of financial freedom? To not worry about finances, have a safety net and streams of income coming in from all my investments. Financial freedom is to be comfortable enough to eventually retire, not stress about finances and not live month to month. Do you earn passive income? Not yet. The rent that we earn from our plot in South Africa is paid towards the municipal levies every month. Our next investment will generate passive income, so it should be a rental property in the UAE or South Africa.


Arabian Business
9 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Why Gen Z in the UAE is rethinking retirement
The classic career arc – decades of work leading to a single, distant retirement, is being reconsidered by a new generation in the UAE. While the concept of ' micro-retirements ' is sparking interest among digitally native Gen Z professionals, it's important to note that this is not yet a widespread movement, but rather an emerging trend that aligns with a growing appetite for flexibility and well-being. Forget the outdated idea that personal fulfillment must be postponed until retirement. The UAE's young professionals, known for their ambition and global outlook, are increasingly drawn to the idea of weaving shorter, intentional breaks into their careers. These pauses, for travel, learning, creative projects, or simply to recharge are becoming part of a broader conversation about what work-life balance should look like. This shift reflects a global change in attitudes toward mental health and holistic living. In the UAE, a hub of innovation and opportunity, there's a palpable cultural shift toward valuing flexibility and personal growth throughout one's working life, rather than waiting for a single, far-off reward. Global inspiration, local opportunity The concept of micro-retirement isn't unique to the Emirates. Around the world, professionals are exploring the idea of taking sabbaticals or shorter, more frequent breaks. But the UAE's progressive policies, thriving gig economy and embrace of flexible work arrangements make it a fertile ground for this trend to take root. With its attractive tax regime, robust digital infrastructure and access to international markets, the UAE is well positioned to support a new generation of professionals who want to integrate career breaks into their life plans. The nation's appeal to global talent and its entrepreneurial spirit further enable this kind of flexibility. Understanding micro-retirement: More than just a break At its core, micro-retirement is about planning and taking shorter career pauses, typically ranging from a few months to a year for personal enrichment. This could mean pursuing further education, travelling, working on passion projects, or prioritising well-being. This approach challenges the long-held belief that significant personal pursuits must wait until traditional retirement. For Gen Z in the UAE, it's about creating a more integrated lifestyle, where work and personal life are interwoven throughout the career journey. The UAE's enabling ecosystem The UAE's economic and regulatory environment is a significant advantage for those considering micro-retirements. The absence of capital gains tax makes investment returns more attractive, while easy access to global investment platforms and a growing number of regional IPOs empower individuals to grow their wealth efficiently. This environment allows young professionals to plan for career breaks without necessarily relying on sporadic income or depleting their savings. By leveraging the UAE's robust financial markets, they can build diversified portfolios that provide both short-term liquidity for breaks and long-term growth for future security. Strategising your finances for micro-retirement Prudent financial planning is essential for anyone considering a micro-retirement. Without a clear roadmap, the risk of financial strain increases. Here are some key steps for building a solid financial foundation in the UAE: Define clear financial milestones: Calculate the funds needed for living expenses, travel, healthcare, and contingency savings. For a 12-month break, this could range from AED 75,000 to AED 100,000, depending on lifestyle. Adopt a dual investment strategy: Balance short-term needs with long-term goals. A diversified portfolio ensures accessible funds for the near term and sustained growth for the future. Automate savings and investments: Consistency is key. Regular, automated transfers to savings and investment accounts leverage compounding and reduce market timing risks. Leverage the UAE's financial infrastructure: User-friendly digital trading platforms make it easy to invest in global markets, even with small initial capital. View micro-retirement as a complement: Micro-retirement is not a replacement for traditional retirement planning, but an integrated component of a broader financial strategy. The future landscape For the UAE's ambitious Gen Z professionals, the possibility of crafting a career with strategically placed breaks is becoming more realistic. While micro-retirement is not yet a mass behaviour, there are clear signs of growing interest and a supportive environment for this kind of lifestyle. The traditional question of ' When will you retire?' is evolving into a more empowering inquiry: ' How can I integrate periods of personal growth and rejuvenation into my career journey? ' In a rapidly changing world, the ability to step back, recharge, and pursue personal passions is increasingly valuable. The UAE, with its dynamic economy and forward-thinking policies, is ideally positioned to be a leading hub for this evolving work paradigm. For those who plan diligently, invest wisely, and prioritise their overall well-being, the vision of a fulfilling life, not just a fulfilling retirement is within reach.


Arabian Business
9 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai taxi trips hit 60m in H1 2025 as passenger numbers top 103m
Dubai's taxi sector recorded 7 per cent growth in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The number of taxi trips rose to 59.5m, up from 55.7m in H1 2024, while total passengers increased from 97m to 103.5m. Hala Taxi's market share also increased to 41.3 per cent of total taxi trips in H1 2025, up from 40.3 per cent in H1 2024—a rise of 2.5 per cent growth in share. Dubai taxi journeys Over the same period, the number of active drivers in the sector grew from about 13,000 to nearly 14,000. Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at the Public Transport Agency, said the results reflect 'the emirate's economic vibrancy, which has cemented its position as a global destination for investment and tourism.' The sector also achieved record growth in e-hailing services, hourly vehicle rental, and Hala Taxi bookings. In H1 2024, around 70 per cent of Hala Taxi trips had an estimated arrival time of under four minutes In H1 2025, 74 per cent of trips were under 3.5 minutes Shakri said the improvements highlight the sector's commitment to service efficiency and customer satisfaction. With rising demand, faster response times, and an expanding driver base, Dubai's taxi sector continues to strengthen its role in supporting the emirate's transport infrastructure and tourism economy.