Latest news with #SheikhZayedGrandMosqueCentre
Gulf Business
7 days ago
- Gulf Business
Prominent landmarks: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque rises in global rankings
Image: Abu Dhabi Media Office/ WAM 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
What's On
08-08-2025
- What's On
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ranked 8th best global attraction by Tripadvisor
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi has been named the eighth-best attraction in the world, according to Tripadvisor's 2025 global rankings. The mosque moved up two spots from last year and remains the top-ranked landmark in the Middle East. The ranking is based on a review of over eight million attractions worldwide. The mosque now ranks in the top one percent globally, highlighting its cultural and architectural significance. Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre credited the mosque's success to its commitment to training young Emiratis as cultural guides and its continuous development of exhibitions, tours and educational initiatives that reflect the UAE's values. 'The global achievement of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi embodies the wise vision of our wise leadership. It is the fruit of the Centre's strategic plan, which aims to develop services and provide unique experiences for its guests. It is a culmination of the distinguished initiatives and services it offers throughout the year, ' said Dr. Al Obaidli. In Fujairah, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was also recognised, placing in the top ten percent of landmarks worldwide. This follows the recent launch of its visitor services. The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi sees about seven million visitors and worshippers every year. For many, it's the first stop after landing in the capital. What sets the mosque apart is its ability to evolve while staying true to its core. It remains a spiritual space but also serves as a symbol of peace, unity and beauty. It is a place where ancient traditions meet modern hospitality. With most of its guests coming from outside the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has become a must-see stop for tourists, diplomats and locals alike. It is where the country's values come to life through architecture, storytelling and genuine warmth. In a city full of head-turning buildings, this one continues to steal the show. Images: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
CairoScene
09-05-2025
- General
- CairoScene
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Hosts Workshops for Abu Dhabi Students
Held throughout April and May, the workshops begin with guided tours of the Mosque Library. May 10, 2025 The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has been hosting a series of cultural workshops aimed at school students across Abu Dhabi, with two recent sessions welcoming 39 students to the Mosque Library. Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the workshops are part of the 'Al Shabab Al Banie' youth programme, which focuses on nurturing cultural awareness and creative thinking among younger generations. Held throughout April and May, the workshops begin with guided tours of the Mosque Library, introducing students to its collection, services, and role as a cultural space. Sessions explore a range of topics including reading and language development, the historical role of maps, and forms of Islamic ornamentation and calligraphy. Students also have the chance to visit the Light & Peace Museum and the Diya – A Universe of Light immersive experience, engaging with artefacts that showcase the breadth of Islamic civilisation and its global connections. Since its opening in 2010, the Mosque Library has positioned itself as a centre for Islamic knowledge and intercultural dialogue. With support from H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the library holds nearly 3,000 rare and valuable books in 14 languages, alongside 50,000 microfilm copies of Arabic manuscripts covering Islamic sciences, arts, and history. The workshops are part of ongoing efforts to make the Mosque Library a hub for youth engagement, encouraging curiosity while preserving and promoting Islamic heritage.
Sharjah 24
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Saif bin Zayed attends int'l symposium closing ceremony in Moscow
The symposium was held in the Russian capital, Moscow, at the Grand Mosque Centre under the title 'The Role of the Family in Empowering Society.' The symposium was attended by His Eminence Sheikh Rawi Gainuddin, Grand Mufti of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Russia. His Highness Sheikh Saif also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities and the Religious Administration of Muslims of Russia regarding the inauguration of the Islamic Cultural Centre in Moscow. This Emirati initiative promotes cultural convergence between peoples and promotes the values of tolerance, love, peaceful coexistence, and respect for others. Dr. Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities, and several officials from both the UAE and Russia were also present. The symposium, which was attended by experts and specialists from the UAE and Russia, representatives of the diplomatic corps of Arab and Islamic countries, academics, religious figures, thinkers, and speakers from the Religious Administration of Muslims of Russia, addressed a number of topics and themes that emphasized the importance of the family as the foundation of societies, the source of societal security, and the first line of defense for members of society. It instills human values and works to preserve the identity and foundation of societies, ensuring societal safety and security. The workshop was attended by a group of religious leaders from various religions, in addition to a number of thinkers and social experts, with the aim of promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation regarding family protection and strengthening societal cohesion. The symposium also focused on the importance of religious values in preserving the family structure and its pivotal role in instilling the principles of understanding, compassion, and shared responsibility. It also discussed the most prominent contemporary challenges facing the family, including family disintegration, modern cultural influences, and the technological and social challenges that have affected the concepts of parenting and family relationships. The symposium was part of efforts to enhance the shared role of religions in building stable and cohesive societies, highlighting the family as the nucleus of society and a bridge between generations and cultures, while also promoting the values of tolerance and human fraternity and strengthening community ties. Then, His Highness Sheikh Saif toured the exhibition held at the Moscow Grand Mosque under the title "Minarets of the Two Capitals." The exhibition, jointly organised by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre and the Religious Administration of Muslims of Russia, aims to strengthen cultural and religious relations between the two friendly countries and highlight the Centre's distinguished role as a global symbol of tolerance and peace. The exhibition includes professional photographs of the architectural and artistic creations of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which reveal the depth of Islamic culture, in addition to a mobile library containing publications from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. The exhibition was attended by Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation, and a number of Emirati and Russian officials. His Highness Sheikh Saif also toured the Moscow Grand Mosque, also known as the Moscow Mosque, an architectural masterpiece in the heart of the Russian capital and the largest in Europe. His Highness was briefed on the mosque's history, the decorations and inscriptions that adorn its walls, and the value and role of this mosque and its facilities in promoting cultural convergence and promoting the principles of interfaith dialogue within the religious and cultural events it hosts. This mosque has been supported by the UAE since its reconstruction and opening in 2015, in addition to funding the humanitarian and charitable projects it organises.
Al Etihad
29-04-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Governor-General of Australia visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
29 Apr 2025 14:49 ABU DHABI (WAM)Sam Mostyn, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, has visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by Dr. Fahad Altaffag, UAE Ambassador to Australia, and Ridwaan Jadwat, Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Australia to the UAE, along with her accompanying Governor-General of Australia and her delegation toured the mosque's prayer halls and courtyards, accompanied by Dr. Yusuf Al-Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. During their tour, they were briefed on the mosque's central role in promoting coexistence, tolerance, and openness - values deeply rooted in the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founding also learned about the centre's ongoing efforts in promoting authentic Islamic culture, building bridges with diverse world cultures, and distinguishing the mosque as a unique place of delegation was introduced to the mosque's history, admired its unique architectural details, and explored its extensive collection of artworks and artefacts, demonstrating Islamic civilisation's artistic and architectural heritage. The mosque's architecture represents a harmonious fusion of different cultural styles, embodying unity and creativity. At the end of the visit, the Governor-General of Australia was presented with a gift – a compass inspired by the mosque's renowned chandeliers – and the centre's latest publication, "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Lights of Peace". The book features a visual journey highlighting the mosque's architectural magnificence through award-winning photographs from the "Spaces of Light" photography award.
