Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque...

UAE landmark welcomed more than 4 million people so far in 2024

One of the world’s largest mosques and a leading UAE cultural attraction Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has had a record-breaking first half of 2024 with 4,379,258 visitors.

The Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre reported that the iconic attraction has hosted 1,765,698 worshippers and fasting individuals, along with 2,584,425 cultural visitors.

The numbers are up 31% on the same period last year. Previously, the mosque, which has 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, welcomes around 5 million visitors per year.

According to data, 81% of visitors are coming from outside the UAE. Asia leads the pack with 52% of visitors, followed by Europe at 34%. India tops the list of countries, contributing 22% of the total visitors, with China and Russia following close behind.

Cultural tour specialists conducted 2,958 tours for 41,957 visitors, offering insights into the mosque’s stunning architecture and its message of tolerance. They also hosted 823 official delegations, including three heads of state and numerous ministers.

Recently, the mosque was named as the top tourist attraction in the Middle East – and the 10th best in the world in Tripadvisor’s list of the World’s Top 25 Tourist Attractions.

For more information, visit www.szgmc.gov.ae

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