Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Record-breaking Ramadan 2026: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque welcomes over 3.22 million worshipers in UAE | World News

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center hit a historic milestone this year, welcoming 3,226,103 guests during Ramadan and Ramadan eid al-fitr The number of people praying in mosques in the UAE is one of the highest ever.The large turnout included worshipers, tourists and the thousands of people who gather every day for Eid al-Fitr, reflecting the growing spiritual and cultural importance of these mosques during the holy month of Ramadan.The centerpiece of the record is Abu Dhabi’s iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; it alone welcomed 1,695,698 guests, reaffirming its status as one of the most visited religious landmarks in the world.

High turnout in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Fujairah

Multiple mosques managed by the center are seeing record crowds, with each mosque seeing heavy footfalls during Ramadan and Eid.

Abu Dhabi Mosques also set a new record for iftar meals, serving 980,010 meals, the highest in the mosque’s history. As part of the annual Ramadan campaign, 2.6 million iftar meals were distributed across all locations.

Ramadan initiative attracts millions

In addition to prayers, the surge in visitor numbers has been driven by a series of Ramadan initiatives aimed at deepening community engagement.The centre’s flagship ‘Our Fasting Guests’ program has served millions of iftar meals, continuing a tradition inspired by the UAE’s founding values ​​of generosity and service.More than 10 initiatives were launched during Ramadan, including:

Special events, including Zayed Humanitarian Day, further expanded outreach, with Qurans distributed to believers and visitors.These efforts transform mosques into vibrant centers of learning, charity, and cultural exchange rather than just places of worship.

Why does this problem occur?

What makes this record all the more important is the wider context in which it was achieved.Worshipers gathered in large numbers despite regional tensions during Ramadan, underscoring the mosque’s role as a symbol of unity, resilience and faith.The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only a spiritual center but also a global cultural landmark. In 2025, it welcomed nearly 6.85 million visitors, the highest annual figure in its history, underscoring its international appeal.Capable of hosting tens of thousands of worshipers at a time and known as one of the world’s most iconic mosques, its ability to attract millions of people during Ramadan reflects its size and importance.

Looking to the future

This year’s 3.22 million visitors are more than just a statistic, they mark the mosque’s enduring role in bringing communities, cultures and faiths together during one of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar.From record-breaking iftar distributions to packed prayer halls during Eid, the numbers tell a larger story: generosity, giving and a shared spiritual experience that continues to grow year after year.