67 million visitors for Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Over 67 million visitors have traversed through Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ever since it officially opened 16 years ago, say the officials who manage the centre.

Since opening on 20 December 2007; the mosque has become a global destination — renowned for its unique Islamic architecture and its role in promoting tolerance, coexistence, and cultural heritage.

Dr. Youssef Al Obaidli, Director-General of the director-general of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, acknowledged the mosque’s global standing, crediting the support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for its success. The mosque has evolved into a major landmark for the region, and it also hosts innovative initiatives, educational programmes, and events every year.

“The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has made a significant and enriching contribution to the tourism industry in Abu Dhabi,” read a statement by the centre on news agency WAM.

Another key drawcard is the mosque’s Bari Al Jami’ mural,  which highlights Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage and tourist attractions. The mural incorporates further real-time statistics on visitor demographics, further adding to visitors’ experiencees.

Strong tourist demand

The key visitor milestone for the mosque comes amid healthy growing tourist numbers in Abu Dhabi.

In 2022, the emirate received a total 18 million visitors representing a 13 per cent increase from previous year, according to data from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism.

For 2023, Abu Dhabi has targeted much higher visitor numbers.

“Our ambitious goal to welcome more 24 million visitors by end of 2023 builds on healthy growth over the past year,” said H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, in a statement earlier this year.

“This encouraging performance was enabled through powerful collaborations and delivery of memorable travel and business experiences across the whole year, supported by an integrated ecosystem of best-in-class services, infrastructure, and impactful marketing.  In Abu Dhabi we are demonstrating the power of partnerships across the tourism sector and the fact that collectively we can thrive,” Al Hosani added.