Abu Dhabi: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the United Arab Emirates recorded a historic surge in footfall in 2025, welcoming nearly seven million worshippers and tourists — the highest annual visitor total since the iconic landmark opened.
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Official figures show the tally represents a 4% increase compared with 2024, highlighting the mosque’s rising profile as one of the Middle East’s premier religious and cultural destinations.
More than 1.53 million people performed prayers at the mosque during the year, while over 2.4 million visitors attended iftar gatherings and other religious activities.
Foreign nationals accounted for 82% of total visitors, with UAE residents making up the remaining 18%. By region, Asia led with 49% of visitors, followed by Europe at 33% and North America at 11%.
Visitor numbers peaked during Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr, when more than 1.89 million worshippers and guests passed through the mosque. During this period, over 2.6 million iftar and suhoor meals were distributed as part of the mosque’s humanitarian outreach.
Throughout the year, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre organised more than 4,000 guided cultural tours and educational programmes and hosted 335 high-level delegations, further strengthening its role as a global hub for faith, tourism and intercultural dialogue.
