Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Celebrates World Tourism Day with Record Global Recognition
The iconic Abu Dhabi landmark has achieved new milestones in international tourism rankings whilst continuing to welcome nearly seven million visitors annually from across the globe.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre marked World Tourism Day on 27th September by hosting specialised cultural tours, underscoring its position as one of the world’s most significant religious, cultural and national landmarks. The occasion highlighted the mosque’s dual mission of serving as a destination for spiritual reflection and a bridge for intercultural understanding.
The figures speak to the mosque’s remarkable reach. Annual visitor numbers have climbed to nearly seven million, with 82 per cent travelling from beyond the Emirates. This global visitation reflects the institution’s expanding international prominence and its status amongst the nation’s foremost cultural and tourism destinations.
Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, emphasised that these metrics represent something far more significant than mere footfall. “The mosque’s growing global presence is the fruit of the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership,” he stated. “Cultural tourism, when built on identity and values, becomes a model that enhances the nation’s competitiveness and strengthens its position amongst the world’s leading destinations.”
The Centre’s commitment to accessibility extends throughout the year. Its cultural specialists conduct over 4,000 tours annually, attended by approximately 56,000 visitors, whilst handling more than 1,500 bookings for high-level delegations including heads of state and senior officials. The innovative “Sura” night tours cater to transit passengers and those unable to visit during conventional hours, operating around the clock.
Technological advancement underpins the visitor experience. The “El-Daleel” multimedia guide delivers virtual tours in fourteen languages utilising virtual reality technology, including specially tailored experiences for visitors with visual impairments. These initiatives exemplify the practical application of digital innovation in cultural tourism, aligning with this year’s UN Tourism theme.
The Dome of Peace serves as a comprehensive cultural hub, housing the Light & Peace Museum with its interactive installations, the immersive “Diya – A Universe of Light” experience featuring 360-degree circular projection, “Al Jami’ Library”, and the cultural theatre. Complementary facilities including Souq Al Jami’, dining establishments and recreational spaces provide an integrated experience encompassing religious, educational and leisure dimensions.
Recent recognition from Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards confirmed the mosque’s standing, ranking first in the UAE’s “Top Attractions” category and first in the Middle East’s “Top Experiences” category for the Dubai-to-Abu Dhabi itinerary. These accolades, determined by international traveller reviews, validate the Centre’s ongoing development of programmes and exhibitions that reflect both heritage and contemporary innovation.
Source: WAM