In a remarkable testament to the spirit of Ramadan, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi has reported an impressive influx of worshippers during the first half of the Holy Month.
According to recent statistics released by the mosque authorities, a total of 570,113 visitors graced the iconic landmark during this period, underscoring its significance as a focal point for spiritual observance and community gatherings.
Among the diverse array of visitors were 164,704 individuals who attended prayers, while nearly 195,000 guests embraced the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the mosque’s architectural marvels. Moreover, a substantial number of 210,431 individuals participated in Iftar gatherings, highlighting the communal essence of breaking fast together.
In addition to the vibrant atmosphere at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, worshippers also flocked to other revered sites of worship across the region. The Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque in Al Ain and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah recorded a significant turnout of 77,233 and 50,456 worshippers, respectively, further reflecting the widespread observance of Ramadan traditions.
Recognizing the surge in visitors during the final ten days of Ramadan, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has implemented various enhancements to ensure a seamless experience for devotees. Mobile information stations have been strategically placed across the mosque’s grounds to provide assistance and guidance, while switchboard services have been reinforced to handle increased inquiries efficiently.
Moreover, in a bid to accommodate the extended hours of prayer and worship, the mosque has extended its visiting hours until 23:30, with special arrangements made for the Tahajjud night prayer at midnight. The infrastructure has also been augmented with approximately 1,500 carpets laid out in the courtyard, alongside the deployment of 70 electric vehicles to facilitate the movement of worshippers, particularly the elderly and those with special needs.
In a concerted effort to ensure accessibility and convenience for worshippers, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has arranged a total of 8,379 parking spaces, with dedicated spots allocated for women and individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, additional parking spaces have been added on Grand Mosque Street and other strategic locations, complemented by shuttle bus services to ease transportation to and from the mosque.
In alignment with the spirit of generosity and community service synonymous with Ramadan, the mosque has actively participated in the “Our Fasting Guests” project. This initiative, which honors the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, saw the distribution of a staggering 960,431 Iftar meals throughout the Holy Month. A significant portion of these meals, amounting to 210,431, was served at the mosque itself, while the remainder was delivered to workers’ cities in collaboration with ZonesCorp.
The success of these endeavors would not have been possible without the dedicated support of volunteers, who have joined hands with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Emirates Red Crescent, police, paramedics, and civil defense to ensure the smooth functioning of operations.
As Ramadan progresses, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque continues to serve as a beacon of spirituality, unity, and community solidarity, embodying the essence of the Holy Month and its profound significance to millions around the world.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
