A Top-Ranked Global Cultural Landmark

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: According to the 2024 report,  Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) has firmly established itself as one of the most esteemed cultural and historical landmarks worldwide. This recognition, based on over eight million data points from travellers of diverse nationalities, highlights the mosque’s universal appeal and the rich experiences it offers.

Global Recognition and Rankings

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s unique cultural and historical offerings have earned it the 10th spot globally and the first position in the Middle East in the Top Attractions category among 25 world-class attractions. In the Top Experiences category, SZGM secured 17th place globally and second in the Middle East for the travel experience from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, which includes Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and Etihad Towers. Furthermore, in the Cultural and Historical Experiences category, it ranked third globally, showing significant progress compared to 2023, with improvements of five ranks in the Attractions category, three in Experiences, and four in Cultural and Historical Experiences.

Strategic Vision and Leadership

His Excellency Dr Yousif Alobaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC), emphasized that this global milestone reflects the vision of the leadership. The mosque’s success results from SZGMC’s five-year strategic plan to enhance services and offer new experiences to visitors. The centre’s efforts have also been reflected in training over 250 young UAE Nationals in cultural tour guidance and visitor services. These individuals, part of the Ibn Al Dar program under the AL Shabab AL Banie initiative, deliver more than 5,000 cultural tours annually within the mosque’s precincts, serving over seven million worshippers and visitors worldwide.

Expanding Facilities and Services

SZGMC continues to evolve, expanding its facilities and diversifying the comprehensive, high-standard services available to visitors. The Visitor Centre features exhibition halls, an auditorium, and a library, allowing visitors to spend a whole day on-site. The Souq Al Jami caters to different age groups with its shops, entertainment areas, and restaurants. Additionally, a jogging track is available for community members to enjoy sports activities against the stunning backdrop of the mosque.

Exceptional Visitor Experiences

Under its strategic five-year plan, SZGMC aims to deliver exceptional experiences for visitors from diverse global cultures. The cultural experiences are led by a select group of national tour specialists who reflect the mosque’s commitment to excellence.

One of the unique offerings at SZGMC is the Hidden Glimpses tour. These tours, which are in specially equipped electric vehicles, take families and other groups on immersive cultural journeys. They reveal intricate details of the mosque, including exclusive stops that were previously unexplored by visitors.

Night-Time Cultural Tours

The mosque also offers the Sura night cultural tours, providing visitors with a unique night-time cultural experience from 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM. These tours cater to visitors to Abu Dhabi and those in the country during transit flight layovers, allowing them to explore SZGM during unconventional hours. Visitors can witness aspects of the mosque rarely seen by the public, including routine maintenance and exceptional cleaning operations during tour hours.

Multimedia Virtual Tours

To further enrich visitors’ understanding of the landmark, SZGM provides the El-Delleel service, a multimedia device that offers virtual cultural tours in 14 international languages. These services make SZGM accessible 24 hours a day, enhancing the visitor experience and deepening their appreciation of the mosque’s cultural significance.

In conclusion, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s recognition as a top-ranked global cultural landmark is a testament to its universal appeal and exceptional experiences. Through strategic planning, facility expansion, and a commitment to excellence, SZGMC continues to provide visitors with unforgettable cultural and historical journeys.