Abu Dhabi’s top attraction achieves record footfall in 2025

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the UAE’s top cultural attractions, drew a record 6.8 million visitors in 2025, representing a 4% year-on-year increase and the highest annual figure in its history. 

 

Of the total, more than 4 million visited for cultural tourism, with international travellers  comprising 82% of all guests. Tourists from Asia led with 49%, followed by Europe at 33% and North America at 11%. 

 

More than 1 million worshippers visited the mosque for daily prayers and observances during Ramadan and Eid, such as the mosque’s ’Our Fasting Guests’ initiative, where 2 million iftar and suhoor meals were distributed. 

 

Strengthening its global profile the mosque featured in TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Global Attractions for the second consecutive year, ranking 10th in 2024 and 8th in 2025. The cultural site also hosted 335 high-level delegations last year, including multiple prime ministers, vice presidents and sheikhs, highlighting its international cultural significance.

 

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Beyond the main site, the mosque’s cultural facilities also drew strong attendance. The Light & Peace Museum attracted more than 47,000 visitors, while the Diya – A Universe of Light immersive experience drew 45,000 guests. 

 

The record numbers reflect the broader momentum behind Abu Dhabi’s cultural tourism sector. During the first half of 2025, more than 4 million travellers visited the emirate’s cultural sites, including Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Hosn. The city also inaugurated two new museums on Saadiyat Island – Zayed National Museum and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi – expanding the district’s offerings. 

 

Across the UAE, mosque visitation has also been on the rise. The Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque in Al Ain welcomed more than 1 million guests in 2025, marking a 95% year-on-year increase, while Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah received 660,110 guests, up 10% compared to 2024.  

 

For more information, visit szgmc.gov.ae