The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has announced preparations for Ramadan, deploying more than 580 volunteers, opening all gates, and launching a series of programmes for worshippers and visitors.
Dr Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, held a coordination meeting with strategic partners of the Ramadan project, underscoring the importance of integration among entities and enhanced collaboration to ensure the project’s success and reflect a model of cohesive government work.
He commended the sustained efforts of partners over the years and the vital role each entity plays in serving the community, contributing to the ongoing success of this national initiative, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.
Tarawih prayers at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to be broadcast live on Abu Dhabi TV
Tarawih and Tahajjud prayers will be led by the mosque’s imams Idris Abkar, Yahya Eshan, Alaa Al-Mizjaji, Abdullah Al-Balushi, and Abdulbasit Abdulsamad, alongside guest reciter Raad Al-Kurdi. The Centre has coordinated with Abu Dhabi TV to broadcast prayers live each day throughout the month.
The Centre has prepared for its annual ‘Our Fasting Guests’ initiative, held in memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sponsored by Erth Zayed Philanthropies and implemented in collaboration with Erth Abu Dhabi Hotel, the programme will provide iftar meals within the mosque’s premises each day.
The Centre will also supply food packages on a weekly basis to the Specialised Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) to support the preparation of iftar meals for beneficiaries from communities across the country.
Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the iftar cannon at the mosque or via broadcasts on the Abu Dhabi Media Network. In cooperation with units from the Ministry of Defence, the cannon will be fired to mark the beginning of Ramadan and at sunset each day to signal iftar.
Abu Dhabi Mosque deploys 580 volunteers for Ramadan as visitor numbers rise
The Centre has formed committees and task forces comprising more than 580 volunteers, including centre employees, volunteers, police officers, paramedics, civil defence personnel, and support staff. These teams will operate around the clock from dawn to dawn, under the centre’s value: ‘We Volunteer to Give Back to Our Homeland’.
More than 8,000 parking spaces have been provided, including 1,500 designated for women, over 60 for People of Determination, and an additional 1,800 spaces along Al Jami’ Al Kabeer Street. The Centre’s teams will work with Mawaqif, affiliated with the Integrated Transport Centre, and with the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate to regulate vehicle and pedestrian movement.
More than 70 electric vehicles have been deployed to facilitate movement between prayer halls, the Dome of Peace, and Souq Al Jami. Over 1,480 carpets have been laid across courtyards and arcades, and more than 160 partitions have been installed in women’s prayer areas.
The Centre has also provided 3,515 seats and over 50 wheelchairs for senior citizens and People of Determination. Water bottles will be distributed through service robots, and guests will be welcomed with oud incense throughout the halls.
The Centre has expanded call centre staffing, deployed mobile information points, provided children with safety wristbands, and prepared for medical emergencies by supplying ambulances in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Civil Defence.
A Ramadan market featuring 22 kiosks will be set up across the mosque’s northern and southern plazas. Visitors may also access services and experiences at the Dome of Peace and Souq Al Jami, which hosts shops and restaurants.
The Centre will continue its annual ‘Jusoor’ programme, which hosts Ramadan gatherings aimed at fostering cultural dialogue and building bridges of understanding among communities. It is also launching the second season of the ‘Diyaa’ photography competition under the theme ‘Ramadan at the Mosque’, serving as an extension of the ‘Spaces of Light Photography Award’.
Following prayer times, the Centre will resume welcoming visitors for cultural tours, including the ‘Sura’ experience and guided tours, in line with the Ramadan schedule.
The Centre will publish religious series to enrich Ramadan content and share updates, prayer schedules, and supplications via its official social media platforms (@szgmc_ae).
