Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Rises in Global Ranks, Cementing Abu Dhabi as a Cultural Hub

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) has achieved a new global milestone, climbing two places to rank 8th among the world's top 25 landmarks in TripAdvisor's 2025 "Top Attractions" category. This prestigious ranking, based on reviews from millions of travelers, places the mosque in the top one per cent of more than eight million landmarks worldwide. The SZGM also proudly retains its position as the number one attraction in the Middle East.

This significant achievement underscores the UAE’s strategic vision for cultural tourism and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre's commitment to providing an unparalleled visitor experience. Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, the center's director-general, credited the success to the "visionary leadership" of the UAE and the center's relentless focus on service quality and innovative initiatives.

The mosque, a stunning architectural masterpiece and a beacon of Islamic culture, continues to captivate an international audience, attracting over seven million visitors annually, with a remarkable 82% coming from overseas. Its appeal is enhanced by a host of new offerings designed to enrich the visitor journey. These include:

'Unseen Glimpses': Guided electric car tours that take guests to restricted areas of the mosque, offering a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective.

Sura Evening Tours: Extending access to the mosque 24 hours a day, these tours cater to those seeking a more serene, intimate experience, especially for short-stay travelers.

El-Delleel Multimedia Guides: A new self-guided system available in 14 languages, including sign language, ensuring accessibility and a personalized experience for a diverse range of visitors.

Beyond its main attraction, the center has expanded its cultural infrastructure with new facilities like the Dome of Peace, the Al Jami Library, and a dedicated cultural auditorium. It also hosts a series of enriching exhibitions on Islamic history and art, such as 'Al-Andalus: History and Civilisation' and 'The Hajj: Memories of a Journey.' An immersive experience called 'Diya - A Universe of Light' uses sound, visuals, and wind effects to take visitors on a sensory journey through the UAE's heritage, emphasizing the mosque's message of peace and coexistence.

In another notable achievement, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah was also recognized, ranking among the top 10 per cent of sites globally after recently launching its visitor services. This dual recognition further solidifies the UAE's growing influence on the global tourism map. The Abu Dhabi mosque's continuous evolution, which includes a new visitor center, a souq, and a jogging track, highlights its role not just as a religious site, but as a hub for cultural exchange, education, and community engagement, embodying the values of peace and tolerance.