SARA ALZAABI (AL AIN)
Amid a serene oasis landscape, the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Grand Mosque (also known as Al Ain Grand Mosque) stands as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, with vast open spaces and sweeping courtyards and prayer halls. During the holy month of Ramadan, it takes on a different warmth: it feels more like a home, visitors told Aletihad.
Every year, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) organises the "Our Fasting Guests" initiative at the site, in memory of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The initiative is held under the patronage of the Erth Zayed Philanthropies and in partnership with Erth Abu Dhabi.
Over 20 days this Ramadan, 339,620 people have gathered at the mosque for iftar, sharing meals as the day’s fast ends. Around a single table, families and diverse nationalities meet in a scene that embodies Emirati values of generosity and solidarity.
Visitors laud the welcoming atmosphere, with genuine smiles, friendly nods, and quiet acts of kindness all around.
“I was truly impressed,” said Israa Al Amin. “It was like entering a family home, not just an open space. God willing, it will not be my last time.”
Abdullah Al Balushi usually breaks his fast at home, but decided to join the community iftar at the grand mosque this year. Drawn by the warmth and sense of togetherness, he has returned every evening since his first visit.
“I am so happy to see all these nationalities breaking their fast together,” Al Balushi said. “The gathering is wonderful; it is truly heartwarming.”
Mahmoud Ragab and his family have been going to the mosque for iftar for three years now and he said every experience has always been wonderful.
“People enjoy the place and the gatherings, and it is also religious in nature. It is an excellent experience,” he told Aletihad.
"Families, in particular, enjoy being there. The service is excellent, and everyone is so welcoming. The meals are also excellent, catering to all families and all tastes,” Ragab added.
Hamad Mohammed Al Aamri said the strong sense of community at the mosque makes the experience feel almost like a family gathering.
Aya Muawad, an expat, shared the same sentiment, saying she and her family “felt like we are with our own people, right in front of our own family”.
“The people are so welcoming. We feel like we are surrounded by family and friends; we do not feel like strangers at all,” she said.
Grateful for VIP Service
Though thousands gather at the mosque each day, iftar remains smoothly organised, something visitors say is made possible by the dedication of volunteers and mosque teams.
More than 50 volunteers contribute daily, preparing and distributing iftar meals, welcoming guests, and organising seating areas across the courtyards. Meanwhile, mosque teams work around the clock to ensure worshippers’ comfort, managing parking, organising crowd, and assisting visitors.
Al Balushi expressed his gratitude to everyone behind the initiative, from the organisers to the teams on the ground and the volunteers.
“Honestly, they work so hard. The organisation is absolutely fantastic, beyond words, given the current circumstances,” he said.
Shamsa Al Aamri said services were provided as if everyone was VIP. “The volunteers are top-notch and never fall short,” she added.
Heba Fahmy, a first-time visitor, was also impressed by the service and how guests are received. “The volunteers and the workers are all so lovely, may God bless them all,” she said.
Al Amin came with a group of three families, yet they never felt lost in the crowd. Having lived in Al Ain for 13 years, he couldn’t help but feel proud of how the mosque handles the event.
“It was well organised, with the meals in equal portions, everyone treated with the same respect, and everything arranged fairly for all, young and old,” Al Amin said.