Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
During this year's Holy Month of Ramadan, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is expected to welcome more than two million worshippers and visitors, providing over 80,000 iftar meals daily.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center (SZGMC) has said that it is teaming up with over 20 local and government organisations to welcome worshippers and ensure a smooth running of services during the Holy Month.
Preparations in Place
The centre formed specialised committees and teams that encompassed all its employees, volunteers from the Emirates Red Crescent, Absher Ya Watan and the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an, and other local authorities, including police, paramedics, and civil defence teams. The number of volunteers has reached more than 580.
According to SZGMC, last Ramadan, the mosque hosted around 1.6 million visitors, with over 70,000 alone attending on the night of the 27th day of the Holy Month.
The mosque is opening seven gates for easy access, including the main entrance, Peace Gate, Al Rahma, Iman, Coexistence, and Al Noor gates.
The gates are opened to the worshippers at the time of Maghrib prayer, in coordination with Abu Dhabi Police and Mawaqif for smooth flow and safety.
The centre has allocated 8,379 parking spaces, including 1,500 for women and 60 for people of determination, with clear signage for easy access.
Over 70 electric cars will transport worshippers, prioritising the elderly and people of determination.
In collaboration with Erth Hotel Abu Dhabi, the centre is providing over 80,000 iftar meals daily during Ramadan. This includes 35,000 meals at the mosque and an additional 45,000 meals distributed to beneficiaries from diverse cultures, in coordination with ZonesCorp.
In line with Emirati traditions, the centre, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, is firing the Ramadan cannon every day during the Holy Month to announce the time to break the fast.
The cannon firing, coordinated with the Ramadan Crescent Moon Sighting Committee, and Taraweeh (special Ramadan prayer) are broadcast live on Abu Dhabi and Emirates channels, in addition to SZGMC's social media accounts.
A Tranquil Atmosphere
To ensure a tranquil and comfortable environment, the centre has enhanced services, including adjusting sound systems, setting up mobile information points, and providing copies of the Holy Quran.
The centre has also supplied over 3,500 seats, 50 wheelchairs, and over 1,480 special carpets for the mosque courtyard.
The mosque's carpets have been cleaned and sterilised, and over 3,500 seats, 50 wheelchairs, and copies of the Quran have been provided.
Emergency health services are also in place with ambulances.
During Ramadan, the mosque offers daily cultural tours from 10am to 6pm and 9:30 pm to 1am, and until 2am from Friday to Sunday.
Along with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque in Al Ain City distributes over 10,000 iftar meals daily and provides more than 2,100 parking spaces. This includes designated spots for people of determination.
Similarly, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah has enhanced security and facilities.
It offers over 2,000 parking spaces and has coordinated with Fujairah Police for the daily iftar cannon firing ceremony.
Emergency health services, including ambulances, are also in place.
