• Worshippers gather at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi at midnight, on the start of the 27th day of Ramadan. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
    Worshippers gather at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi at midnight, on the start of the 27th day of Ramadan. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
  • The last 10 days of Ramadan are particularly blessed in Islam.
    The last 10 days of Ramadan are particularly blessed in Islam.
  • Laylat Al Qadr is the night when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.
    Laylat Al Qadr is the night when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.
  • Prayers and good acts by Muslims are said to be rewarded with extra blessings on Laylat Al Qadr.
    Prayers and good acts by Muslims are said to be rewarded with extra blessings on Laylat Al Qadr.
  • The sprawling mosque courtyard, one of the largest of its kind, was at capacity early on Thursday morning.
    The sprawling mosque courtyard, one of the largest of its kind, was at capacity early on Thursday morning.
  • Many parents took their children to experience the occasion.
    Many parents took their children to experience the occasion.
  • Laylat Al Qadr is also known as the Night of Destiny.
    Laylat Al Qadr is also known as the Night of Destiny.
  • Thousands perform nighttime prayers.
    Thousands perform nighttime prayers.
  • The mosque, including the courtyard, can accommodate at least 40,000 worshippers. About 7,000 people can fit in the main prayer hall.
    The mosque, including the courtyard, can accommodate at least 40,000 worshippers. About 7,000 people can fit in the main prayer hall.
  • Women and girls pray in the women's section of the mosque.
    Women and girls pray in the women's section of the mosque.
  • The men's and women's sections of the mosque in Abu Dhabi.
    The men's and women's sections of the mosque in Abu Dhabi.

News

UAE

Worshippers gather at Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as end of Ramadan draws near

The final 10 days of the holy month are seen as its most significant

The National

March 26, 2025

  • English
  • Arabic

Large crowds of worshippers gathered at Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on Wednesday night to perform midnight prayers during what is considered the most significant phase of Ramadan.

The final 10 days of the holy month are particularly special for Muslims, as it is during this time that the first verses of the Quran were said to have been revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

This moment is marked by Laylat Al Qadr, or the night of destiny, which is observed on an odd-numbered night within the last 10 days of Ramadan.

The 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th nights of Ramadan could be the night of destiny, so the period takes on great importance.

The landmark Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a focal point of the UAE's Ramadan celebrations. Thousands of people regularly visit the mosque to pray, reflect on their faith with friends and family, and break their fast at communal iftars.

The place of worship welcomed 6,582,993 worshippers and visitors in 2024. It marked a 20 per cent year-on-year increase.

Among the total worshippers, 281,941 attended Friday prayers, while 709,875 participated in daily prayers. Ramadan and Eid prayers attracted 617,458 worshippers, with the 27th night of Ramadan witnessing a record 87,186 attendees, including 70,680 worshippers, the highest number in the mosque’s history.

Updated: March 27, 2025, 4:29 AM
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