• Isha prayer at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, where many say they feel privileged to pray in one of the world's most recognisable places of worship. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
    Isha prayer at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, where many say they feel privileged to pray in one of the world's most recognisable places of worship. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
  • Young and old stand side by side for Isha prayer, which starts shortly after 8pm and after worshippers have broken their fast for the day.
    Young and old stand side by side for Isha prayer, which starts shortly after 8pm and after worshippers have broken their fast for the day.
  • Ramadan is a time for family, reflection and giving to those who are less fortunate.
    Ramadan is a time for family, reflection and giving to those who are less fortunate.
  • Each night the mosque attracts thousands of worshippers.
    Each night the mosque attracts thousands of worshippers.
  • Relaxed coronavirus rules have allowed far more people to worship at the mosque this year but some restrictions still remain.
    Relaxed coronavirus rules have allowed far more people to worship at the mosque this year but some restrictions still remain.
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is regarded as one of the world's most beautiful places of worship.
    Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is regarded as one of the world's most beautiful places of worship.
  • Isha prayer at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
    Isha prayer at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
  • At full capacity the mosque's main hall could hold more than 7,000 worshippers. Two smaller prayer halls each have a capacity of 1,500.
    At full capacity the mosque's main hall could hold more than 7,000 worshippers. Two smaller prayer halls each have a capacity of 1,500.
  • People of all nationalities and means pray alongside one another.
    People of all nationalities and means pray alongside one another.
  • The mosque is the largest in the Emirates.
    The mosque is the largest in the Emirates.
  • Young Emiratis in national dress come to pray.
    Young Emiratis in national dress come to pray.
  • The mosque is lit up at night.
    The mosque is lit up at night.

UAE

Ramadan

Worshippers flock to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque by night - in pictures

Photos capture moment of reflection in capital's landmark place of worship

The National

April 17, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

People in their thousands attend Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque by night to pray in one of the world's most recognisable places of worship.

Isha prayers take place shortly after 8pm, as worshippers reflect on the day after breaking their fast during Ramadan.

Relaxed coronavirus rules have allowed more people to attend this year, though social distancing remains in place.

These photographs by The National's Victor Besa capture moments of reflection among Muslims young and old.

Updated: April 18, 2022, 12:55 PM