Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tops Middle East and Ranks 8th Worldwide Among 2025’s Best Tourist Attractions
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) in Abu Dhabi has reached an impressive new milestone by being named the top attraction in the Middle East and the 8th best landmark worldwide in TripAdvisor’s 2025 global rankings. This comes as it moved up two places from its position in 2024, marking a significant achievement for the mosque and the UAE’s cultural tourism sector.
The ranking is based on reviews and data collected from over eight million landmarks around the world. SZGM’s place within the top 1% of all sites evaluated highlights its high standing, both regionally and internationally. This recognition confirms the mosque’s growing importance as a must-visit destination that celebrates Islamic architecture and culture.
Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC), expressed pride in this global recognition. He attributed the success to the strategic efforts made by the centre to improve visitor services and experiences. These include upgrading physical facilities, developing cultural programmes, and training Emirati youth as tour guides to share the mosque’s cultural and religious message with visitors worldwide.
The SZGM welcomes over seven million visitors and worshippers each year from diverse backgrounds. Guests can enjoy more than just the mosque’s stunning architecture; the site offers a visitor centre with exhibitions, a library, an auditorium, and Souq Al Jami’ — a market area with shops, restaurants, and spaces to relax. Visitors can also make use of a jogging track around the mosque, encouraging community engagement and wellness while enjoying beautiful views.
Among the mosque’s unique offerings are guided cultural tours, including special “Unseen Glimpses” tours that take visitors into areas not normally open to the public, using electric club cars. There are also 24-hour Sura evening tours, ideal for those with limited time or those visiting during transit. To enhance accessibility, SZGMC provides an audio-visual guide device named El-Delleel, which supports 14 languages and includes a tour for deaf and hearing-impaired guests, as well as child-friendly options.
In addition to its role as a tourist spot, the SZGM is a hub of cultural dialogue. It houses the Al Jami Library, a cultural auditorium, and a variety of exhibitions showcasing Islamic history and art. Exhibits include topics like the rich history of Al-Andalus, Islamic coins, calligraphy, and the Hajj pilgrimage. The Light & Peace Museum and the interactive “Diya — A Universe of Light” experience offer new ways for visitors to engage with Islamic culture through art and sensory storytelling.
Notably, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque continues to attract important international visitors. In May 2025, former US President Donald Trump toured the mosque alongside key Emirates officials, further emphasizing its global significance.
With its unique blend of spirituality, culture, and innovation, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque remains a shining symbol of peace, coexistence, and heritage. Its recent rise in the world’s top attractions list reflects the ongoing commitment of the UAE to present the mosque not only as a religious landmark but also as a welcoming destination that educates and inspires millions worldwide.
