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15 July 2024, 11:06

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque achieves 3rd global ranking in cultural, historical experiences, leads as top attraction in Middle East


ABU DHABI, 15 July (BelTA - Emirates News Agency) - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a beacon of cultural and historical significance, has once again achieved global recognition. According to the 2024 report by TripAdvisor, the mosque has secured top positions globally among the most revered cultural and historical landmarks.

This recognition, derived from the analysis of over 8 million data points provided by travelers of diverse nationalities according to the 2024 report by TripAdvisor, the leading travel and tourism platform, is a testament to the mosque's universal appeal and the rich experiences it offers.

The mosque's unique cultural and historical experiences have earned it an impressive 10th place globally and the first position in the Middle East in the category of 'Top Attractions.' This distinction among 25 world-class attractions is a testament to the mosque's universal appeal.

In the 'Top Experiences' category, the mosque secured the 17th spot globally and second in the Middle East for the travel experience from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, which includes Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and Etihad Towers.

Furthermore, in the 'Cultural and Historical Experiences' category, it ranked third globally, showing significant progress compared to 2023, with improvements of five ranks in the attractions category, three in experiences, and four in cultural and historical experiences.

Reflecting on these achievements, Dr Yousif Alobaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, stated, “The Mosque's realisation of this global milestone reflects the vision of our leadership. This accomplishment is the fruit of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre's five-year strategic plan to enhance its services and offer visitors new experiences. These results also underscore the Centre's success in training over 250 young nationals in the field of cultural tour guidance and visitor services. These individuals are staff of the Centre and graduates of the 'Ibn Al Dar' program, which is part of the 'Al-Shabab AL Banie 'initiative. They are responsible for delivering more than 5,000 cultural tours annually within the Mosque's precincts. They serve over 7 million worshippers and visitors from diverse cultures around the world, 80% of whom are from outside the country, converging here to experience a meeting place of different cultures and religions.”

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre continues to evolve, expanding facilities and diversifying the range of comprehensive, high-standard services offered to visitors, enabling them to spend a full day on-site. The Visitor Center, with its exhibition halls, auditorium, and library, creates a unique environment.

The Souq Al Jami, featuring shops, entertainment areas, and restaurants catering to different age groups, complements this setting. Additionally, a jogging track offers community members from various backgrounds the opportunity to engage in sports activities against the mosque’s spectacular backdrop.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre operates under a strategic five-year plan, utilising a comprehensive system facilitated by specialised teams. These teams are dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for visitors from diverse global cultures.

The cultural experiences, led by a select group of national tour specialists, are a highlight and a testament to the Centre's commitment to excellence through its expertise. These efforts highlight the ongoing development of staff capabilities across various sectors to ensure the highest quality of service, aligning with its status as a leading global cultural and religious edifice.

Additionally, the Centre offers its visitors a variety of experiences, such as the unique "Hidden Glimpses " tours. These tours, conducted in specially equipped electric vehicles, take families and other groups on immersive cultural journeys. They reveal intricate details of the Mosque, including exclusive stops that were previously unexplored by visitors.

The Center also provides the 'Sura' night cultural tours, offering visitors a unique nighttime cultural experience from 22:00 to 09:00, allowing them to explore the Mosque during unconventional hours. These tours are tailored to accommodate visitors to Abu Dhabi and those in the country during transit flight layovers. They allow visitors to witness aspects of the Mosque rarely seen by the public, including routine maintenance and exceptional cleaning operations conducted during tour hours, ensuring a unique and memorable visit for all participants.

Visitors also benefit from the ‘El-Delleel’ service, a multimedia device that offers exceptional virtual cultural tours in 14 international languages. Such services make the Mosque accessible 24 hours a day, enriching visitor's understanding of one of the most prominent religious, national, and culturally renowned landmarks globally. 
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