The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) has finalized its arrangements to accommodate a large number of worshippers and visitors during the Holy Month of Ramadan 1445. In Ramadan 1444, the mosque hosted 684,945 worshippers and visitors, with a record-breaking turnout of over 60,000 worshippers gathering on the 27th night of Ramadan to observe Laylat Al Qadr, a pivotal night in Islamic tradition.
The SZGMC has established committees and teams to ensure coordinated and efficient operations 24/7, catering to the needs of the considerable influx of worshippers and visitors by offering diverse, high-quality services and amenities. Additionally, it has conducted numerous meetings with strategic partners, including governmental and private entities, to ensure the seamless functioning of the operational framework during the Holy Month.
In an endeavor to enhance the quality of services for worshippers and visitors and fulfill its social responsibility by promoting the value of volunteerism, the SZGMC has enlisted over 580 qualified volunteers. These volunteers collaborate with the Centre’s staff, the Emirates Red Crescent, the Absher Ya Watan volunteer team, police officers, paramedics, and Civil Defense personnel to ensure the provision of excellent services to worshippers, facilitating their prayers with convenience and reverence. Additionally, the SZGMC has allocated more than 70 electric cars for transporting worshippers from parking areas to prayer halls, with priority access given to the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
Furthermore, the center has allocated 8,379 parking spaces for worshippers, including 1,500 for women and over 60 for individuals with disabilities. This year, an additional 1,800 parking spaces have been introduced. Additionally, SZGMC has supplied more than 3,515 chairs and 50 wheelchairs for worshippers.
In an effort to revive a cherished Emirati cultural tradition, the Centre collaborated with the Ministry of Defence to fire the cannon, signaling the start of the holy month of Ramadan in coordination with the Ramadan Moon Sighting Committee. Additionally, the cannon will be fired daily at the mosque throughout Ramadan to signify the Iftar time and announce the arrival of Eid Al Fitr. This initiative honors one of the timeless traditions of Ramadan cherished by UAE citizens and residents.
Furthermore, it permitted individuals from various cultures to observe the daily live firing of the cannon on Abu Dhabi Media TV channels.