Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Mar 11: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi has intensified preparations to accommodate thousands of worshippers expected during the final nights of Ramadan.
Authorities said readiness has been enhanced across all affiliated landmarks, including the Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque.
The mosque expects a surge in worshippers during the last 10 days of Ramadan, particularly on the 27th night when more than 70,000 people have gathered in previous years for prayers.
Special arrangements have been made for the nightly Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers, with Tahajjud scheduled daily at midnight. The prayers will be led by imams including Idris Abkar, Yahya Aishan, Alaa Al Mizjaji, Abdullah Al Baloushi and Abdulbasit Abdulsamad, while recitations will also be delivered by Raad Al Kurdi.
Prayers will also be broadcast live daily through the mosque’s official social media platforms and television coverage in partnership with Abu Dhabi TV and Fujairah TV.
To facilitate access, authorities have arranged more than 8,000 parking spaces at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, including 1,500 reserved for women and over 60 for People of Determination.
Additional parking is available near Wahat Al Karama, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and Zayed Sports City.
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), affiliated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, has also intensified traffic monitoring and transport services throughout Ramadan.
Around 100 taxis have been deployed daily to serve visitors, with additional vehicles scheduled during the final 10 nights when the number of worshippers peaks.
Public bus services have also been strengthened, including larger buses operating on Route Q3 with capacity for up to 85 passengers. Around 60 additional trips will run between Rabdan Bus Station and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stop.
Additional evening services have also been introduced, with routes X5, 54, 44 and 23 stopping directly at the mosque.
Traffic patrols, surveillance cameras and variable message signboards have been deployed around the mosque to manage congestion and guide visitors.
Authorities have also expanded facilities within the mosque to ensure comfort and safety. Around 1,500 prayer rugs have been placed in outdoor areas along with more than 30,000 disposable prayer mats.
About 70 electric carts will assist elderly visitors and People of Determination from parking areas to prayer halls. The mosque has also provided over 3,500 seats and more than 50 wheelchairs for senior citizens and those with special needs.
Identification wristbands are available for children at information counters to help reunite them with their guardians if needed.
Emergency services, including ambulances, a field hospital and civil defence teams, have also been stationed on-site.
Authorities said the measures are aimed at ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience for worshippers visiting one of the largest mosques in the United Arab Emirates during the final days of Ramadan.