Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ranks first in the Middle East and eighth among the world's most popular tourist destinations in 2025.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Climbs Global Rankings
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) in Abu Dhabi has made a significant leap in the world of tourism, securing the 8th position globally in the Top Attractions category of TripAdvisor's 2025 global report. This impressive feat places the SZGM as the number one tourist attraction in the Middle East, attracting over seven million visitors annually.
This ranking is based on a comprehensive analysis of more than eight million landmark reviews worldwide, positioning the SZGM within the top one percent of all reviewed sites globally. The SZGM's rise in the rankings represents a testament to its architectural beauty, cultural significance, and international standing.
The SZGM offers a dynamic and interactive experience that fuses art with knowledge. Visitors can explore a wide variety of facilities, including a visitor centre, Souq Al Jami', and a jogging track. The SZGM's cultural auditorium hosts a series of permanent and temporary exhibitions, such as Al-Andalus: History and Civilisation, Coins of Islam: History Revealed, and Islamic Coins: Civilisational Testimonies.
One of the most immersive experiences at the SZGM is the Diya - A Universe of Light. This sensory journey invites visitors to travel from a celestial realm illuminated by starlight to the heart of the UAE's heritage, visually narrating the SZGM's enduring message of coexistence and peace in a 360-degree format with sound, visual, and wind effects.
The SZGM also offers an immersive cultural tour experience with El-Delleel, a multimedia device offering tours in 14 international languages, including a dedicated sign language tour. The SZGM is a key destination for high-level dignitaries visiting the UAE, with overseas visitors accounting for approximately 82 percent of its total guests.
Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, stated that the SZGM's accomplishments open new horizons for the centre and allow them to continuously enrich the guest experience through religious and cultural programmes, exhibitions, and initiatives. He also mentioned that the centre's strategic plan focuses on enhancing services and providing exceptional experiences for its guests.
The SZGM's global prominence is a reflection of the visionary leadership of the UAE, as it continues to promote its message of peace and harmony through cultural tours delivered by Emirati Cultural Tour Specialists. The SZGM stands as a singular cultural tourism destination, reinforcing its standing as a global hub for cultural dialogue.
Other notable attractions in the world include Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, which has been named the world's leading attraction by Tripadvisor, followed by iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower and the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. In terms of cities as travel destinations, notable ones include London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, and several others known for their cultural significance and strong tourism infrastructures.
In summary:
| Ranking Category | Attraction/City | Position in 2025 | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | World's Top Attraction | Sagrada Familia (Barcelona) | 1st (Tripadvisor World's Leading Attraction) | | Other Notable Attractions | Eiffel Tower, NASA Kennedy Space Center | Among top global iconic sites | | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | Abu Dhabi | 8th globally, 1st in Middle East | | Top Cities for Travel | London, New York, Paris, Tokyo | Ranked in top 10 travel cities globally |
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's continued success is a testament to its commitment to providing exceptional cultural experiences to visitors from around the world.
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's rise to the 8th position globally in TripAdvisor's Top Attractions category showcases its dominance in the entertainment and tourism sectors.
- The SZGM's significant leap in the world of tourism has also positioned it as a key news topic, with international media coverage highlighting its cultural and architectural significance.
- Beyond tourism, the SZGM's cultural auditorium and exhibitions present opportunities for learning and discovery, bringing history to life for visitors.
- For those seeking relaxation and fitness, the jogging track at the SZGM offers a chance to pursue sports and wellness within a serene cultural environment.
- The Lifestyle section could feature stories about the various games and interactive experiences available at the SZGM, such as Diya - A Universe of Light and the El-Delleel multimedia tours.
- Health-conscious visitors can explore the healthy food options available near the SZGM, creating a travel itinerary that balances entertainment, culture, and wellness.
