The preparations for welcoming the Holy Month of Ramadan 1445 at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) have been finalized, gearing up to accommodate the influx of worshippers and visitors.
During Ramadan 1444, the mosque witnessed the arrival of 684,945 worshippers and visitors. Notably, on the 27th night of Ramadan, over 60,000 worshippers congregated at the mosque to observe Laylat Al Qadr, a significant occasion in Islam.
To ensure seamless operations and cater to the needs of the large turnout, SZGMC has established committees and teams working round the clock. These efforts aim to deliver various high-quality services and facilities. Collaborative meetings with strategic partners, including government and private entities, have been held to streamline operations during the Holy Month.
In a bid to enhance service standards and fulfill its social responsibility of promoting volunteerism, SZGMC has enlisted over 580 qualified volunteers. These volunteers work alongside the Centre’s staff, Emirates Red Crescent, the Absher Ya Watan volunteer team, police officers, paramedics, and Civil Defense personnel to facilitate worshippers, allowing them to perform prayers comfortably.
SZGMC has also introduced over 70 electric cars to shuttle worshippers from parking lots to prayer halls, with priority given to the elderly and people with disabilities. The Centre has allocated 8,379 parking spaces for worshippers, including 1,500 for women and over 60 for people with disabilities. Additionally, 1,800 more parking spaces have been added this year.
To accommodate worshippers, SZGMC has provided over 3,515 chairs and 50 wheelchairs. Embracing Emirati cultural heritage, the Centre has collaborated with the Ministry of Defence to fire cannons at the onset of Ramadan, and coordinated with the Ramadan Moon Sighting Committee. The cannon will be fired daily during Ramadan to mark Iftar time and to announce the arrival of Eid Al Fitr, a tradition cherished by UAE citizens and residents.
To allow people from diverse backgrounds to experience this cultural tradition, the Centre broadcasts the daily cannon firing live on Abu Dhabi Media TV channels.
