Tourism
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Ranks First in Middle East, Eighth Globally in TripAdvisor 2025 Report
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) in Abu Dhabi has secured its place among the world’s leading cultural landmarks, ranking eighth globally and first in the Middle East in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Top Attractions list. The recognition marks a two-place climb from its 2024 global ranking, reaffirming the mosque’s role as a premier destination for cultural tourism.
The annual rankings, based on an analysis of over eight million landmarks worldwide, place the SZGM within the top one per cent of all reviewed sites. It continues to lead the Middle East’s list of ten most iconic attractions.
In another achievement, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah ranked among the top 10 per cent of landmarks worldwide, a notable feat following the recent activation of its visitor services.
Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, credited the success to the UAE’s visionary leadership and the mosque’s strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing visitor experiences. “This success crowns a series of outstanding initiatives and services offered throughout the year, from cultural programmes to infrastructure development,” he said, noting the empowerment of Emirati youth in delivering guided tours.
Both mosques have become significant global cultural destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually from diverse backgrounds. The recognition underscores the UAE’s position on the world tourism map and its commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding through architectural and spiritual landmarks.