Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center is taking on some of the world’s biggest tourist attractions and it’s winning.
The mosque was named the 10th best attraction in the world in the 2024 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards by TripAdvisor. The UAE site fell just behind Italy’s Duomo di Milano (9th) and Singapore’s Garden by the Bay (8th). Topping the list at number one was New York City’s Empire State Building followed by Paris’ Eiffel Tower.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center’s growing reputation as a site of cultural and religious significance contributed to record visitation of 4.3 million visitors in the first half of this year. According to The National News, visitation in 2024 is up from 3.3 million recorded from January to June last year and 1.5 million during the 12 months of 2022.
Worshippers made up around 1.76 million of this year’s visitors to the mosque, with the 27th day of the holy period of Ramadan (5 April) receiving the largest number of daily worshippers at 87,186.
The other 2.58 million visitors to the site were made up of residents and tourists, indicating that international visitors are spending more time staying and exploring the UAE than just flying in-and-out on a quick stopover.
Around the UAE new initiatives are underway to enhance the country’s appeal and encourage travellers to extend their visit. DCT Abu Dhabi recently teamed up with the ever-famous Oprah Winfrey for the ‘Be Moved in a Thousand Ways’ campaign designed to promote Saadiyat Cultural District as an attractive destination for creativity and curiosity.
Over in Dubai, the city recently launched its 2024 Michelin Guide highlighting 106 Michelin star restaurants, up from 90 restaurants last year. Dubai Mall also recently revealed plans to attract more shopaholics with a $408 million expansion which will squeeze in another 240 new luxury stores and dining outlets. Meanwhile,
In the air and at airports, Etihad Airways will appeal to young travellers with the unveiling of its first livery decorated with DC Superheroes and Looney Tunes characters. The aircraft was designed in partnership with Miral, Yas Island and Warner Bros. World Yas Island.
