The Awqaf will oversee and coordinate their Ramadan programmes, ensuring activities are organised and implemented across all seven emirates.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has unveiled extensive preparations for Ramadan 2026, including the inauguration of 66 new mosques, the hosting of 20 international scholars, and nationwide family-oriented initiatives aligned with the UAE’s ‘Year of the Family’.
Speaking at the authority’s first media briefing of the year, Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the authority, emphasised that mosque development remains a key priority, particularly in newly developed residential communities.
He confirmed that the new mosques are being developed in coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure easy access for worshippers. Mosques bearing the names of the seven emirates were inaugurated in line with the directives of the UAE President, coinciding with the country’s 54th National Day celebrations.
In the coming months, 66 additional mosques are set to open, fully equipped with all necessary facilities to serve worshippers.
As part of its environmental initiatives, approximately 12,500 seedlings were planted across 224 mosques during the first phase of the ‘Let’s Plant Our Mosques’ campaign, underscoring a commitment to sustainability alongside spiritual development.
Moderation and community responsibility
Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei emphasised the importance of moderation during Taraweeh prayers, urging imams to be mindful of worshippers’ circumstances, demonstrate exemplary conduct, promote tranquillity, and reflect the core values of Emirati society.
He also called on worshippers to respect the sanctity of mosques, follow parking regulations, avoid obstructing roads near prayer halls, and refrain from attending congregational prayers if unwell to safeguard public health.
Scholars as guests of the President
Under the patronage of the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the follow-up of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, the UAE will host around 20 scholars from Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Morocco, Mauritania, Jordan, Lebanon, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat will oversee and organise their Ramadan programmes across all seven emirates.
Year of the Family
“This year’s Ramadan coincides with the ‘Year of the Family’ initiative launched by His Highness the President of the State,” Al Darei said.
He noted that the authority’s Ramadan plan has been designed with a strong focus on family and community values, through initiatives that address all segments of the Emirati household. Advanced technological tools and qualified human resources have been mobilised in cooperation with federal and local partners.
Months of preparation
Al Darei affirmed that the unveiled plans are the result of months of preparation, including training human cadres, upgrading mosque facilities, and ensuring full operational readiness with the support of the UAE leadership.
On the educational front, more than 260,000 awareness and instructional lessons were delivered over the past year. The ‘Bil Hikmah’ programme during Sha’ban focused on the virtues of Ramadan and the ethics of fasting, while several Friday sermons were dedicated to preparing worshippers for the holy month.
In collaboration with the UAE Council for Fatwa, the authority also rolled out the second edition of its scientific enrichment programme for imams and preachers, enhancing their jurisprudential understanding of fasting rulings.
The chairman underscored that this year’s Ramadan preparations reflect a comprehensive vision—integrating mosque expansion, scholarly engagement, environmental sustainability, community discipline, and strengthened family cohesion.
