The centre has curated a diverse range of festive experiences for visitors of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre is preparing to welcome visitors during the Eid Al Adha holiday in an atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the occasion and brings joy to worshippers and guests from diverse cultural backgrounds.
As the mosque expects a large influx of worshippers for Eid and daily prayers, along with international visitors, the centre has introduced a wide range of cultural programmes and immersive experiences designed to enrich the visitor journey.
Its preparations reflect a high level of operational readiness through an integrated system aimed at ensuring a smooth, comfortable, and secure experience, with efficient movement, easy access, and comprehensive services aligned with the “Year of Community” objectives, further strengthening the mosque’s role as a global religious and cultural landmark.
Exciting family-friendly experiences await visitors at “Souq Al Jami” throughout the Eid period.
The Centre has curated a vibrant range of experiences for visitors of all ages and cultures—especially families and children—transforming an Eid visit into a memorable celebration beyond the traditional mosque experience.
At the heart of the festivities are the Eid Takbeerat, long associated with the joy and spirit of Eid for both young and old. The chants will echo throughout the mosque, the Peace Dome, and “Souq Al Jami” during the holiday period, creating a deeply immersive spiritual and cultural atmosphere.
In line with the objectives of the “Year of Community,” Souq Al Jami offers visitors the chance to spend an entire day in a vibrant destination featuring more than 68 retail outlets, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment spaces.
The integrated venue also includes dedicated children’s play areas, allowing youngsters to enjoy themselves while parents relax, shop, and unwind—particularly at kiosks and restaurants overlooking the mosque’s striking architecture and landscaped surroundings.
“Light & Peace Museum” opens channels for civilisational dialogue
Visitors can also experience an engaging journey at the “Light & Peace Museum,” which presents an immersive sensory narrative designed to encourage interaction with its cultural content while promoting dialogue between different cultures and civilisations.
The museum showcases the cultural richness of Islamic civilisation in science, arts, and literature through innovative exhibition techniques, artefacts, and multimedia displays across five themed sections:
- Values of Tolerance – The Flow of Light
- Sanctity and Worship – The Three Mosques
- Beauty and Mastery – The Spirit of Creativity
- Tolerance and Openness – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Unity and Coexistence
The museum also includes a dedicated family and children’s experience zone.
Adding to the attraction is the immersive “Diya Interactive Experience – A World of Light,” a 360-degree sensory installation that conveys the mosque’s civilisational message through advanced visual storytelling and innovative technology, marking a significant addition to the centre’s cultural offerings.
Exclusive guided tours across the mosque
For visitors seeking enriching learning and discovery experiences, the centre offers cultural tours led by its Cultural Tour Specialists in both Arabic and English.
These tours introduce guests to the mosque’s humanitarian message while highlighting its stunning architecture and Islamic artistry, where authenticity blends seamlessly with creativity.
During Eid Al Adha, the tours include exclusive routes that allow participants to access select areas of the mosque that are typically reserved for private visits.
The tours also highlight the significance of Eid Al Adha in Islam, shedding light on its rituals, traditions, and practices—including the Hajj pilgrimage and the values of unity and brotherhood it represents across diverse cultures. Visitors will also learn about the Eid Takbeerat, the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, and traditional Emirati customs associated with Eid, such as Eidiyah gifts and social gatherings.
These tours run throughout the day in a simplified and culturally inclusive format, giving families the flexibility to choose timings that suit them. In contrast, the “Sura” night tours offer a different experience, showcasing the mosque’s serene nighttime ambience and its moonlight-inspired illumination.
Interactive tours in 14 languages for all ages
The centre also enriches the visitor experience through “Al Daleel,” an interactive multimedia guide that uses augmented reality technology and is available in 14 languages, designed to engage visitors of all ages through a modern, immersive approach.
At the end of their journey, visitors can experience “Al Mattil,” a panoramic viewing platform that offers breathtaking perspectives of the mosque from a unique vantage point in a calm and comfortable setting—ideal for photography, reflection, and relaxation.
Guests can also enjoy contemporary local flavours at a specialty coffee outlet or purchase exclusive souvenirs designed especially for the mosque as memorable keepsakes of their visit.
Eid visit programme highlights
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has prepared a comprehensive programme for Eid Al Adha celebrations, including Eid prayers, continuous broadcasting of Eid Takbeerat across the mosque precincts, cultural tours, and a range of special experiences at Souq Al Jami.
Key Programmes and Activities
Eid Prayer: Eid Al Adha prayers will be held in the mosque’s courtyards, with spacious designated areas for worshippers, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Exclusive Cultural Tours: Family-focused guided tours will showcase the mosque’s distinctive Islamic architecture and rich history, with extended operating hours in the early morning and evening.
“Diya” Interactive Experience: A visually and aurally immersive experience that tells the story of tolerance through advanced lighting and multimedia technologies.
Souq Al Jami Activities: A wide range of family entertainment programmes, shopping experiences, and special Eid dining offers at restaurants and cafés.
Light & Peace Museum: An opportunity to explore the museum’s message of coexistence and human harmony.
Visiting hours
The mosque is open to visitors of all cultures and nationalities daily from 9am to 10pm. On Fridays, visiting hours are from 9am to 12pm and resume from 3pm to 10pm.
The “Sura” night tours operate daily from 10pm until 9am, while “Souq Al Jami” remains open throughout the Eid holiday from 9am to 11pm.
