Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque attracts 1.4 million people during Ramadan

Close to a million broke their fast at the place of worship over the month

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More than 1.4 million people visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan.

The world-famous mosque was visited by 369,040 worshippers, 175,349 tourists, while iftar meals were given to a staggering 891,860 people.

Thousands of people broke their fast in the grounds every evening for an iftar prepared by the Armed Forces Officers Club.

The department of transport also laid on free bus services to ferry people from the outskirts of the city to the mosque for Ramadan 27  or Saturday, June 1.

This night is Laylat Al Qadr, also known as the night of destiny, when Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

Prayers during Ramadan were led by imams Sheikh Idrees Abkar and Sheikh Yahya Ayshan in addition to the scholars who visited during the month.

Free park and ride buses also operated between Wahat Al Karama, the memorial to the UAE Armed Forces, and the mosque during the last two weeks of Ramadan.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opened in 2007. Construction started in 1996 and involved architects, engineers and artisans from across the world.

It is also the burial place of the Founding President, Sheikh Zayed.