As the crescent moon ushers in the final days of Ramadan 2025, one of the UAE’s most iconic religious landmarks—Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque—is at the heart of a sweeping mobility and safety initiative. With thousands expected to gather nightly for Taraweeh and Qiyam-ul-layl prayers, Abu Dhabi has transformed its transport ecosystem to ensure stress-free, accessible, and safe worship experiences.

Backed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi Mobility (the Integrated Transport Centre) has unveiled an integrated multi-modal strategy that supports religious tourism, enhances urban mobility, and showcases the UAE’s commitment to visitor-centric urban planning.

Free Buses for Worshippers Across Abu Dhabi

At the core of this strategy is the deployment of 10 free shuttle buses linking the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with the Bus Interchange in Al Rabdan. This route—available every evening during Ramadan’s final 10 days—is meticulously timed to support worshippers attending Taraweeh and late-night prayers, including the deeply spiritual Laylat al-Qadr, which draws the mosque’s highest footfall.

This temporary bus route offers seamless mobility for residents and religious tourists alike. With schedules aligned with prayer times and consistent departures from Al Rabdan, these free services not only minimize parking congestion but also reflect Abu Dhabi’s dedication to inclusivity, accessibility, and community-driven services.

Advanced Traffic Monitoring Systems in Action

With an expected surge in pedestrian and vehicle traffic near the mosque, real-time traffic surveillance has been introduced using digital cameras placed around strategic signal-controlled intersections. These systems are primed to detect congestion, parking violations, or road emergencies and instantly relay this data to command centers for swift intervention.

Whether it’s a vehicle breakdown or sudden bottleneck, the surveillance grid forms the digital backbone of Abu Dhabi’s smart-city goals, ensuring that worshippers experience peace of mind not just within the mosque—but on the road as well.

Smart Signage and Parking Guidance

Navigating the area around a mega-attraction like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque during peak prayer hours can be overwhelming. To guide visitors and avoid chaos, mobile electronic signs have been activated throughout the surrounding zones. These signs display live parking availability, directional messages, and route recommendations, all tailored to worshipper flow and real-time traffic.

In tandem, Variable Message Signs (VMS) installed permanently on arterial roads now flash updated alerts to inform worshippers of optimal arrival times, changes in road access, and available transport options—bridging the gap between traditional worship and cutting-edge transport technology.

Field Inspectors, Towing Services & Patrol Units

In a city as meticulously planned as Abu Dhabi, physical infrastructure complements digital precision. Field inspectors have been deployed to regulate high-traffic intersections, particularly around the mosque’s main gates. Their role is not just reactive but preventative—managing turning points, pedestrian crossings, and vehicular entry points to prevent gridlocks before they happen.

Meanwhile, Road Service Patrols (RSPs) and dedicated towing units are on standby throughout the last 10 nights. These services swiftly remove stalled vehicles, enforce parking laws, and assist emergency crews if needed. Every detail has been considered to maintain an atmosphere of calm and reverence as worshippers flow in and out of one of the UAE’s most beloved spiritual sanctuaries.

100 Taxis on Duty – Scaled for Ramadan’s Peak Demand

Understanding the diversity of visitor profiles—from solo travelers to large families—Abu Dhabi Mobility has also confirmed the daily allocation of 100 taxis dedicated solely to the mosque vicinity during Ramadan. These taxis are strategically stationed across known pick-up points and mosque exits.

As demand builds toward Eid-al-Fitr, the fleet will scale up operations, ensuring worshippers don’t wait long for transport after late-night prayers. This is particularly significant for tourists, the elderly, and those without personal transport options.

The initiative reflects a broader push for integrated public-private transport partnerships in the UAE’s growing religious tourism sector. Taxi service providers are working closely with local authorities to ensure quality service, fair pricing, and driver availability across shifts.

Why This Matters for Religious Tourism and Global Travelers

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not just a religious site—it is a beacon of intercultural connection and architectural marvel, drawing over 6 million visitors annually. During Ramadan, that role is amplified, as Muslims from across the globe make pilgrimages to experience the UAE’s unmatched hospitality during Islam’s holiest month.

This transportation initiative speaks volumes about how destination readiness impacts religious tourism trends. Easy access, safety, and responsive support systems can elevate the experience and encourage repeat visits, both spiritual and leisure-driven.

Furthermore, such policies help position Abu Dhabi as a model for smart tourism infrastructure. By blending tradition with technology, it’s redefining what religious pilgrimages can look like in the 21st century—seamless, respectful, and inclusive.

Tourism Impact and Urban Harmony

By easing congestion and reducing environmental impact through public transport options, Abu Dhabi Mobility’s plan also aligns with sustainable tourism goals. Fewer personal vehicles mean lower emissions, more shared rides, and efficient energy use—an often-overlooked but vital aspect of tourism planning.

Additionally, by providing real-time updates, smart signage, and multilingual directional support, the initiative creates a more inclusive environment for international visitors who may not be familiar with local transit systems.

This initiative also ties in with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision of urban harmony, where spiritual needs, modern convenience, and city planning converge to offer meaningful, safe, and memorable visitor experiences.

Global Takeaway: Setting a Standard for Spiritual Mobility

In an age where religious tourism is fast-growing, and cities are redefining mobility, Abu Dhabi is offering a case study in how to support faith-based tourism through infrastructure, empathy, and innovation.

From free transport and traffic control to personal safety and digital integration, this Ramadan transport plan around Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque could serve as a blueprint for other cities catering to religious events—be it Hajj in Saudi Arabia, Kumbh Mela in India, or Easter in Jerusalem.

Call to Action for Visitors and the Travel Industry

Tour operators, religious tourism agencies, and spiritual travel planners should integrate this mobility news into their Abu Dhabi packages. Whether for last-minute Ramadan travel or planning for 2026, the UAE’s ease-of-access model will remain a powerful incentive.

For worshippers, residents, and tourists alike: if you’re planning to attend the nightly prayers or witness the serene atmosphere of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque this Ramadan, let the city take the wheel. Abu Dhabi’s commitment to your journey doesn’t end at the mosque—it starts from the moment you board that free bus or step into a waiting taxi.