66 New Mosques, 20 Scholars, 12,500 Seedlings: How UAE Is Welcoming Ramadan 2026

2026-02-18 04:14:40

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

The Awqaf will supervise and organise their Ramadan programmes, which will extend across all seven emirates

PUBLISHED: Wed 18 Feb 2026, 12:49 PM

By:
Arwa Almazrouei

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The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has announced sweeping preparations for Ramadan 2026, including the opening of 66 new mosques, the hosting of 20 international scholars, and nationwide family-focused initiatives under the UAE's 'Year of the Family'.

Speaking during the authority's first media briefing of the year, Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the authority, said mosque development remains a top priority, particularly in newly established residential areas.

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He confirmed that new mosques are being built in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure accessibility for worshippers. Mosques named after the seven emirates were inaugurated in line with the directives of the UAE President, coinciding with the nation's 54th National Day celebrations.

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In the coming period, 66 new mosques are expected to open, fully equipped with all facilities.

As part of environmental efforts, around 12,500 seedlings were planted across 224 mosques during the first phase of the 'Let's Plant Our Mosques' campaign, reinforcing sustainability alongside spiritual development.

Ramadan prayer timings

Moderation and community responsibility

Al Darei stressed the importance of moderation during Taraweeh prayers, urging imams to consider worshippers' circumstances, embody good conduct, spread tranquility, and reflect the values of Emirati society.

He also called on mosque-goers to respect the sanctity of mosques, adhere to parking regulations, avoid blocking roads near prayer halls, and refrain from attending congregational prayers if unwell to prevent harm to others.

Scholars as guests of the President

Under the patronage of the UAE President, 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 authority will supervise and organise their Ramadan programmes, which will extend across all seven emirates.

Year of the Family

“This year's Ramadan comes as we observe the 'Year of the Family' initiative launched by His Highness the President of the State, may God protect him,” Al Darei said.

“The authority has designed its Ramadan plan with strong consideration of family and community values, through programmes and initiatives that encompass all components of the Emirati household. We have mobilised the best technological and digital tools and qualified human resources, in cooperation with federal and local partners.”

Months of preparation

Al Darei affirmed that the plans unveiled are the result of months of preparation.

Preparations included qualifying human cadres, upgrading mosque facilities, and ensuring operational readiness with the support of the UAE's leadership.

On the educational front, more than 260,000 awareness and educational lessons were delivered over the past year. The 'Bil Hikmah' programme in Shaban focused on the virtues of Ramadan and the ethics of fasting, while several Friday sermons were allocated in preparation for the holy month.

In cooperation with the UAE Council for Fatwa, the authority also implemented the second edition of its scientific enrichment programme for imams and preachers, strengthening their jurisprudential knowledge on fasting rulings.

The chairman emphasised that Ramadan preparations this year reflect a holistic vision combining mosque expansion, scholarly engagement, environmental sustainability, community discipline, and family cohesion.