Faithful Pray Under Open Sky Despite Midnight Rains At Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

A sudden midnight downpour did little to move thousands of worshippers gathered at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, as many chose to continue praying under the open sky in the outdoor courtyards of the mosque during late-night Ramadan prayers - seeing the rainfall as a spiritual blessing rather than a disruption.

Staff responded swiftly. Within the span of two rakaats, mosque teams managed to furnish an entire shaded corridor with the mosque's iconic floral carpets, allowing those seeking shelter to move quickly under cover. While dozens of women shifted to the shaded areas during the brief intermission, hundreds chose to remain outside - praying under the rain and considering it an unexpected spiritual bonus.

Ramadan prayer timings

“It was beautiful and the most spiritual I have felt in a long time,” said Dalia Sufian, an events and marketing director.

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“Before the prayers, when it was slightly sputtering and the wind was strong, I chose a spot in a shaded area right outside the women's north prayer hall. But then my friend arrived and insisted we stay in the outdoor courtyard to pray under the open sky.”

“At first I was worried I'd get sick, but I decided to join her anyway - and the rain actually paused right before the prayer started at midnight,” she added. Halfway through the prayers, the rain suddenly intensified, soaking many worshippers. Yet most remained unmoved.

“We believe that during rainfall, when one makes duaa - a prayer asking God for a favour - it is most likely answered,” she explained.“Performing the final nights' midnight prayers, when duaa is also believed to be answered, under rainfall and open sky, felt like the ultimate spiritual bonus.”

As the imam began reciting the collective supplication during the final rakaat of Al Witr, another dramatic moment unfolded.“During the final duaa, the warning alert went off and interceptions could be heard loudly in the sky,” Sufian recalled.“We heard very loud bangs, but no one moved. Everyone continued listening to the duaa.”

“The imam was reciting beautiful prayers asking Allah to protect the homeland and its soldiers,” she added.

The showers that fell across Abu Dhabi formed part of a broader spell of unstable weather affecting the UAE this week. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), cloudy conditions with chances of rainfall have been affecting western and coastal areas of the country since March 9, with showers observed in parts of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah.

The weather authority had forecast partly cloudy to cloudy skies with rainfall possible across several regions from March 10 onwards, accompanied by light to moderate winds and a slight drop in temperatures. Meteorologists also warned that the country could see unsettled weather conditions lasting until March 15, with occasional rain, fresh winds and dusty conditions across open areas.

Despite the wet weather, Ramadan prayers continued uninterrupted across the capital - particularly at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which traditionally sees some of the largest congregations in the emirate during the final nights of Ramadan, when worshippers gather for extended late-night prayers.

Moderate rainfall was observed in the capital at around 6.30am on Wednesday morning.

Amid regional conflict, UAE's faithful find comfort in Laylat Al Qadr late-night prayers Rain offers UAE residents a welcome breather after tense week Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi prepares for Ramadan

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