How Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s Mass Iftar Tradition Began After the Passing of the UAE’s Founding Father

Every Ramadan, tens of thousands of worshippers gather at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi to break their fast together, making it the largest mass iftar gathering in the United Arab Emirates. However, the origins of this long-standing tradition trace back to a moment of national mourning following the passing of the UAE’s founding father, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

According to the documentary series produced by Erth Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Media, the initiative began in 2004 during the holy month of Ramadan, when the mosque was still under construction.

A moment of grief that brought people together

When Sheikh Zayed passed away on the 19th day of Ramadan in 2004, mourners from across the country gathered at the mosque site, many unable to leave the burial grounds due to their deep sorrow.

Caravans were set up near the gravesite, allowing relatives, officials and residents to remain close to the location. People spent days praying, reciting the Quran and reflecting on the legacy of the late leader.

Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of Erth Abu Dhabi and a retired major general, recalled that the mosque was still under construction at the time.

“Sheikh Zayed Mosque was not yet ready. We were working on the pipes and even Sheikh Mohammed, may God protect him, was with us working. We were all working together,” he said.

Another witness, Mohammed Atta, Head of Logistics and Distribution at Erth Abu Dhabi, described the overwhelming sense of loss felt by the nation.

“The amount of grief and the tears that were flowing from people — I am not talking about leaders, I am talking about ordinary people. Every one of us truly felt that we had lost a father,” he said.

The first iftar served at the mosque

Five days after Sheikh Zayed’s passing, on the 24th day of Ramadan in 2004, authorities organised the first communal iftar at the mosque site to serve the fasting crowds who had gathered there.

The meals were prepared by the Armed Forces Officers Club, which supplied food for worshippers despite the ongoing construction around the mosque.

What began as a simple gesture of hospitality and compassion soon evolved into one of the country’s largest charitable initiatives.

From a few hundred meals to millions

Initially, organisers prepared only 300 to 400 meals for those present at the mosque. Over the years, the programme expanded significantly, both in scale and reach.

Today, the initiative provides up to 95,000 iftar meals every day during Ramadan. By the end of the holy month, around 2.66 million meals are distributed across the emirate.

The meals are served not only at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque but also at locations such as the Sheikh Khalifa Mosque and labour accommodations throughout Abu Dhabi, as well as in nearby areas including Al Ain and Suwayhan.

A massive logistical effort

Behind the scenes, more than 2,000 personnel work daily to prepare and distribute the meals. The operation is supported by approximately 150 trucks that deliver food across the emirate ahead of the Maghrib prayer each evening.

The kitchens, staffed by hundreds of chefs, stewards and logistics teams, continue the legacy that began in 2004 — transforming a moment of national grief into a lasting symbol of generosity and unity during Ramadan.

Today, the mass iftar at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands not only as a spiritual gathering but also as a powerful tribute to the humanitarian values championed by Sheikh Zayed.