As Ramadan enters its most spiritually significant phase, thousands of Muslim worshipers across the Gulf have gathered at mosques for special prayers on Laylat ul Qadr, widely considered the holiest night in Islam. Believers in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia held late-night prayers at major mosques seeking forgiveness, blessings and spiritual renewal during the holy final days of Ramadan.
Thousands of people gather for Laylat ul Qadr prayers united arab emirates and saudi arabia
Large gatherings were reported at some of the region’s most revered places of worship, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Masjid al-Haram, where thousands of worshipers gathered for late night prayers, recitation of the Holy Quran and prayers. The atmosphere of these mosques reflects the deep spiritual significance of the night, with believers spending hours in prayer and contemplation.Laylat al Qadr, often translated as “Night of Power” or “Night of Commandment”, Muslims believe is the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It occurs during the last ten nights of Ramadan and is considered more beneficial than a thousand months of worship.
Spiritual intensity during the last ten nights of Ramadan
As Ramadan comes to an end, mosques across the Gulf region see an increase in the number of worshipers who spend the night offering Qiyam-ul-Lail prayers, reciting the Quran and making dua (prayers). Many believers also engage in I’tikaf, a practice where Muslims remain in a mosque for long periods of time and are completely dedicated to worship.Many Muslims believe that the 27th night of Ramadan is Laylatul Qadr, although the exact night is not known with certainty and may fall on any odd night in the last ten days of the holy month.
UAE mosques are preparing for huge crowds on Lailat ul Qadr
Authorities in the UAE feared huge crowds during the last nights of Ramadan. Special arrangements were made around major mosques, including additional transport services, parking spaces and security measures to accommodate the large number of worshipers attending late night prayers.At the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s largest mosques, thousands of worshipers gathered shoulder to shoulder in prayer. The vast courtyards and prayer halls of the mosque were filled with believers who had come in search of the immense spiritual rewards associated with the blessed night.
Devotions at Islam’s holiest sites in Saudi Arabia during Laylat ul Qadr
In Saudi Arabia, large crowds similarly gathered at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, Islam’s two holiest sites. Pilgrims performing Umrah and local worshipers alike joined the special night prayers, creating a powerful scene of devotion as thousands raised their hands in prayer.The atmosphere inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca was described as highly spiritual, with worshipers filling every available space around the Kaaba and spilling into the surrounding courtyards. Many believers spend the entire night in prayers in the hope of receiving the blessings of Laylat ul Qadr.
Lailat Ul Qadr: It is believed that this night brings immense blessings
Laylat ul Qadr holds a unique place in the Islamic faith. According to the Quran, worship performed on this night is considered superior to worship performed in thousands of months, making it one of the most spiritually significant occasions for believers to receive forgiveness and divine mercy. Since the exact date is unknown, Muslims are encouraged to intensify their worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan. For many, this means attending nightly prayers, engaging in charity, and seeking spiritual closeness to God.Anticipation has increased for Eid al-Fitr 2026. As Ramadan nears its end, preparations for Eid al-Fitr are also beginning across the Muslim world. However, for many believers, the final nights of Ramadan remain a time of reflection, repentance and devotion rather than celebration. In mosques across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, scenes of worship during Lailat ul Qadr highlight the deep spiritual unity shared by Muslims around the world. As worshipers gather under the night sky in prayer, the sacred atmosphere of Ramadan reaches its most intense moment, defined by faith, humility and hope for divine mercy.