5 beautiful mosques in the UAE
The UAE is home to some of the world’s most stunning mosques, and a few of them welcome modestly-dressed non-Muslims for tours between prayer times.
Check out these five beautiful mosques in the UAE.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the UAE is among the world’s most beautiful mosques, with 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, and lovely reflective pools. Inside, you’ll be amazed by marbled halls, gold-plated chandeliers, and intricate mosaic artwork. It’s a sight to see.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque was the dream of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is also recognized as the UAE’s Founding Father. This mosque operates with an inclusive “open-door” policy, warmly receiving visitors from around the world, and it can accommodate up to 50,000 worshippers daily.
Grand Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai
The Grand Jumeirah Mosque, a gift from the Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, opened in 1979. It has become one of the beloved landmarks in the emirates, thanks to its interactive Open Doors, Open Minds program. You can find it in Jumeirah 1.
The mosque is open to the public at 10 am and 2 pm daily, except on Fridays (timings may vary during Ramadan). The tour lasts 75 minutes and costs Dhs35 per person. You’ll also enjoy some light Emirati refreshments at the majlis before the program starts, so it’s a good idea to arrive early for registration.
Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah
Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah is the only mosque open to non-Muslims, offering free one-hour tours every Monday and Thursday at 10 am. It has a classic Ottoman design with 34 domes and is known for its intricate calligraphy of Quranic verses in the interior.
As a popular tourist spot, the mosque offers free Emirati clothing and Arabic coffee to visitors.
Iranian Mosque, Dubai
This lovely mosque, often hidden from the mainstream tourist path, might be a pleasant discovery during a stroll near the Textile Souk. Referred to as the Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque, the structure is embellished with intricate blue tiles.
This mosque is one of two beautifully decorated Iranian mosques in Dubai. The second one, Imam Hussein Mosque, is situated in Satwa.
Al Bidya Mosque, Fujairah
On the road between Dibba and Khorfakkan stands the UAE’s oldest mosque, Al Bidya Mosque. It’s made of mud and stone, still in use, and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its unique architecture with fo
ur domes, unlike the usual one, and its archaeological carvings.
The prayer room, though modest in size, has the capacity to accommodate up to 70 people.
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