Introduction
Dubai provides a chance to explore Muslim culture in addition to a variety of luxurious pleasures and family-friendly activities. Visiting a mosque in Dubai should be on your list of things to do when visiting the city. Religious buildings are amazing architectural marvels that also contain outstanding artwork. Explore the carefully picked list of the best mosques in Dubai by reading the information below.
In addition to offering a variety of luxurious places to stay and family-friendly resorts, Dubai also provides an opportunity to gain some insight into Muslim culture. At least, you need to include a visit to one of Dubai's mosques on your list of things to see.
With amazing artwork within, these religious buildings are architecturally amazing locations. We'll take a virtual tour of the top ten mosques in Dubai that stand out. So be ready to go on an amazing adventure as you explore these architectural treasures that combine modern and traditional styles!
10 Best Mosques in Dubai
1. Jumeirah Mosque
One of the most famous and often visited mosques in Dubai is Jumeirah Mosque. The reason for this is that it's one of the mosques where non-Muslims are allowed to enter and even take photos. It's on Jumeirah RD, in front of Pal Strip.
Situated in the heart of the area of the same name, its stone structure makes it stand out. One of the greatest times to visit is near sunset, when the light sets between its walls, adding an almost magical attraction.
Important information
Where is it: It's on Jumeirah Beach Road in the Jumeirah area, close to the Dubai Zoo and the same-named beach.
How to travel there: Travel using the metro to the closest stop, the World Trade Center, by taking the red line. Since it's a little distance away, you can take a bus or cab from there.
Is it open to everyone: In fact, the admission price is fairly reasonable—roughly three euros.
What are the hours of opening: English tours are offered by the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) every Saturday through Thursday at 10 a.m.
History and Background
One of Dubai's most beautiful and largest mosques, the Jumeirah Mosque was constructed exactly along the outlines of Cairo's Al Azhar Mosque. The mosque's construction was finished in 1979, having started in 1976. The late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the father of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the present ruler of Dubai, gave the Jumeirah Grand Mosque as a gift. The Jumeirah Mosque is reputed to be the mosque in Dubai that gets the most photos.
Cultural and Religious Significance
The Jumeirah Mosque is a superb example of ancient Fatimid architecture. The mosque has two towers with beautiful stonework that are made of sculpted white stone. The mosque's enormous central roof is encircled by four smaller domes, Each one has amazing stone carvings on it. Inside, the calm area is furnished in calming shades of various, cream, and duck-egg blue. The central prayer hall and the corners around it are lit by golden lights. The intricate architecture and design are even more magnificent when illuminated at night.
The only mosque in Dubai that extends a warm welcome to individuals from all backgrounds is Jumeirah Mosque. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding offers non-Muslims guided tours of the Jumeirah Mosque to foster understanding across cultures and provide firsthand knowledge of Islam.
2. AI Farooq Omar Bin AI Khattab Mosque
One of the oldest mosques to welcome non-Muslims was the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and Center. It's an amazing place to visit whether you want to learn about Islam, take in the building's architecture, or go inside to pray.
In addition to serving as a connecting link between Arab civilization and the outside world, this beautiful architectural structure is located in the center of Al Safa. It is 30 meters above the ground and was designed after Istanbul's Blue Mosque. It holds 2000 worshipers and is one of the biggest in the United Arab Emirates.
Important details
Where is it: Jumeirah 3, 35th Street, Dubai City is the address.
How to get there: Al Safa 1 station, Street 19, Jumeirah College, is the location of the metro's red line.
Is it open to everyone: Yes. There are guided tours around Dubai that you can reserve for about 39 euros.
What are the hours of opening: Every day between 10:00 and 11:00 in the morning, it is open. afternoon between 16:15 and 18:15.
History and Religious Significance
One of Dubai's most well-known attractions, the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque is also one of the biggest in the area. The mosque, which can hold up to 2,000 worshippers, is situated close to Dubai Creek in the center of the city's residential area.
The mosque bears the name of Omar bin Al Khattab, the second caliph of Islam, and was created by renowned Syrian architect Dr. Mohammed Makiya. The mosque was constructed using the best materials obtained from around the globe, combining modern building methods with traditional Islamic architectural design.
The magnificent white marble exterior and the tall minarets on the mosque's exterior give it a majestic appearance. The mosque's interior, which displays beautiful Islamic art and complex writing, is just as amazing.
The mosque's enormous central dome, which has a diameter of 34 meters and is among the biggest in the city, is one of its unique characteristics. Beautiful Islamic patterns cover the dome, which is lit by a hanging fixture that is over 2,000 kg in weight and has over 4,000 lights in it.
All religions are welcome to visit the mosque, and anyone interested in learning more about Islam and the mosque's past can sign up for guided tours. For adults and children alike, the mosque also provides Arabic language instruction and Quranic study.
The Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque is more than simply a house of prayer.
Time out Dubai
3. The Great Mosque of Dubai
Grand Bur Dubai Masjid, another name for this mosque, is a famous place of worship. able to host 1200 worshippers. It is the location of Dubai's highest mosque, at 70 meters (230 ft) tall and shaped like a lighthouse. The structure has a lengthy history and was once a Kuttab, or school, devoted to studying the Koran.
When they initially enrolled in 1900, the students learned the whole Qur'an by heart. A new mosque was constructed in 1960, and it was reconstructed in 1998 using the original architectural design.
This mosque seeks to spread awareness of Arabic and Islamic culture.
Important Details
Where is it: On Ali Abi Talib Street, close to the Rulers Court Office, across from the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi
How to get there: Go to Al Fahidi station on the green metro line. You may walk there from there.
Is it open to the public: Yes, and entrance is free.
What are the hours of opening: Although it is open around the clock, the tours only happen in the mornings from Sunday through Thursday.
History and Culture
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a large house of worship that can hold more than 40,000 worshippers. At 22,400 square meters, the complex houses the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and the third-largest mosque globally. There are two smaller prayer halls with a capacity of 1,500 each, while the main prayer hall can hold over 7,000 worshipers. The mosque is so large that it took over 100,000 tonnes of Greek and Macedonian marble to build it.
Beginning in 1996, the 2.5 billion dollar AED project took 12 years to finish. The mosque's architecture is influenced by traditional Mamluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid forms. It also boasts a moon-phase-reflective lighting system that projects colors onto the mosque's exterior that shift each night by the moon.
4. AI Salam Mosque
The Al Salam Mosque is a large building with multiple pyramids organized in a pyramidal pattern. Its golden roofs, white reliefs along the margins, and blood-red bricks make it visually arresting from the exterior.
Its building combines Ottoman and Emirati styles, and one of the five pillars of Islam, "Shahada," has been written on its exterior. This mosque is especially beautiful at night when the beautiful green and gold light highlights every architectural feature.
History and Culture
Al Salam started a new chapter in its history in September 2019 when it constructed Al Salam Community School, a second campus, in Al Twar 2. As students were transferred from ASPS to ASCS, Al Salam's improved and diversified secondary and Post-16 offerings were to be housed in the new site.
Al Salam aims to deliver extraordinary value for money, and its newly constructed, state-of-the-art building is committed to maintaining its reputation of remarkable student accomplishment and character development.
Built in 2014, this well-liked location for prayer can hold up to 1,500 worshipers.
The structure stands out from a distance because of its amazing pink paintwork and gold finishes. Additionally, as you approach, the amazing Emirati architecture influenced by Ottoman and Andalusian styles becomes visible.
It's one of the few large mosques that's situated in an urban area as opposed to next to a body of water, and it looks great against its surroundings of the city. When you visit this place of prayer, you can observe one of the Five Pillars of Islam in action while admiring the magnificent architecture.
Important details
Where: In Al Barsha 2, Al Salam Masjid.
How To reach there: Take the red metro line from downtown to the Dubai Mall station. From there, walk to the bus stop that serves the Jumeirah 3 area.
It is not open to the public.
5. Abdul Rahman Siddique Mosque
Modern in style, the Abdul Rahman Siddique Mosque has a simple layout. It serves as the center of gravity for dedication and religion. This mosque stands out from the other city religious temples due to its straight minaret, cubist-style main hall, stiff lines, and geometric components.
It shines in the sunlight thanks to its windows made of blue and white glass, which let natural light reach the Alquibla, the direction Muslims face while they pray toward Mecca.
Important details
Where to find it: the palm of the Jumeirah.
How to get there: change to the Dubai Marina Tram at the Damac Properties stop on the red metro line.
It is not open to the public.
History and Culture
The Spine Mosque on Palm Jumeirah is situated close to the tunnel leading to the Guargantuan Atlantis Hotel, which is the exact opposite of Dubai's well-known recreational area. The skyscraper created by the Jordan-based firm "Yaghmour Architects" expresses simplicity, elegance, and peace instead of trying to replicate the complete extravagance of Atlantis.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai are examples of traditional mosque architecture; in fact, the sleek, cubist form symbolizes the first modern mosque in the United Arab Emirates. The managing director, Raed Yaghmour, is positioned at the door and discusses the origin of the idea. It was the first mosque Nakheel constructed. Because it is modern, it is a new concept for mosques.
Farouk continues, "Nakheel's support was essential." People now visit it, and it has a narrative and a message to tell. In Jordan, there is a trend for modern mosques. In the Gulf and the United Arab Emirates, this mosque is certain to start a movement. He makes the point that modern mosques are less expensive than older ones. "The old technique is not inadequate but it is extremely expensive. Modern is simpler to produce. Traditional methods need highly specialized labor, which is becoming increasingly rare. Additionally, Farouk thinks that contemporary mosques are more "honest." "It is not just change for the sake of change," he goes on.
6. Khalifa AI Tajir Mosque
Being the first environmentally friendly mosque in the area, this mosque is referred to as the Green Mosque of Dubai. Being entirely eco-friendly, this mosque represents the Islamic habit of conserving natural resources, which is a significant tradition.
It's situated on the famous seafront of **Dubai**. It includes air conditioning and solar power for energy, and it was constructed with eco-friendly materials. There is a lot more to explore in the neighborhood because it is near the well-known Deira Gold Souk.
Important details
Where is it: In the Deira neighborhood of Dubai City. It is surrounded by Dubai Creek, Sharjah, and the Persian Gulf.
How to get there: Walk to the Wals/Etisalat bus station from downtown. The bus will drop you off at City Centre Metro bus Stop 1-2; it will take about two minutes to get there.
Not open to the public.
History and Culture
The Khalifa Al Tajer Mosque also referred to as the "green mosque," is situated in Deira, which borders Dubai's coastline. It has welcomed worshippers. Built for AED/SAR 20 million, the mosque was officially opened by Sheikh Salih Al Maghamsi, an imam from the famous Quba Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. 3,500 worshipers can fit within its grand prayer hall, daily prayer hall, and women's prayer hall.
The mosque uses thermal insulation techniques in addition to solar panels to reduce energy use. Additionally, it has energy-saving LED lighting and sensors to regulate the air conditioning, which are firsts for the Islamic world.
"Every mosque ought to be green. Because God dislikes wasteful people, these environmentally friendly solutions are ideal, and This is the greatest location for people to learn about the conservation of the environment, a local worshiper who visited the mosque for prayer, Khalid Ali Al Haj, told The National.
The Secretary-General of Dubai's Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, Tayeb Al Rais, said at the mosque's opening that "environmental awareness is an Islamic principle," which perfectly captures the reason behind the mosque's construction. We want the mosque to serve as a reminder to worshippers of their environmental responsibilities.
The construction of the Khalifa Al Tajer Mosque is in line with several significant green architecture initiatives in the United Arab Emirates, such as the designs for Masdar City and Dubai's Sustainable City.
7. City Walk Mosque
This cube-shaped mosque is reddish brown and combines perfectly with City Walk's urban design. Its architecture differs slightly from the other temples' more traditional features, such as roofs and minarets. This one, on the other hand, features elegant glass door designs that lean more toward simplicity.
Its structure is softly light at night, giving the impression of something strange. Discover the huge sculpture by Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej, which was inspired by a section from the Koran, and the traditional Arabic stainless steel fountain with flowing forms on one side of the structure.
Important details
Where: Situated in the neighborhood of City Walk.
Not open to the public.
History and Culture
Over 10 million square feet of open-air living are available at Dubai's City Walk, a destination inspired by design. The family-friendly hub is tucked away in an exclusive area on Al Safa Street, close to the busy Sheikh Zayed Road and luxurious Jumeirah Street. It skillfully blends living, retail, food and beverage, entertainment, hospitality, and wellness options into one integrated space to provide guests with a unique feeling of comfort and community.
City Walk, which was intended to develop into a city within a city, has become the go-to option for locals and visitors seeking an upscale setting in the center of Dubai for dining, shopping, socializing, and spending quality time. Canadian University Dubai is located in City Walk and will shortly own the 150,000-square-foot headquarters of Talabat, which will be divided between two different buildings. The first group of workers is expected to move in by Q3 2022.
8. DIFC Grand Mosque
This huge, beautiful building is situated in the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), next to Gate Village. This magnificent mosque's design was influenced by traditional Islamic building styles.
It has components like the mosque. The light that is separated inside the mosque creates a network of graded openings all around it. This temple is beautiful to look at since it combines a modern and traditional design.
Important details
Where is it: In the DIFC Trade Center.
How to get there: To get to DIFC Gate Village, take the red metro line to Emirates Towers Metro Station and walk for around ten minutes.
Not open to the general public.
History and Culture
The first retail and entertainment complex in the Middle East to receive the LEED® Gold Certification is Gate Avenue, which was designed by RMJM. It provides the "DIFC Grand Mosque," an innovative, independent building that gives respect to tradition by interpreting the spirit (the "DNA") of traditional design in a way that reflects DIFC's status and position in Dubai.
The client's goal was to establish a new style for mosque architecture in the United Arab Emirates. The fifth "node" of the Spine project concept design was to be a straightforward cube that mirrored the other four "nodes'" cubic shapes.
The Mosque is open for worship at all five daily prayer times, as well as Friday and Ramadan services, and can accommodate more than 500 people. It is reachable by elevators and escalators from street level around the clock. There is enough for 675 worshipers in the outdoor spillout area behind the mosque. From an architectural standpoint, the 24,500 square-foot DIFC Grand Mosque, which offers an innovative, independent building with references to history, is poised to establish a new vocabulary for this typology in the United Arab Emirates.
The structure was designed after the famous DIFC Gate Building and is a straightforward cube inside another cube. A hanging mashrabiya screen, which opens in the public sections, is used in the outer cubist form as a veil to give shade and privacy to specific places.
9. Masjid AI Rahim Mosque
Masjid Al Rahim is situated behind the spectacular Dubai Marina skyline. This building features a huge roof dome and a front that faces the ocean, which is surrounded by a waterfall.
It has a library and a school where the Koran is studied, and it is only accessible to believers.
Important details
Where is it: On Dubai Marina Walk's southernmost point.
How to get there: The Dubai Marina Mall station is reached by taking the red metro line.
Not open to the general public.
History and Culture
Dubai's Al Rahim Mosque is a magnificent example of Islamic spirituality and architecture. This mosque, situated away in the heart of the modern city, is a peaceful haven where believers can find comfort and a sense of belonging. The mosque's building is a tasteful mixture of modern aesthetics and traditional Islamic design features. Its gently rising domes and minarets draw attention from all angles. Inside, a large prayer hall invites attendees to meditate and offer prayers while radiating a sense of serenity and devotion. In addition to its religious significance, the Al Rahim Mosque is essential for promoting unity in the community. It encourages tolerance and understanding among its diverse stick by hosting a range of cultural and educational events. The mosque represents Dubai's dedication to religious diversity, demonstrating the ability to both accept modernity and tradition. The Al Rahim Mosque is a site of spirituality and architecture that leaves both worshippers and tourists with lasting memories.
10. The Great White Mosque
Firstly, you should be aware that this mosque is situated in the Persian Gulf near the eastern tip of the Abu Dhabi capital island. With its location, it is important enough to be included in our list due to its significance. I refer to the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which is among the most beautiful religious structures in the entire nation. This mosque is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the Arab world by observers and visitors.
This mosque aims to create a single temple that unites all Muslim customs and civilizations.
Important details
Where is it: At the start of Abu Dhabi Island's Zone 1. Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed ST.
How to get there: I suggest using the following efficient and quick mode of transportation: via car or tour bus.
Is it open to the public: Actually, guided tours of the whole mosque are available for around €18 per person.
What are the hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. It also opens at 16:30 on Fridays.
History and Culture
December 2007 marked the Grand Mosque's inauguration after it was built between 1994 and 2007. When external landscaping and parking are taken out, the building complex occupies an area of nearly 12 hectares (30 acres), measuring roughly 290 by 420 meters (950 by 1,380 feet).
Launching the project was Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late president of the United Arab Emirates, who aimed to create a framework that would bring together the Islamic world's cultural richness and the traditional and contemporary values of art and architecture. Following his passing in 2004, Sheikh Zayed was buried in the mosque's courtyard.
Featuring millions of Swarovski crystals, the Grand Mosque boasts seven chandeliers imported from Munich, Germany's Faustig business. Its dimensions are 10 m (33 ft) in diameter and 15 m (49 ft) in height. It is the third-largest chandelier in the world and the second-largest known chandelier within a mosque.
At night, the mosque's columns are lighted, and the pools that run down the corridors reflect those columns. Lighting architects Speirs and Major Associates created a unique lighting system with the moon's phases in mind.
Conclusion
An exploration of Dubai's ten most unique mosques. Whether it's the eco-friendly architecture of City Walk Mosque, the calm waterfront setting of Masjid Al Rahim Mosque, or the sparkling white beauty of The Great White Mosque, each has its unique beauty.
These mosques are not just structures. In the center of the busy city, there are works of art, cultural narratives, and peaceful residences. They serve as a reminder that even the most basic objects may contain beauty, as can stillness and power.
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