Dubai is famed for building the most amazing and breath-taking monuments, this includes mosques as well. The city is home to some of the most stunning mosques in the world. These mosques are the centre of community life and Islamic learning. And some of them are so beautiful that they have become tourist attractions. Though not all of them allow entry, some are so beautiful that just an external tour is enough to get a Dubai visa to come and witness them. Here are 7 famous mosques in Dubai:
Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeirah Mosque is so beautiful that it is one of the most photographed mosques in the world. Exemplifying true Islamic architecture, the mosque looks even more beautiful in the evening. Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque that permits non-Muslims into the main structure and even take pictures. You can take a tour any day from Saturday to Thursday at 10:00 am. The SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding) arranges these 75-minute guided tours where you gain a lot of information on Islam in the UAE, the intricate stonework on the dome, and the 2 minarets, golden chandeliers, and Islamic calligraphy. This is a must-visit for all tourists.
Grand Bur Dubai Mosque
Started in the 1900s as an Islamic School today the Grand Bur Dubai Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the Middle East. It was opened to the public for worship in 1998. Inspired by Iranian culture, the mosque runs many visitor and education programs for Muslim citizens and tourists. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque though. However, the mosque is just as beautiful from the outside, especially the minaret which is almost 230 feet (70 metres) in height. Visit Here
Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre
Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre, popularly known as the blue mosque, is another mosque that allows Muslims to visit and learn about the mosque and Islamic culture. The architecture takes inspiration from Andalusian and Ottoman, the mosque has a beautiful traditional fountain, stained glass windows, and 21 minarets. The mosque is named after one of the closest compatriots of the Prophet. Umar Bin Khattab. The mosque opened and allowed non-Muslim visitors as it wanted to showcase and promote Islamic culture the right way. Therefore, it is one of the best mosques to see in Dubai.
Abdul Rahman Siddique Mosque
Doing away with elements that distract away from Islam, the Abdul Rahman Siddique Mosque uses minimalistic design and architectural elements. One of the few extravagant elements in the mosque is the large windows that allow a lot of bright and beautiful sunlight that illuminates the interiors. Abdul Rahman Siddique Mosque is located on the artificial Palm Islands and was born from a competition held for designing a new mosque. Today, it is one of the most popular mosques in the city owing to its massive parking space and a separate prayer hall for the ladies.
Al Salam Mosque in Al Barsha
This is another mosque for architecture lovers. The Al Salam Mosque in Al Barsha is a popular mosque with residents of the area, especially on Fridays when the mosque is packed. There’s massive parking which is one of the major reasons why people love coming here. Though the mosque may not be allowed for non-Muslims, one can enjoy the beautiful structure from afar. The stunning domes have been placed in a way to match the placements of pyramids and make the mosque look big and glorious. Everyone loves to come here, and despite Al-Salam Mosque being able to hold more than 2000 worshippers, the place is always packed.
City Walk Mosque
If you didn’t know it, you’d never guess that the City Walk Mosque stands here, especially if you walk by in the morning. The mosque looks like an entrance to a futuristic museum. But this was intentionally done by the designers to follow a minimalist approach. Next to the mosque, there’s a sculpture where a wonderful verse from the Quran has been inscribed in shining stainless steel, making it look ethereal. The City Walk Mosque sets the blueprint for future designs of mosques in Dubai.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is probably the most famous mosque in the Middle East. Though this mosque is not in Dubai, almost every tourist to the city makes time and visits this symbol of peace and unity amongst Islamic nations. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan started building this mosque in the memory of his father, but today, the mosque has gained so much more meaning. The mosque is now a beacon of unity for the different Islamic sects. Inside, the world’s biggest hand-made carpet welcomes visitors to the prayer hall, and stunning interiors set the prayerful atmosphere. Though photography is not allowed inside, you can take pictures of the minarets, domes, and pristine pools. The Sheikh Zayed Bin Grand Mosque is not to be missed.
If you love culture, architecture, and history grab your Dubai Tourist visa and check out these 7 famous mosques in Dubai.