Explore the most beautiful mosques in the UAE: where wonder meets worship – News

From iconic buildings to historic buildings, our guide shows locals and tourists alike the must-see mosques in the UAE. continue reading.

The United Arab Emirates is known for its beautiful architectural structures and Islamic heritage. Every year, the UAE competes with itself to create the fanciest architectural wonders that not only continue to wow the country’s residents but also attract hordes of tourists. Today, the UAE is home to approximately 4,900 mosques, each with its own unique character and design. Below are some of the most famous mosques in the country.

Without a doubt, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tops the list. Inaugurated in the capital Abu Dhabi in 2007, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque lives up to its name. Named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, this stunning mosque is known for its breathtaking architecture, white marble domes and minarets. Accommodating more than 40,000 worshipers, it features 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, and 24-carat gold embossed chandeliers. Nearly 100,000 tons of Greek and Macedonian marble were used to create this magnificent icon of Islamic architecture, which took more than 12 years to complete.

The Al Badiyah Mosque in Fujairah is more known for its historical significance than its stylish architecture. The exact age of the Al Badiyah Mosque cannot be determined, but it is estimated to have been built around the 15th century. Today, it is considered the oldest mosque in the UAE. The architecture of the mosque is fairly simple; it has mudbrick walls and two simple watchtowers. Although it can only accommodate about 30 worshipers, the Al Badiyah Mosque is worth a visit to get a glimpse of the mosques of yesteryear. It’s simple, shabby, and true to history.

The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most photographed mosques in Dubai. Photo by Neeraj Murali

Built in 1979 from white stone in imitation of medieval Fatimid traditions, the Jumeirah Mosque is a resplendent building of His Highness the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum A gift to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The architecture of the mosque combines traditional Islamic and modern design elements.

The best part of this mosque is that it operates under the ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ initiative run by the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). This means that in addition to serving as a center of worship, the Jumeirah Mosque also opens its doors to people of all faiths – and offers those who practice Islam the opportunity to visit, demonstrate, and even sample traditional Islamic snacks (especially during Ramadan). And the ritual is curious.

Image credit: Official Visit Sharjah website

If you’ve ever passed the intersection of Emirates and Maleha Road in Sharjah, you’ve likely noticed this dazzling mosque. The Grand Mosque of Sharjah is one of the largest mosques in the UAE, accommodating over 25,000 worshipers. Not only is the mosque built with a unique blend of traditional Ottoman architecture and modern style elements, but it also houses a rich collection of traditional Islamic manuscripts and books for visitors and devotees to peruse. This is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the soul.

Al Noor Mosque literally translates to “light”, and it is indeed a beam of light that makes the city of Sharjah shine. The design of the mosque is inspired by a lovely fusion of Ottoman and Andalusian architecture, with its distinctive blue and white tiles and incredible Arabic calligraphy. It is also opposite Al Noor Island, which has a beautiful butterfly garden and art installations. The Al Noor Mosque can accommodate more than 2,000 worshipers and has great views of the Khalid Lagoon.

The UAE is home to several beautiful mosques, many of which have opened their doors to the public, allowing them to experience the Islamic faith and glimpse the incredible architectural marvels of the past. For decades, the mosques have served as places of worship, attracting tourists from all over the world.