The most beautiful mosques in Dubai
Not many places in the world blend cultural heritage and modern architectural excellence the way Dubai does. In a city where skyscrapers and record-breaking entertainment attractions are in abundance, the beautiful mosques in Dubai will render you captivated and in awe.
Dubai, the Middle East’s leading tourism hub, is one of the largest cities in the UAE. Known for its breathtaking attractions, luxurious lifestyle, awe-inspiring architecture and fantastic shopping venues, there is much to love about living in Dubai. But that’s not all that this diverse destination has to offer. There are many beautiful mosques in Dubai which are a testament to the emirate’s rich Islamic heritage.
If you’re planning a stay in the UAE anytime soon, here’s a list of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai that you should visit.
BEAUTIFUL MOSQUES IN DUBAI THAT YOU MUST VISIT
Even though skyscrapers dominate the skyline, you’d find beautiful mosques dotted across the city. The stunning architecture and soothing ambience make famous mosques in Dubai easily recognisable from a distance.
JUMEIRAH MOSQUE – JUMEIRAH
Jumeirah Mosque tops our list of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai. Located right in the heart of the popular coastal residential area of Jumeirah, this famous Dubai mosque was completed in 1979. Designed to perfection with traditional Fatimid architectural styles, the pure white minarets and elegant dome are inspired by ancient Egypt structures. The beauty of this religious monument has also made it one of the most photographed mosques in Dubai.
This magnificent mosque was a gift to Dubai from the late His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. It also welcomes those belonging to other faiths during selective visiting hours.
Non-Muslim visitors can visit the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai six days a week, from Saturday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 02:00 pm. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) organises mosque tours. Don’t forget to bring your DSLR camera as photography is allowed inside the premises. However, make sure to dress modestly. You can also borrow traditional attire from the mosque.
The fee for a public tour, which includes Emirati refreshments, is AED 35. For a private group tour, visit the mosque’s official website, browse the drop-down menu of available programmes on the Jumeirah Mosque official website and then select mosque visit private.
AL SALAM MOSQUE, AL BARSHA
This unique structure in Al Barsha is known as Al Salam Mosque. Counted among the must-see mosques in Dubai, Al Salam Mosque in Al Barsha is one of the newer ones in the city. The multiple domes arranged in a pyramid-like fashion draw architecture enthusiasts from across the region. The two minarets are eye-catching, as well as the stained glass windows.
Please note that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter here. Residents of Al Barsha and facility visitors can easily park their cars in the spacious parking area, especially during Jumma Prayers.
Other significant mosques frequented by those who own or rent villas or apartments in Al Barsha include Al Barsha South Masjid, Osama Bin Zaid Mosque in Al Barsha 1 and Al Jasmi Mosque in Al Barsha 3. These places of worship also allow you to offer daily prayers in a spacious and well-lit prayer hall.
If you are shopping in the Mall of the Emirates and hear adhan (the call to worship), you can easily make it to Al Salam mosque as it is located right behind this famous mall in Dubai. Do check out the current prayer times in Dubai to plan your visit.
AL FAROOQ OMAR IBN AL KHATTAB MOSQUE – UMM SUQEIM
Al Farooq Omar Ibn Al Khattab mosque in the residential area of Al Safa can accommodate almost 2,000 worshipers. Also known as the Blue Mosque, it is one of the largest mosques in the UAE.
Al Farooq Omar Ibn Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai also welcomes Non-Muslims visitors. Since it is located opposite the popular Al Safa Park, it is easily accessible for those who own or rent apartments or villas in Al Safa. Whether you are a resident or a passionate tourist, you can add this beautifully designed Dubai mosque to your must-visit list.
ABDUL RAHMAN SIDDIQUE MOSQUE, PALM JUMEIRAH
The Abdul Rahman Siddique Mosque is located on the world’s largest artificial island, Palm Jumeirah. This award-winning project was originally part of a competition to design a major mosque on Palm Jumeirah’s trunk in Dubai. Aside from a separate praying area for ladies, mosque amenities include ample parking and friendly congregations. The mosque is famous for its modern architecture and huge windows that let in plenty of natural light.
GRAND MOSQUE BUR DUBAI
The Grand Mosque in Bur Dubai is just opposite the Dubai Museum on the western side of Dubai Creek. The hub of Dubai’s religious and cultural activities is admired for its architecture.
Quranic inscriptions greet visitors at the mosque entrance, and the spacious venue can accommodate up to 1,200 people at one time. Non-Muslims can enter the mosque from 09:00 am – 11:00 pm. However, as with the other mosques in Dubai, visitors must dress modestly.
The entrance to the Grand Mosque Bur Dubai is free of cost. Tourists interested in knowing more about the emirate’s rich heritage can join the Grand Mosque Bur Dubai tour that also covers Jumeirah Mosque to familiarise themselves with Islamic traditions and architecture.
MASJID AL RAHIM
It’s not surprising that the vibrant neighbourhood of Dubai Marina also has one of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai — Masjid Al Rahim. Opened in 2013, it has a separate praying area for men and women, a madrasah and an Islamic library. Surrounded by skyscrapers, it stands out due to its unique design.
AL KABEER MOSQUE AL RASHIDIYA
Next on our list of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai is Al Kabeer Mosque. Located near Rashidiya Shopping Centre in Dubai, it is convenient for shoppers and residents of the district. The mosque’s architecture is not what you would typically spot in the city but is still a sight to behold. Characterised by open spaces with trees dotted across the area, the mosque is a calm and peaceful place for worshippers.
RASHID BIN BAKHIT MOSQUE JUMEIRAH
Rashid Bin Bakhit Mosque is another beautiful mosque in Dubai’s community of Jumeirah. It is an architectural marvel with multiple domes, towering minarets, and impressive arches. Even though it is not one of the bigger mosques in Dubai, people from different parts of the city visit the place to appreciate its design and construction.
DIFC GRAND MOSQUE
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a major financial hub in the emirate, and the DIFC Grand Mosque is just as famous. Designed by the leading firm RMJM, it can accommodate 500 worshippers and has a separate prayer area for women.
The mosque’s cube-shaped exterior is inspired by Gate Avenue, DIFC. Perhaps what makes this mosque stand out is the fusion of traditional and contemporary design. The Islamic architecture style of Mashrabiya seamlessly blends with modern techniques. The screen covers some mosque areas while the perforations let in sunlight to light up the interiors. A glorious chandelier inspired by Muqarnas is another outstanding feature of the Grand DIFC Mosque in Dubai.
MADINAT BADR MASJID
Another recent addition to the list of most beautiful mosques in Dubai is Madinat Badr Masjid. The mosque can accommodate as many as 1,600 worshippers and is part of the Dubai Islamic Bank’s Madinat Badr development in Muhaisnah.
The mosque’s design is inspired by the Spanish architecture of the Alhambra Palace. You would find landscaped gardens, a sloped roof, Moorish arches, a collonaded courtyard and terracotta tiles.
THE GARGASH MOSQUE
The Mosque of the late Mohamed Abdul Khaliq Gargash deserves special mention because it was the first mosque in Dubai to be designed by a woman. Ms Sumaya Dabbagh, the founder of Dabbagh Architects, had the honour to design this beautiful mosque.
Over 1,000 worshippers can attend prayers at a time. Plus, the beautiful place of worship provides a calming refuge from the relatively fast-paced nature of life in the surrounding of Al Quoz. One of the key features of the mosque is that it was developed with sustainable practices. While the cladding and aluminium were sourced locally, the stones were imported from Oman.
FAQS
CAN NON-MUSLIMS VISIT MOSQUES IN DUBAI?
Due to their spectacular architecture, mosques are often a place of interest for non-Muslims. For example, as mentioned earlier, everyone can visit the Jumeirah Mosque. For more information, you can read all about the mosques tours for non-Muslims. You can also check out the UAE mosque architecture to learn more about the stunning places of worship across the country.
WHAT TYPE OF CLOTHES DO I HAVE TO WEAR WHEN VISITING A MOSQUE?
The basic rule is to dress modestly. Men have to cover up until their knees. On the other hand, women should wear loose and long clothes and a head scarf. Some mosques also provide abaya and scarves for visitors. Please remember that no tattoos should be visible when you visit these Islamic places of worship.
That concludes our list of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai. If you are touring the city, adding these mosques to your must-visit list might be a good idea.
Like Dubai, visitors heading to the UAE capital can find quite a few spectacular mosques in Abu Dhabi.
