Gargash Mosque – A beautiful, female-designed mosque in Dubai
Gargash Mosque is a breathtakingly beautiful addition to one of Dubai’s industrial epicenters. Characterised by a white facade and recessed geometric patterns, Gargash Mosque is one of the first female-designed mosques in the UAE. A contemporary place of worship for all Muslim residents, the ”Mosque of Light” metaphorically represents the halo of spirituality.
Join us as we bring you all the information about this stunning mosque, its location, special features and a whole lot more.
ABOUT GARGASH MOSQUE AL QUOZ – A VAULT OF HEAVEN IN DUBAI
Gargash Mosque is named after deceased businessman Mohamed Abdulkhaliq Gargash. When he passed away, his family expressed their desire to create a calm, comfortable space for prayers away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is how Al Gargash mosque came into being. The project was funded by Mr Gargash’s family.
The mosque is located in the busy area of Al Quoz and can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers.
Now let’s learn a bit more about the structure and its significance in Dubai.
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT GARGASH MOSQUE DUBAI?
There are many beautiful mosques in Dubai, from Jumeirah Mosque to Abdul Rahman Siddique Mosque. So, what exactly sets this mosque apart from the rest of them? Well…this is one of the first in the UAE designed by a woman architect. Sumaya Dabbagh, a Saudi female architect, led this project from start to finish.
Sumaya is the founder of Dabbagh Architects. She spent the early days of her life in Saudi Arabia and then went to the UK and Paris to study her craft. Once she acquired the respective knowledge, she settled in the UAE.
She is one of an immensely talented generation of female Saudi architects making their mark throughout the Gulf region.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT GARGASH MASJID AL QUOZ?
As worshippers enter the mosque, they see a shaded courtyard separating two blocks of the building; the larger of which contains dome-covered prayer halls. The prayer space for men is located on the ground floor, whereas the women’s prayer hall is on the first floor. The other block contains ablution facilities and resident quarters for moazzen and imam.
The entire structure of the mosque has triangle-shaped windows that let in natural light. The walls are also stencilled with certain passages from the Quran around the mihrab which further enhances the elegance of the exterior facade.
The mosque also features outer calligraphy — the verse “The Most Merciful” creates a metaphorical halo around it. Furthermore, a minbar (pulpit) is placed for the imam to lead the prayers. A minaret is there as well but as a separate structure, apart from the main building.
Sustainability is at the heart of the project. The entire mosque is made from eco-friendly materials. Cladding and aluminium have been sourced locally, whereas the stone has been specially sourced from Oman.
Unlike most traditional mosques, Al Gargash is the epitome of understated architecture. It’s simple and clean, ensuring a calming beauty. The mosque is delightfully imbued with white tones.
Talking about the mosque, Ms Dabbag said:
“Religious buildings are often used to express opulence and status. For the Gargash Mosque, the client’s brief was to have simplicity. Thus the minimal design approach has created a building that stands out in its setting.”
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF GARGASH MOSQUE
- Lead architects: Dabbagh Architects
- Landscape architects: WAHO Landscape Architecture
- Structure engineers: Orient Crown Architectural
- MEP engineers: Clemson Engineering
- Funded by: Family of the late Mohamed Abdulkhaliq Gargash
- Gargash Mosque Location: Al Quoz Dubai
FAQs
WHERE IS GARGASH MOSQUE LOCATED?
Gargash Mosque is located in Al Quoz.
WHAT IS GARGASH MOSQUE NAMED AFTER?
Gargash Mosque is named after a popular entrepreneur Mohamed Abdulkhaliq Gargash who passed away in 2016.
HOW TO GET TO GARGASH MOSQUE?
- Get on Al Marabea’ Street (D65)
- Take three consecutive right turns followed by one left and then one right again towards Al Marabea Street (D65)
- Turn right and then left towards 318th Rd/Al Asayel St/D72
- Continue on 318th Road
- Turn right and drive to your destination
- Your destination will be on the right.
That brings an end to our guide on Al Gargash Mosque. If you live in or near Al Quoz, we’d recommend visiting the mosque to perform your daily prayers in Dubai.
Apart from this mosque, you can check out worship places in other emirates of the UAE. There are many beautiful mosques in Abu Dhabi, but it’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque that stands tall as a beautiful beacon of worship the capital.
The best part about UAE is that mosques here are not limited to the Muslim diaspora. Non-Muslims too can visit and explore these places thanks to the availability of mosque tours in the UAE.
