Popular mosques to visit in Fujairah
Separated from the rest of the UAE by the majestic Hajar Mountains, Fujairah is one of the most picturesque emirates known for its unmatched natural beauty. Apart from the beautiful coastline and some of the best heritage sites in the Northern Emirates, the city is also home to beautiful mosques. From modern architectural marvels to the oldest mosque in the UAE, here is an overview of the popular mosques in Fujairah.
Mosques in Fujairah
The emirate of Fujairah is situated on the UAE’s east coast along the Gulf of Oman. This also makes it one of the best places for a road trip in the UAE. The mosques in Fujairah are considered some of the best and most fascinating in the world. Here are a few you can visit during your travels:
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah is the second largest mosque in the UAE — the largest being the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. It opened to the public in 2015 and has 65 domes and six minarets. It can accommodate up to 28,000 worshippers and houses a prayer area for women that can hold up to 2,500 people.
The structure’s exterior is similar in appearance to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The interior features Moorish architecture, which is reminiscent of the Great Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba in the Spanish region of Andalusia. For example, much like the Spanish cathedral, many of the windows in the Fujairah Grand Mosque are made of stained glass. Gold and red colours adorn the interior and you can also find verses of the Holy Quran inscribed on the walls within. Other features that make it one of the emirate’s top tourist attractions is a beautiful courtyard with many gardens, flowers and fountains.
Apart from being a place of worship, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah is also a prominent landmark and is visible from many locations in the city.
CAN I VISIT THE SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE FUJAIRAH?
Only worshippers are allowed in the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah. However, visitors can view it from outside the premises.
WHAT IS THE SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE FUJAIRAH LOCATION?
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is located in central Fujairah City on Mohammad Bin Matar Road. Thanks to its central location, it is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. The mosque also has a parking area that can accommodate up to 3,000 vehicles.
Al Bidya Mosque
Looking for historical mosques in Fujairah? Take a trip to the Al Bidya Mosque. Also known as the Ottoman Mosque, it’s the oldest known mosque in the country and has also been tentatively suggested as an entry for UNESCO heritage sites in the UAE. Estimates date it back to the 15th century. However, earlier timelines have also been proposed.
The structure is primarily made from the materials available in the area like mud bricks and stone. An interesting fact about Al Bidya mosque is that it is still in operation to this day, centuries after it was first built. Visitors and locals are welcome to take part in daily prayers here. Additionally, the structure is an important part of the region’s architectural and cultural history.
As you walk into the mosque, you will notice that the main hall has important elements of Islamic architecture. The space is divided into four sections via four arches. The prayer hall features a small mihrab, a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca. There is also a small pulpit and spaces carved into the walls to store copies of the Holy Quran. Moreover, Al Bidya Mosque also features a rectangular walled courtyard for congregational prayers.
Al Bidya Mosque Fujairah is a small structure, at 53 sq.mt. It can accommodate up to 70 worshippers. However, it’s a great place to visit if you are looking for things to do in Fujairah. It stands on a hillside with two equally ancient watchtowers nearby. There is also a water well near the mosque that is believed to have served as a water source for ablution in ancient times.
CAN I VISIT AL BIDYA MOSQUE?
Visits to Al Bidiya Mosque are free and there are no hours specified for mosque tours. Visitors are required to dress modestly before entering the mosque.
WHERE IS AL BIDYA MOSQUE LOCATED?
Al Bidya Mosque is located in the small village of Al Badiyah, around 40km north of the Fujairah capital city.
Other Mosques in Fujairah
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Al Bidiya Mosque are among the most popular tourist attractions in Fujairah. Worshippers can also pray in these popular Fujairah mosques. However, not all of them are open to tourists:
- Masjid Al Shuhada
- Sakamkam Mosque
- Rashid Bin Saeed Mosque
- Fujairah Central Mosque
This concludes our review of popular mosques in Fujairah. There are also some beautiful mosques in Dubai. If you love exploring places of worship, you can also sign up for mosque tours in the UAE.
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