The UAE follows and practises an Islamic lifestyle. Its roots in Islamic culture are evident from its lifestyle, laws, and architecture. Dubai has some world-famous mosques. These are not only cultural landmarks but also the city’s promise of staying true to its Islamic foundation.
Famous Mosques in Dubai
Some of Dubai’s mosques are not decades but centuries older. They are worth visiting for their beautiful construction, amazing architecture and peaceful environments. Let’s review them one by one.
Grand Bur Dubai Masjid
This mosque in Dubai is located in Al Fahidi, opposite the Dubai Museum near the Ruler’s court at 67 Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street. It is free to enter and open 24 hours a day.
This masjid is not only for worshipping but you can also take Islamic courses here to better understand the religion. For that, you have to register through their website. They also issue the certificate of declaration of Islam and give personal fatwas for your problems too.
During events, this place is filled with worshippers. It can cater to 1200 people.
In terms of architecture, the mosque is grand and spacious. The minarets resemble lighthouses and are the tallest in Dubai. Islamic designs and colours are evident in the building. You will experience a peaceful catharsis while visiting here. This mosque in Dubai is a great tourist destination.
Rules To Follow Here
- Before visiting the mosque keep in mind that you should take off your shoes as a sign of respect.
- Cover your head and hair if you are a female.
- Dress modestly or it will be seen as a sign of disrespect.
- Don’t make noise while on the premises.
- Be respectful of the culture and religion.
To reach this majid, you can take the metro, bus or ferry.
- The nearest metro stations are Sharaf DG and Al Ghubaiba. They are both on the Green line. Al Ghubaiba is 6 minutes by car and a 15-minute walk away. Whereas Sharaf DG is 3 minutes by car and 13 minutes walk away.
- The bus route closest to Bur Dubai is Grand Mosque is F70. This comes from the al Fahidi roundabout and stops at the Dubai Museum bus stop, which is less than a minute from the mosque.
- For a water taxi, you can take a ride from Al Fahidi Marine Transport Station. This is a few minutes walk away.
Al Farooq Omer Bin al Khattab Mosque
This masjid Is located at Al Safa 1 in Dubai and has beautiful modern Islamic architecture. It was built in 2011 and is inspired by Turkish architecture. You can see calligraphy and intricate Islamic designs on the walls. The vibe of this place reminds you of the Turkish Blue mosque as it is said to be a replica of the place. The detailing and finesse of architecture keep you hooked throughout the tour.
This masjid is named after Islamic Caliph Omer Bin Khattab who was one of the most fearless rulers of his times. Al Farooq was his title, which means separator of truth from falsehood. A perfect name for a mosque too indeed!
Moreover, this place is usually crowded during Friday prayers. So try visiting on other days. The entry is free and it takes 1 to 2 hours to visit this place.
You must dress appropriately to enter but the place is welcoming for tourists. So if they are not properly dressed, they can take robes from the place to cover them up. As a tourist, you will enjoy the peaceful and tranquil experience here.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This is one of the most famous tourist places in Dubai. It is open 7 days a week but there are time slots. On all days the masjid is open from 9:00 am to 10:pm. On Fridays, there is a break from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Entry into the masjid is free and they even provide guided tours. They assign a special tour guide to help you explore various elements of architecture and Islamic history.
This place truly excels in terms of tourism. They offer multimedia E Guide too. A device named “El-Delleel” offers virtual guided tours, utilizing augmented reality technologies in the highest quality standards. This guide is available in 14 international languages. It even has sign language for the deaf and descriptive language for the blind. This device gives you a truly futuristic experience.
Your experience is enhanced by the facilities they offer.
- They have ample parking space.
- The place is wheelchair friendly.
- There are even food and beverage outlets.
- The toilets are in perfect condition.
- Club cars are also available to make accessibility easy.
- To reach here you can utilize special transport services designated for the mosque. Abu Dhabi Transad taxis offer pickup and drop off here.
- There is a special bus service to come here. The station is located near the mosque.
- You will also find a shuttle Bus service.
The place has strict rules for modest dressing even for men. You are not allowed to wear dresses that show body parts. Men can’t wear shorts on the premises. There are strict safety protocols to make sure visitors get a safe and secure experience.
Al Rahim Masjid
Located at Dubai Marina, this mosque is within walking distance from Millennium Place Dubai Marina. This place is also near Marina Canal. The mosque is beautiful and peaceful and there is a separate hall for women. The architecture is amazing and worth seeing.
As it is centrally located, the place looks beautiful from nearby buildings. Mostly, people gather here for Jumma prayers.
The Role of Mosques in Dubai Tourism
- These masjids are not only worshipping places but also tourist destinations that attract hundreds and thousands of tourists yearly.
- The designs, architecture and geometric patterns showcase Islamic culture. The domes, Islamic calligraphy and overall architectural marvels attract enthusiasts from all over the world.
- These mosques offer guided tours which raise awareness about Islamic traditions and values.
- As these masjids are featured in many websites and magazines, they increase Dubai’s image as a tourism Hub.
- They help in bringing out the true soul of the religion. Islam is a religion of peace and welcoming for all. Non-muslims, visiting these masjids get to know Islamic rituals, prayer timings, values and events.
- Some of these masjids are must-visit spots as a part of your Dubai tour. This adds to the city’s appeal as a global travel destination.
- Islamic events like Ramadan and Eid, boost local hospitality and tourism business.
- These masjids are also becoming religious must-see places for Muslims all over the globe, creating a sense of unity among Muslim ummah.
- Some of these are a blend of modern and traditional aesthetics.
- These masjids are also perfect gathering places as they host Friday prayers, Ramadan iftars and Quran recitation competitions.
- They perfectly blend into the modern-day Dubai landscape and showcase Dubai’s ability to become both religious and modern.
Conclusion:
Mosques in Dubai are Islamic heritage preserved in its finest state. These are not only religious places but a reflection of the city’s culture and values. Most of them are highly sought-after tourist destinations. From their architecture to ambience, everything is worth visiting. If you are in Dubai, you must visit them to experience the true spirit of the city.
