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9 Oct 2024
Pack your travel bag and venture into the UAE's grand mosques, which showcase a blend of traditional and modern designs. Your travel itinerary wouldn't be complete without visiting these iconic sites which reflect the country's spiritual soul.
As you travel through the Emirates, you will encounter over 9,000 mosques and exquisite Islamic architecture. From majestic grandeur to humble elegance, these sacred spaces cater to all, inviting travellers to experience the country's deep-rooted heritage.
Mosque distribution across UAE are:
— Sharjah = 2,813
— Abu Dhabi = 2,305
— Dubai = 2,154
— Ras Al-Khaimah = 1,014
— Fujairah = 324
— Ajman = 320
— Umm Al-Quwain = 193
Total Mosques = 9,023
Out of more than nine thousand mosques, The Sandy Times delved into history and found the oldest ones for you.
Al Bidya Mosque: Travel to the UAE's oldest Islamic treasure
Al Bidya Mosque, which entered UNESCO's Tentative List in 2012, boasts an uncertain yet fascinating history dated between 1450 and 1670 AD. This ancient mosque is still in use today and showcases exceptional Islamic architecture that sets it apart from other mosques in the UAE.
Despite its modest size, spanning just seven square metres, Al Bidya Mosque exudes an aura of elegance. The mosque's four cone-like domes, supported by a central pillar, create a striking visual harmony. Its square shape, irregular walls and decorative dentate carvings make it an architectural gem.
Al Bidya Mosque beckons travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences. As the oldest mosque in the UAE, it offers a glimpse into the region's storied past, making it an indispensable stop on any travel and tourism itinerary. Visit the adjacent archaeological sites featuring watchtowers, stone walls, and petroglyphs.
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Discover Falaj Al Mualla: A Hidden Gem in Umm Al Quwain
Falaj Al Mualla is located in Umm Al Quwain, UAE, approximately 45 minutes from Dubai. The area is also home to the first poultry farm in the UAE and boasts fertile lands where farming activities are carried out throughout the year.
Grab your handbag for travelling and embark on a journey to explore the charming oasis town of Falaj Al Mualla in Umm Al Quwain. Visit the iconic Falaj Al Mualla Fort, built in 1825, and explore its museum, Al Hasen, featuring archaeological and ethnological displays. The adjacent Falaj Al Mualla Fort Mosque, constructed in 1800, showcases traditional Islamic architecture.
Stroll through the lush oasis, home to over 5,000 date palms and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Dhaid Botanical Garden and Ghulam Garden are nearby and offer peaceful retreats.
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Bin Sultan Mosque: Travel to a spiritual oasis in Ajman
Cradled in the enclave of Masfout, the ancient Bin Sultan Mosque is a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. Built in 1815, this venerable mosque is the oldest in Ajman and is a piece of traditional Emirati architecture. Bin Sultan Mosque exudes simplicity and elegance, crafted from locally sourced materials, including clay, plaster, and date palm leaves.
This historic gem, located at the foot of the mountains, was once challenging to find among lush farmland. However, thanks to recent developments, travellers can now easily follow the signs leading to Masfout Oasis.
Step into the mosque and marvel at its restored grandeur, still vibrant after centuries. As you explore this sacred site, indulge in the serene atmosphere and uncover the stories of Ajman's past. Bin Sultan Mosque is a perfect destination for travel buffs seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi Mosque: Ras Al Khaimah attraction
Travel to Ras al Khaimah, where the majestic Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi Mosque awaits. Constructed in 1819, this historic mosque symbolises the emirate's deep-rooted history.
Located on the beachside of Ras Al Khaimah, this mosque boasts an impressive blend of Islamic architecture and sensational views. Made from coral stone and beach rock, its 60 internal columns and magnificent mangrove wood ceiling will leave you in awe.
Visit the mosque and uncover the secrets of its past. Excavations revealed the presence of an earlier 18th-century mosque, destroyed during the British occupation in 1819/20. Historical records date the mosque's existence back to the 16th century, making it a significant landmark in Ras al Khaimah's history.
Experience the mosque's transformation through various renovations and expansions. Recent restoration efforts removed modern additions, reviving its original coral stone and beach rock architecture complemented by traditional plaster.
Bur Dubai Grand Mosque: A journey through time
Set on a spiritual adventure to Dubai's oldest and most iconic mosque, the Bur Dubai Grand Mosque. Built in 1850 and rebuilt in 1952 and 1999, this stunning architectural marvel unites tradition with modernity.
Located in the old Dubai heritage area, the mosque can accommodate 1,200 worshippers and features the tallest minaret in the city, standing at an impressive 70 metres. Its design resembles a lighthouse, guiding visitors toward spiritual enlightenment.
If we look into its history, once it was a school or kuttab devoted to Quranic studies. The first students attended in 1900, memorising the sacred text by heart. Since its latest rebuilding in 1998, the mosque has been transformed, carefully replicating the original architecture.
Take a complimentary tour designed to foster awareness of Islamic and Arabic culture. Join the Sunday to Thursday morning tours, which are suitable for first-time visitors. Enjoy a warm welcome, ablution demonstration, mosque tour, prayer demonstration and introduction to core Islamic beliefs.
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Al Jahili Mosque in Al Ain: Spiritual revival
The ancient Al Jahili Mosque is located near Al Jahili Oasis. It is known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. Built in 1891 under the direction of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, this historic mosque stands as a legacy of the region's rich heritage. It is simple yet elegant, constructed from earth blocks and palm log beams, and its design enchants visitors to a bygone era.
In 2019, the mosque regained its spirit when the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi collaborated with the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments to appoint an imam. The call to prayer now resonates from the raised platform, revitalising the mosque's ancient traditions.
Step into the mosque's single room, surrounded by an open arcade on the east side, and experience the serenity of this sacred space. The enclosed courtyard, once shaded during summer months, now invites contemplation. Notice the low, stepped platform where the call to prayer was traditionally made and the small room for ritual ablutions.
Visit the nearby Al Jahili Fort and Oasis to uncover more secrets of this enchanting city. Al Ain, UAE, is approximately 1.5 hours from Dubai, so now plan your travel and tourism itinerary and be amazed by this historic landmark.
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