Explore These 10 Must-Visit Mosques in the UAE

From the most overwhelming mosques to the interrelation of faith, artistry, and culture, the United Arab Emirates is a place of deep spiritual significance. But mosques in UAE are not only places of worship; they are sanctuaries that carry within them the spirit of peace, unity, and reverence.

From the traveling enthusiast in Islamic architecture to the spiritual seeker in quest of more profound spiritual experiences, these mosques in Dubai and other emirates offer moments of reflection, tranquility, and connection in vogues of vibrant energy in the UAE.

From the gold-adorned, marble courtyard-floored Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi to the Al Bidyah Mosque in Fujairah, each of these mosques has a story behind its creation. Where Dubai's eco-friendly Al Salam Mosque leads the modern spirit for sustainability, Abu Dhabi's Mary, the Mother of Jesus Mosque, stands tall as a symbol of interfaith harmony. A trip to these religious sites will allow you to not only appreciate their architectural greatness but also feel the spiritual atmosphere that makes them one of the cornerstones of the UAE's cultural heritage.

The must-visit mosques in UAE

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Let us start our tour with the crown jewel of UAE's mosques: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture, gleaming white domes, and intricate design is a sight to see with 82 domes and over 1,000 columns.

It has the world's largest hand-knotted carpet and the chandeliers are adorned with millions of Swarovski crystals.

Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai

One of the best mosques in Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque is known for its "Open Doors, Open Minds" program. It stands as one of the few mosques in the UAE, that allows entrance to non-Muslim visitors.

This is one of the mosques in Dubai which is a beautiful example of Fatimid architecture. It is located in the heart of Dubai and hence is easily accessible by a cheap car rental.

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque, Dubai

This mosque is a magnificent imitation of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. It has an ideal blend of Ottoman and Andalusian architectural features. The key features of this mosque in Dubai are:

• Four minarets standing at 70 meters high
• Intricate calligraphy and geometric patterns
• Spacious prayer halls for men and women

Grand Mosque, Dubai

Also known as the Grand Bur Dubai Masjid, this is among the largest mosques in Dubai. Its tall minaret makes it a dominant landmark and highly recognizable in the Bur Dubai area. What you will love about this mosque in Dubai is the beautiful blend of traditional and modern architecture and the location which is near the Dubai creek offering a calm and spiritual view.

Al Salam Mosque, Dubai

The Al Salam Mosque, popularly known as the "Mosque of Peace," falls into Dubai's newest but fast-growing additions to its structure of modern design and eco-friendliness in its skyline.

Unique aspects of this mosque are:

• Solar panels for energy efficiency
• Smart technologies for resource management
• Capacity for over 1,500 worshippers

Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque, Abu Dhabi

This mosque is unique not only in its architecture but also in its name. It is an icon of religious tolerance in the UAE.

Interesting facts about this mosque are that it is named after Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is one of the most honored women in Islam. It has a library of books on Islamic and Christian history and this mosque promotes understanding and interfaith dialogue.

Al Bidyah Mosque, Fujairah

Historically inclined visitors will love to visit Al Bidyah Mosque, the oldest mosque in the UAE, constructed as early as the 15th century. With a cheap car rental in Dubai, you can travel to Fujairah to see the mud-brick material for the construction of this mosque, including the four domes resting on a central pillar and ancient excavations at the site.

King Faisal Mosque, Sharjah

This mosque is the largest in Sharjah and can accommodate up to 16,000 worshippers. Its Turkish-inspired design is a feast for the eyes.

This is the biggest mosque in Sharjah, having the capacity for 16,000 worshippers. This is a piece of Turkish architecture, which is nothing less than magic with two minarets with a height of 70 meters. The stunning stained glass windows and large paved courtyard for outdoor prayers are the highlights of this mosque.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Fujairah

Not to be confused with its namesake in Abu Dhabi, this mosque in Fujairah is the second largest in the UAE.

Key features:

• Six minarets and 65 domes
• Intricate mosaic work and calligraphy
• Capacity for more than 28,000 worshippers

Iranian Mosque, Dubai

Also known as the Ali Ibn Abi Talib Mosque, this is one of the most colorful mosques in Dubai. Its Persian influence is evident in its vibrant tilework. The stunning blue dome and intricate mosaics are a must-see attraction. This Masjid is located in the historic Bur Dubai area and has a unique blend of Persian and Islamic architecture.

How to plan your mosque visit in UAE?

Now that you are familiar with these beautiful mosques, before planning your visit, know the Namaz timings Dubai and the other emirates to start your visit with any of the five prayers. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit:

Know the current prayer time in Dubai and in the other Emirates

It is important to be aware of prayer times when visiting mosques. The five daily prayer times (salah time) in Dubai currently are:

• Fajr - 5:00 AM
• Zuhr -12:04 PM
• Asr - 3:22 PM
• Maghrib - 5:50 PM
• Isha - 7: 20 PM

You can easily find the exact prayer time in Dubai or Azan time Dubai online or through various mobile apps. The prayer times in the other emirates will only differ by two or three minutes from the prayer times in Dubai.

How to travel to make a visit to these mosques in UAE?

To make the most of your mosque-visiting experience, consider choosing a cheap car rental in Dubai from firms like Beno. This will give you the flexibility to visit multiple mosques at your own pace and explore other attractions in between.

The UAE is home to some of the world's most beautiful and significant mosques. From the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the historical charm of Al Bidyah Mosque, each offers a unique glimpse into Islamic architecture and culture. Remember to respect prayer times, dress appropriately, and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of these magnificent structures. Whether you are offering prayers or simply admiring the architecture, these mosques are sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, grab your cheap car rental in Dubai, check the prayer time in Dubai, and embark on a journey to discover the spiritual beauty of the UAE's mosques.

Happy exploring!