Jumeirah Mosque
Dubayy
Jumeirah Mosque, located in Dubai, UAE, is a stunning example of Islamic architecture combining Fatimid and Mamluk styles. Completed in 1979, it was a gift from Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum to his son Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Built from yellow-pink sandstone, the mosque features two minarets and a dome adorned with intricate carvings and Quranic epigraphy. Its interior displays a hypostyle design with columns surrounding a central dome, decorated with floral carpets and colorful ornamentation reminiscent of the Alhambra. The mosque can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers and is one of the few in Dubai open to non-Muslim visitors via guided tours organized by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). These tours educate visitors about Islamic practices and culture, providing a unique cultural insight. The complex also includes a museum, a majlis for events, and offers authentic Emirati dining experiences. The mosque is a prominent cultural landmark, symbolizing Dubai's heritage and openness.
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Tip: Visitors should dress modestly, with women wearing headscarves; these can be provided if needed. The best time to visit is during the guided tours held twice daily, outside prayer times. Advance registration is recommended as tours fill quickly. The mosque is closed on Fridays. Visitors can enjoy additional cultural experiences including the onsite museum, a gift shop, and traditional Emirati buffet before tours. Discounts may be available for group bookings or special events.
Interesting facts
- •Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslim visitors through guided tours.
- •The mosque's architecture combines Fatimid and Mamluk styles, with deep relief carvings typical of Egyptian Mamluk design.
- •It can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers during prayers.
- •The mosque was featured on the 2003 500 dirham banknote before being replaced by the Burj Khalifa.
- •The interior decoration draws inspiration from the Alhambra in Spain, known for its intricate Islamic ornamentation.
History
Construction of the Jumeirah Mosque began in 1975 and was completed in 1979, commissioned by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum as a gift to his son Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
It was designed by architects Abd al-Muʿizz Husayn and Muhammad al-Mahdi Hegazy, who incorporated Fatimid and Mamluk architectural influences.
The mosque's establishment coincided with Dubai's rapid development during the oil era, reflecting the city's cultural growth.
It served as the original headquarters for the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding until the center moved to Bur Dubai.
The mosque's image was once featured on the 500 dirham banknote series issued in 2003, highlighting its cultural significance.
Place Guide
Exterior Architecture1979
The mosque's exterior is constructed from yellow-pink sandstone, featuring two minarets and a large dome with detailed relief carvings inspired by Fatimid and Mamluk styles. The main entrance for worshippers is adorned with Quranic inscriptions from Surah At-Tawbah emphasizing the importance of daily prayers. The courtyard includes fountains for ritual ablutions (wudu).
Interior Prayer Hall1979
Inside, the mosque features a hypostyle hall with columns arranged around the central dome, covered by a large floral-patterned carpet. The interior is painted in ascending colors of beige, yellow, salmon pink, and blue, symbolizing the sky within the dome. Quranic verses reciting the Victory verse adorn the prayer hall, linking to government-established religious sites.
Once Upon a Time Museum and Majlis
The complex includes a museum dedicated to the history of Dubai and a majlis area used for cultural events and gatherings, which can be rented. These spaces enrich the visitor experience by providing historical context and opportunities for cultural engagement.
Contact
Phone: 04 353 6666
