United Arab Emirates is a region of high technology and modern cities. But, despite liberalism and religious tolerance, it is still a Muslim country. The state religion is Sunni Islam, therefore it is not surprising that in every emirate of the UAE a huge number of mosques of different design and sizes have been erected. This is another reason to go on a trip around the country.
The most famous mosques of UAE
It is still impossible to determine exactly how many religious buildings are built throughout the United Arab Emirates. In the emirate of Abu Dhabi alone, there are 2500 mosques. Of these, 150 are located on the territory of the capital. And the most popular among tourists are:
- The White Mosque . The most famous in Abu Dhabi and in all the UAE is the Sheikh Zayd Mosque. It is remarkable not only for its size and luxurious decoration, but also because the entrance to it is accessible to all tourists. Since 2008, excursions to it have become free for Muslims and for representatives of other religious denominations.
- Al-Badia . Tourists who have already visited the largest mosque in the Arab Emirates should go to a small village in the emirate of Fujairah . Here is one of the oldest religious buildings of the country - Al-Badia Mosque. It was erected even when the construction of such structures used only clay and stone. That's why scientists still can not determine its exact age. According to unconfirmed reports, it was created around 1446.
- Iranian mosque in Dubai. It is considered one of the most original religious structures of the UAE. The mosque is built in the style of Persian architecture. Its facade is finished with blue and blue faience tiles, which draws on walls intricate patterns. Here among the flower motifs and geometric figures one can see the Islamic calligraphy from the Koran. The main visitors of the mosque are representatives of the Iranian community of the city.
Mosques in Dubai
In the emirate of Dubai, there are more than 1,400 mosques. The most famous of them are:
- Mosque of Jumeirah . It is considered one of the main attractions of the metropolis. It is an example of a harmonious combination of modern construction technologies with medieval Islamic architecture. Like the White Mosque, located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, it is open to visitors of all ages, sex and religion.
- Bur Dubai (Great Mosque). It is decorated with nine large domes that surround 45 small ones. Its walls are painted in sand color and decorated with stained glass panels and wooden shutters. Looking at the photo of this mosque in the UAE, you can see that its sand walls literally merge with the surrounding landscape.
- Al Farouk Umar bin Khattab (Blue Mosque). It was decorated in the Ottoman and Andalusian style. It is an exact copy of the mosque in Istanbul . Just like the prototype, this mosque plays the role of a public cultural center. In it, in addition to the prayer rooms, there is a madrassa, a public kitchen, a hospital and even an eastern bazaar.
- Khalifa Al Thayer Mosque. This mosque in the UAE, called "green", is noteworthy for being built from environmentally friendly materials. In the building named after Khalifa Al-Thayer, special coolers are also provided that use recycled water for irrigation.
The Mosque of the Emirate of Sharjah
Speaking about the Muslim architecture and religious sites of the UAE, we can not fail to mention Sharjah . After all, this emirate is considered the most faithful. Here are built 1111 mosques, the most famous of which are:
- The mosque of King Faisal , simultaneously performing the functions of a social and cultural center;
- Al-Makhfira, containing three thousand believers;
- Al Noor, or Al Nour, decorated with 34 elegant domes.
Unlike other emirates, mosques in Sharjah can only visit believing Muslims. The remaining categories of tourists can only admire the beauty of these structures from the outside.
Rules for visiting mosques in the UAE
Tourists planning a holiday in the UAE should remember that non-Muslims have access to most establishments closed. Travelers who do not practice Islam can visit the Arab Emirates only Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi and Jumeirah in Dubai. To do this, wear closed clothing. Before entering the mosque, you should take off your shoes. It is strictly forbidden to interfere with the prayers.
In other mosques, you can book an excursion , during which tourists can stroll around the surrounding area, learn the history of the religious structure and interesting facts about it.