10 Best mosques in Dubai

Dubai is a unique tourist paradise in the world, where religion is of paramount importance and is clearly reflected in its beautiful and imposing mosques.

Luisa María Lugo

Luisa María Lugo

10 min read

10 Best mosques in Dubai

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | ©Shahbaz Akram

Dubai is not only full of luxuries and resorts with plenty of activities for the whole family, but it also allows you to learn a little more about Muslim culture. When you are making a list of plans for your trip, you should, at the very least, include a visit to one of its mosques.

These religious centers are brilliant architectural monuments with spectacular works of art inside. Join me for this list of the best mosques in Dubai.

1. Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque| ©Carl Byrne
Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque| ©Carl Byrne

The Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and center is one of the first mosques to open its doors to non-Muslims. Peace and harmony reign here. Whether you want to discover the Islamic faith, admire the architecture of the building or enter to pray, it is an ideal place to visit.

Not only is it the bridge between Arab civilization and the rest of the world, but it is also quite an impressive piece of architecture in the heart of Al Safa. It is inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and rises 30 meters above the ground.

It is one of the largest in the United Arab Emirates and has a capacity for 2,000 worshippers.

Important information

  • Where is it: it is located at Jumeirah 3, 35th Street Dubai City.
  • How to get there: you can take the red metro line to Al Safa 1, Street 19, Jumeirah college.
  • How long does it take to get there: if you go by metro or bus, the approximate time is 1 hour and 30 minutes. By cab or car about 22 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Is it open to the public: Yes, there are tours of Dubai that you can book for the price of approximately 39 ¤ and they offer guided tours.
  • What are the opening hours: It is open every day from 10:00 am and in the afternoon between 4:15 pm and 6:00 pm.

Book a guided tour of Dubai with a visit to the Blue Mosque

2. Dubai Jumeirah Mosque

Dubai Jumeirah Mosque| ©Susanne Nilsson
Dubai Jumeirah Mosque| ©Susanne Nilsson

The Jumeirah Mos que is one of the most important and most visited mosques in Dubai. This is because it is one of the mosques where non-Muslims can enter inside and even take pictures. It is located in front of Pal Strip, Jumeirah RD.

Its structure is made of stone and stands out in the center of the homonymous neighborhood. During sunset is one of the best times to visit it because it offers an almost magical charm when the sun sets between its walls.

Important information

  • Where is it: it is located in the Jumeirah neighborhood, on Jumeirah Beach Road, near the beach of the same name and the Dubai Zoo.
  • How to get there: by metro taking the red line to the nearest stop which is World Trade Center. From there you can take a cab or bus, as it is a bit far away. The easiest option is to book one of the buses that offer private tours.
  • How long does it take to get there: approximately 25 minutes.
  • Is it open to the public: Yes, the entrance is quite accessible.
  • What is the schedule: you have the possibility to book a guided tour of Dubai with a visit to the Blue Mosque which lasts approximately 4-5 hours and starts at 8:45 am.

Book a guided tour of Dubai

3. The Grand Mosque of Dubai

Grand Mosque of Dubai| ©Guilhem Vellut
Grand Mosque of Dubai| ©Guilhem Vellut

This Mosque, also known as Grand Bur Dubai Masjid, is an emblematic place of worship. With capacity for 1,200 worshippers.

It is home to Dubai's tallest minaret, which is 70 meters (230 feet) high and resembles a lighthouse. The building has a long history and was a school or Kuttab dedicated to the study of the Koran.

The first students attended in 1900 and memorized the entire Qur'an. In 1960, a new mosque was created, which was then rebuilt in 1998 to replicate the original architecture. The goal of this mosque is to increase knowledge of Islamic and Arabic culture.

Important Information

  • Where is it located: Opposite Dubai Museum, Near Rulers Court Office - Ali Abi Talib St - Al Fahidi.
  • How to get there: take the green metro line to Al Fahidi station. From there you can walk there.
  • How long does it take to get there: from the center by metro it takes about 27 minutes, and from the stop it takes about 10 minutes to walk to the mosque.
  • Is it open to the public?: Yes, and the entrance is free.
  • What are the opening hours: it is open 24 hours a day, but tours are held from Sunday to Thursday mornings.

Book a guided tour of Dubai

4. City Walk Mosque

City Walk Mosque| ©Mosqepedia
City Walk Mosque| ©Mosqepedia

This mosque is integrated into the urban aesthetics of City Walk. It is cube-shaped and its color is reddish brown. Its design is a little more distant from the classic elements of the other temples, such as minarets and domes. Instead, it has elegant glass door shapes, more in the minimalist style.

At night, its structure is illuminated in a very delicate way creating an ethereal effect so I recommend you book a night bus tour of Dubai and take the opportunity to get there comfortably. On one side of the building you can discover the gigantic sculpture of the Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej (inspired by a verse of the Koran) and a classic Arabian stainless steel fountain in undulating shapes.

Important information

  • Where is it: located in the City Walk district.
  • How to get there: the shortest and fastest way is by car or cab.
  • How long does it take to get there: about 6 minutes from the center.
  • Not open to the public.

Book a night bus tour of Dubai

5. Al Salam Mosque

Al Salam Mosque| ©Amjad Abidi
Al Salam Mosque| ©Amjad Abidi

The Al Salam Mosque is an imposing structure with several domes arranged in the shape of a pyramid. It is striking from the outside for its crimson red bricks, golden domes and white reliefs along the edges.

It combines Emirati and Ottoman architecture. On its facade is written the word "Shahada" which is one of the five pillars of Islam.

This mosque is especially spectacular at night because its shimmering illumination in shades of green and gold highlights every detail of its structure.

Important information

  • Where is it located: Al Salam Masjid, Al Barsha 2.
  • How to get there: from downtown you can take the red metro line to the Dubai Mall station and from there you can walk to the bus that goes to the Jumeirah 3 stop. From there another bus will take you to Dubai American Academy 1, from there you will have to walk about 12 minutes to get there.
  • How long does it take to get there: the whole tour can take 1 hour and 5 minutes.
  • Itis not open to the public.

Book a night tour of Dubai

6. Khalifa Al tajir Mosque

Khalifa Al Tajir Mosque| ©Mosqepedia
Khalifa Al Tajir Mosque| ©Mosqepedia

This mosque is known as the Green Mosque of Dubai because it is the first ecological mosque in the region. The Islamic religion has an important tradition: to conserve natural resources and this mosque is a sample of that spirit, as it is 100% environmentally friendly.

It is located on **Dubai'**s iconic waterfront. It was built with environmentally friendly materials and has solar panels for electricity, as well as an air conditioning system. It is also close to the well-known Deira Gold Souk, so you have much more to discover in the surrounding area.

Important information

  • Where is it: located in an area of the city of Dubai called Deira. It borders the Persian Gulf, Sharjah and Dubai Creek, so it is a good option to take advantage of the excursion to Sharjah from Dubai to visit it.
  • How to get there: from downtown, walk to the Wals bus station, Etisalat, which will drop you off at City Centre Metro bus Stop 1-2 and from there you should walk about 2 minutes to get there.
  • How long does it take to get there: approximately 38 minutes.
  • Not open to the public.

Book a tour to Sharjah from Dubai

7. Abdul Rahman Siddique Mosque

Abdul Rahman Siddique Mosque| ©Kseniya Lomova
Abdul Rahman Siddique Mosque| ©Kseniya Lomova

The Abdul Rahman Siddique Mosque is an indisputably modern structure with a minimalist design. It is a center of attention to spirituality and devotion.

Its linear minaret, its cubist-style main hall, the rigid lines and geometric elements, make this mosque is different from the rest of the religious temples of the city.

It has white and blue glass windows that make it gleam in the sunlight. It also allows natural light to filter into the Alquibla, which is the direction in which Muslims pray towards Mecca.

Important information

  • Where is it: it is located in the palm of Jumeirah.
  • How to get there: take the red metro line to Damac Properties station, from there you will change to the Dubai Marina Tram. Then take tram 1 to Jumeirah Palm Tram Station. Then you will take the Monorail that runs along the entire trunk of the palm tree.
  • How long does it take to get there: the ride can take about 2 hours.
  • Itis not open to the public.

Book a ticket for the night bus in Dubai

8. DIFC Grand Mosque

DIFC Grand Mosque| ©Centro Financiero Dubai
DIFC Grand Mosque| ©Centro Financiero Dubai

This giant and impressive structure is located next to Gate Village in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The design of this grand mosque is inspired by traditional Islamic architecture and features elements such as the Mashrabiya.

The mosque is surrounded by a series of graduated perforations thanks to the light that is divided inside. So this temple has a modern and also classical touch that is impressive to look at.

Important information

  • Where is it: Trade Centre - DIFC.
  • How to get there: Take the red metro line to Emirates Towers Metro Station and walk for about 10 minutes until you reach DIFC Gate Village.
  • How long does it take to get there: Approximately 21 minutes.
  • Not open to the public.

Book a tour of Dubai

9. Masjid Al Rahim Mosque

Masjid Al Rahim Mosque| ©MeifenM1FLERéunion
Masjid Al Rahim Mosque| ©MeifenM1FLERéunion

Masjid Al Rahim is located at the back of the majestic cityscape of the Dubai Marina. This structure is adorned by a huge dome and has a façade facing the waters of the waterfront bordered by a waterfall.

It is open only to devotees and has a library and a school where the Koran is studied.

Important information

  • Where is it: at the southern end of Dubai Marina Walk.
  • How to get there: You can take the red metro line to Dubai Marina Mall station.
  • How long does it take to get there: approximately 49 minutes.
  • Not open to the public.

Book a yacht ride in the Dubai Marina

10. Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the great white mosque

Sheikh Zayed Mosque| ©Mohamad
Sheikh Zayed Mosque| ©Mohamad

First of all, you should know that this mosque is located at the gates of Abu Dhabi, in the Persian Gulf, but due to its importance it deserves to be mentioned in this list.

I am talking about the great Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the most beautiful religious monuments in the whole country. Critics and tourists say it is one of the most beautiful in the Arab world. If you go to Dubai be sure to book an excursion to Abu Dhabi with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, you will not regret it.

This mosque is intended to unify all cultures and Muslim traditions in a single temple.

Important information about Sheikh Zayed Mosque

  • Where is it: at the beginning of Zone 1 of Abu Dhabi Island. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed ST - Abu Dhabi.
  • How to get there: I recommend that you book a tour to Abu Dhabi with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque to get there comfortably and without worries.
  • How long does it take to get there: from the center of Dubai, 1 to 1:30 hours depending on traffic.
  • Is it open to the public: Yes, it is open to the public and there is a wide range of guided tours available.
  • What are the opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. And on Fridays it opens at 4:30 pm.

Book a tour with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Dress code for visiting the mosques

Dubai traditional dress code| ©Michael Coghlan
Dubai traditional dress code| ©Michael Coghlan

On your list of things to see and do in Dubai you have to include a visit to one of the mosques that are open to the public and, even if they are not open to non-Muslims, their designs and structures are wonderful. Just remember to follow certain dress codes.

  • In the case of women, ideally they should wear a skirt and long-sleeved shirt, and cover their hair with a headscarf.
  • In the case of men, they may not wear shorts (above the knees) and shirts must be long-sleeved. Some mosques have garment rental services and it is mandatory for both men and women to remove their shoes.

I take this opportunity to leave you a guide on how to dress in Dubai, as you will surely have some doubts. And if you are planning to visit the United Arab Emirates, it is also good that you review the practical tips for traveling to Dubai to make the most of your vacation.

Book your tickets for a tour in Dubai