10 Best mosques in Dubai

Dubai is a unique tourist paradise in the world, where religion is a fundamental part of this country and is clearly reflected in its beautiful and imposing mosques.

Luisa María Lugo

Luisa María Lugo

9 min read

10 Best mosques in Dubai

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center | ©Shahbaz Akram

Dubai is not only full of luxuries and resorts with endless activities for the whole family, but it also allows you to learn a little more about the Muslim culture. When you are making your list of what to see in Dubai, 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. Dubai Jumeirah Mosque

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

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 neighborhood of the same name. 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: Go 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 fee is quite affordable, it costs about 3 euros.
  • What are the opening hours: The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) organizes tours in English from Saturday to Thursday at 10 am.

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2. 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. 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 of union between the Arab civilization and the rest of the world, it is a very impressive work 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 2000 worshippers.

Important information

  • Where is it: It is located at Jumeirah 3, 35th Street Dubai City.
  • How to get there: You can take the metro by taking the red line to Al Safa 1 station, 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 offer guided tours.
  • What are the opening hours: It is open every day from 10:00h and 11:00h in the morning. In the afternoon at 16:15h and 18:00h.

Book a tour with visit to the Al Farooq Mosque

3. The Great 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 1200 worshipers. It is home to the tallest minaret in Dubai, 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 in 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 metro station 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 the tours take place from Sunday to Thursday mornings.

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4. 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 architectures, 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 green and gold lighting highlights every detail of its structure.

Important information

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

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5. 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 main hall of cubist style, 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 and allow natural light to filter through to 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.

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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, due to the fact that it is the first eco-friendly mosque in the region. The Islamic religion has an important tradition of conserving natural resources and this mosque demonstrates 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 and 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 Dubai city called Deira. It borders the Persian Gulf, Sharjah and Dubai Creek.
  • How to get there: From downtown, walk to Wals,Etisalat bus station, which will drop you 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.

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7. City Walk Mosque

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

This mosque is integrated into the urban aesthetics of City Walk, 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. This one, on the contrary, has elegant forms of glass doors, more in the minimalist style.

At night its structure is illuminated in a very delicate way creating an ethereal effect. 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 Arabic stainless steel fountain in undulating shapes.

Important information

  • Where: 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.

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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.

It 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: At 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.

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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 facade 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 tour with visit to Al Farooq Mosque

10. 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, at the eastern end of the capital island of the same name, in the Persian Gulf, but because of its importance it is worth mentioning 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 that this mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the Arab world.

The purpose of this mosque is to unify all Muslim cultures and traditions in a single temple.

Important information

  • 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 you the effective and fast means of transportation to get there: Tourist bus or by car.
  • How long does it take to get there: From the center of Dubai, between one hour and one hour and 30 minutes (depending on traffic).
  • Is it open to the public: Yes, they offer guided tours of the entire mosque for the price of approximately €18 per person.
  • What are the opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. And on Fridays it opens at 16:30h.

Book an excursion to the Sheik Zayed Mosque

Dress code in the mosques

Traditional Dress in Dubai| ©Michael Coghlan
Traditional Dress in Dubai| ©Michael Coghlan

If you plan to visit any of the mosques open to the public, remember to follow certain dress codes. For example, in the case of women, they should ideally enter wearing 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. It is obligatory for both men and women to take off their shoes.

I take this opportunity to leave you a guide on how to dress in Dubai, as you will surely have some doubts.

If you are planning to visit the United Arab Emirates, it is also good to review practical tips for traveling to Dubai, so you can enjoy your vacation. Remember to visit some of its mosques, even if they are not open to non-Muslims, their designs and structures are wonderful.