Fujairah’s Al Bidya Mosque is known as one of the oldest mosques in the UAE and an extremely popular tourist attraction, welcoming both Muslims and non-Muslims who must cover their heads and remove shoes before entering.
It features four domes, a small mihrab and an unassuming minbar; its walls boast subtle dentate carvings as well as openings for light and ventilation.
It is the oldest mosque in the UAE
Al Bidyah Mosque stands out as a tourist destination and important example of early Islamic architecture with its distinctive architectural design, and no entry fee for non-Muslim visitors during daylight hours. Built of stone and mud bricks covered in several layers of whitewashed plaster; featuring four domes not evenly spaced atop an internal support pillar – its construction represents a notable engineering feat during that era.
Though now equipped with air conditioning and lighting, the mosque still retains many of its historic features. Visitors can visit to see its mihrab, which serves as a niche that indicates Mecca. Spaces carved into its walls for housing copies of Quran have also been left. There’s even an old watchtower nearby along with market stalls selling crafts – this mosque truly represents history!
It is a tourist attraction
Al Bidyah mosque is one of the major tourist draws in Fujairah and one of the top five best places to visit in UAE. Constructed during 15th century by Al Bidyah himself, locals consider this historic monument one of the most significant historical monuments and still use it today for prayers.
Attracting tourists is this mosque’s special allure: four unequal domes supported by one central pillar set apart it from other mosques in its region and provide an exclusive glimpse into ancient Islamic architectural techniques.
Visitors to a mosque can explore its interior, admiring its intricate carvings. Small openings allow sunlight and air to come into the prayer hall; additional features include cube-shaped spaces carved into its walls to hold books; it is open both to Muslims and non-Muslims and many visitors leave graffiti and messages on its walls.
It is open to non-Muslims
The mosque of Al Bidya, situated on an idyllic plot of land near Al-Bidya village, welcomes non-Muslim visitors if they are properly attired. Constructed entirely out of mud and brick, its simple mud-brick structure showcases the skillful craftsmanship of its architects while its prayer hall boasts arches and air circulation openings to increase airflow as well as mihrab (prayer niche pointing toward Mecca). What sets this mosque apart from others old and modern ones alike are its four domes whose top is significantly smaller than their base while one internal support pillar supports them all together.
The UAE is an extremely religious nation and its laws require all houses of worship to register with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, yet some churches were banned due to being unregistered with them. Furthermore, due to government policies not permitting non-Islamic places of worship in the country – forcing many Christians during COVID-19 pandemic to relocate or close down their church locations.
It is located in the village of Al Bidya
Al Bidya village lies within Fujairah Emirate and boasts several archaeological sites, such as an ancient well which likely provided water for ritual ablution, an old adr tree and Ottoman Mosque – an impressive square structure featuring four squat helical domes held up by one central pillar and with striking design features like four small wells for collecting water for use during ancient ceremonies.
Its distinctive construction and roof have made this building an architectural gem in the Emirates, while archaeological findings of numerous petroglyphs and carvings on its stones add further weight to its significance.
The Fujairah or Khorfakkan mosque dates back to 1446 AD and still sees worshippers today. Open to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, its best time of visitation is winter when temperatures are lower and crowds lessened – conveniently accessible via public transit from both cities.
