The Most Photogenic Mosques In The UAE

The UAE has some of the most beautiful architecture known to man. It boasts numerous skyscrapers and other majestic buildings that capture the attention of both locals and tourists. In this article, Kavan Choksi lists some of the UAE’s most picturesque mosques.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the country, was constructed between 1994 and 2007. It covers an area of over 12 hectares and can accommodate 40,000 visitors at a time. The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is known for being accessible to tourists and expatriates. Inside the premises are 82 domes, four minarets, white marble columns adorned with amethyst and lapis lazuli, imported chandeliers made of millions of Swarovski crystals, and the world’s largest handmade carpet.

Grand Mosque, Dubai

For tourists visiting Dubai’s Bur Dubai district, Kavan Choksi recommends checking out the Grand Mosque. One of the Emirate’s oldest mosques, it was originally built in 1900 and rebuilt twice in 1960 and 1998. Its minaret is the tallest in the city, and its wooden windows are adorned with handmade stained glass.

Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah

The Sharjah emirate has more than 600 mosques, and one of the most picturesque is Al Noor Mosque. It is open for public visits every Monday. Its architecture is inspired by the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, with its exterior being made of 34 cascading domes and semi-domes.

Al Badiyah Mosque, Fujairah

Al Badiyah Mosque is situated on a hillside in Fujairah. It was built in 1446, making it the oldest mosque in the UAE. The structure stands just 15 feet tall and is constructed with stone and burnt mud in whitewashed plaster. According to Kavan Choksi, the best place to take a photo of the Al Badiyah Mosque is just in front of it, as the rocky hillside behind it serves as an aesthetic backdrop to the structure.