The Jumeirah Mosque with its arabesques and minarets is one of the most important architectural jewels in Dubai. Located in one of the most beautiful and exclusive areas of the city, a few steps from Jumeirah beach, this mosque represents the perfect fusion between modernity and respect for cultural traditions.
Wherever you are in Dubai you can listen to the melodic calls to prayer that take place five times a day, reminding us that we are in a country that boasts a rich Islamic religious and cultural tradition.
Dubai’s Jumeirah Mosque is one of the best places to learn more about Islam and get closer to the culture of the United Arab Emirates. In fact, this is one of the few mosques in the Emirates that are also open to visitors from other religions, making the visit a unique opportunity to get in touch with a world that is still little known to many.
Things to know about the Jumeirah Mosque
The Jumeira Mosque was built between 1976 and 1979 as a gift from Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who was ruler of Dubai at the time and father of the current ruler of Dubai.
The mosque, built in carved white stone, reflects the traditional Fatimid style that originated from Syria and Egypt. The facade is richly decorated with arabesques, intricate geometric designs and Arabic calligraphy. Its profile is made unmistakable by the two minarets that rise towards the sky and by the central dome.
The wonderful main prayer hall is decorated with a series of arches and columns in pastel shades, stained glass windows and green carpets that cover the floor of the entire hall, capable of accommodating up to 1200 worshippers.
On the opposite side from the entrance you can see the mihrab, a niche in the wall that indicates the qibla, or the direction of prayer.
The exteriors are surrounded by peaceful gardens and ablution fountains. If you have the chance, come at sunset: this is certainly one of the best times to visit the Jumeirah Mosque.
One last curious thing to know is that the Jumeirah Mosque is what you can see depicted on the 500 Dirhams banknote.
Jumeirah Mosque Tour
The Jumeirah Mosque is part of the cultural program of the Government of Dubai called “Open Doors, Open Mind” designed to allow people from all over the world and of any religion to learn more about Islamic culture, food and traditions.
It is possible to participate to the guided tour of the Jumeirah Mosque every day except Friday.
Visits start from the Majlis of the Mosque at 10 am and 2 pm, but it is required to register at least half an hour in advance.
The guided tour is conducted in English and shows all the main areas of the mosque, explaining many interesting things about Islamic religion and prayer rites. It is also allowed to ask questions of any kind to the guides and take photographs. Traditional Arabic coffee is offered before the tour begins.
The price of the guided tour is AED 35 per person. The guided tour lasts 75 minutes.
Is there a dress code to visit the Jumeirah Mosque?
Visitors are asked to behave in a respectful way. Modest clothing is preferred, long pants and shirt are fine.
For women and men, shoulders and knees must be covered at all times, and clothing should be non-transparent.
Ladies are required to cover their hair too, but don’t worry if you haven’t packed anything appropriate to cover yourself, you can borrow traditional clothes directly from the mosque.
How to Get to Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque is located along Jumeirah Beach Road, but there are no subway stations nearby.
If you plan to reach it by public transport, buses 8 (from the Gold Souk Bus Station), 9 and X28 stop near the Mosque.
The best and easiest way to reach the Jumeirah Mosque is with the excellent Hop On Hop Off Bus service which runs through all of Dubai’s major attractions. The bus stop is right in front of the mosque.
Jumeirah Mosque Visiting Hours
The opening hours of the Jumeirah Mosque are from 10:00 am until 08:00 pm daily. Entry is free.
Non-Muslim visitors can participate in the guided tour of the Mosque which is held every day except Friday at 10 am and 2 pm.
Things to see and do around the Jumeirah Mosque
Near the Jumeirah Mosque you just can’t miss Jumeirah Beach and the iconic 7-star hotel Burj Al Arab.
Most travelers choose to visit the Jumeirah Mosque by participating in the interesting GUIDED TOUR OF THE DUBAI OLD TOWN which allows you to fully discover the most authentic and mysterious side of Dubai.
Planning your trip to Dubai? Then you should check out our GUIDE TO THE BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN DUBAI.