JUMEIRAH MOSQUE
Dubai’s culture is rooted in Islam, a fact that touches all aspects of everyday life. Virtually every neighbourhood has its own mosque, but undoubtedly the jewel in the crown is the Jumeirah Mosque. This fine example of modern Islamic architecture was built in 1998. It is a dramatic sight set against blue skies and is especially breathtaking at night, when it is lit up and its artistry is thrown into relief. Built of smooth white stone, the mosque, with its elaborately decorated twin minarets and majestic dome, is a city landmark and an important place of worship.
NEED TO KNOW
Al Jumeirah Rd, Jumeirah • 04 353 6666
Mosque Tours: 10am Sat–Thu, visitors are required to assemble by the entrance 10 minutes in advance (no booking required); adm AED 25, under 12s free
- Close to the mosque, the Lime Tree Café serves sandwiches, cakes and coffee.
- La Mer beach is also located close by, and has several eateries and sheesha spots.
- Tours are intended to help visitors gain a real understanding of Islam. Photography is permitted inside the mosque.
- Each tour lasts about 75 minutes. Admission includes water, dates, Arabic coffee, tea and traditional pastries.
1. The Hajj
Every able-bodied Muslim is expected to make the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, once. Each year millions of Muslims from all over the globe do so to be forgiven of sins, to pray and to celebrate the glory of Allah.
A group of visitors praying at the mosque
2. Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar), Muslims abstain from food, drink and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. This is a time for purification and for focussing on Allah.
3. Mosque Architecture
With its vast central dome, this mosque is inspired by the Anatolian style. The exterior is decorated in geometric relief over the stonework.
Exterior of Jumeirah Mosque
4. “Open Doors, Open Minds” Guided Tour
Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque in Dubai open to the public. The “Open Doors, Open Minds” interactive guided mosque tour is run by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. It offers a great opportunity to admire the subtle interior decoration and to gain insight into the Islamic faith.
5. Prayers
The adhan (call to prayer) rings out from the minarets five times a day – all able Muslims must supplicate themselves to Allah by praying on a musalla (traditional mat).
Prayers
6. Five Pillars of Islam
The “Five Pillars of Islam” are: Shahadah, the belief in the oneness of God; Salat, the five daily prayers; Zakat, alms-giving; Siyam, self-purification and Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.
7. Minarets
Two minarets crown this mosque. The height of the tallest minaret – the highest point of the “House of Allah” – is determined by how far the call to prayer should be heard.
8. Minbar
The minbar is the pulpit from which the Imam (leader of prayer) stands to deliver the khutba (Friday sermon).
9. Mihrab
The mihrab is the niche in the wall of this and every mosque. Its purpose is to indicate the qibla, the direction a Muslim should face when praying. This mihrab gives the impression of a door or a passage to Mecca.
Mihrab
10. Mosque Etiquette
Dubai may be very cosmopolitan, but in keeping with mosque etiquette, you must dress conservatively to enter. No shorts or sleeveless tops for either gender; women must wear a headscarf. Remove your shoes before entering.
CALL TO PRAYER
Wherever you are in Dubai, you are likely to be within earshot of a mosque and to hear the daily calls to prayer “Allahu akbar” (God is great). Today, the modern-day call is transmitted through loudspeakers; in the past the muezzin made the call himself.
