The UAE is known for its high-rise buildings and mosques. There are a number of mosques in the UAE that are open to Muslims. However, only a few are open for non-muslims. The one such mosque which is always open for non-muslim visitors is ‘Al Noor Mosque’. So, on your next trip to the UAE, don’t forget to visit a prominent mosque called ‘Al Noor Mosque’. You will surely have a peaceful and quality time over there which will make your entire trip worthwhile. If you don’t have any information about Al Noor Mosque, this blog will shed light on some crucial information about this mosque that you must know before paying a visit there.
Information About Al Noor Mosque
One of the iconic destinations in Sharjah is the ‘Al Noor Mosque’ which resides on the Khaled lagoon at Buhaira Corniche and is designed in classical Ottoman-style architecture. The mosque was built and opened in 2005. In the entire UAE, this was the first ever mosque to open its doors for non-muslims. This is an ideal place for those who want to know about Islamic culture and history.
It is a place for Worship. Tourists from all over the world pay a visit here and worship together. This mosque can accommodate more than 2000 people all at once. In addition, there is a separate section for ladies in which around 400 women can be accommodated.
Al Noor Mosque created a world record for the ‘world’s largest wooden charity box’ for the donation for Ramadan month. The mosque has also received a certificate of excellence.
Al Noor Mosque Architecture
The architecture of the mosque is closely related to the old Turkish style of architecture. There are two 52-meter-long minarets at both ends and domes in the middle. There are 34 domes. There is a central complete dome and a number of half domes on the corners. The interior of the dome is beautiful and fascinating. There is also a big play area with big open spaces which are further classified into pillars and arches. Visitors come here and get allured by the architecture. On sunny days, the mosque looks majestic and it feels like one is in Turkey because the mosque closely resembles the Sultan Ahmed of Turkey.
Best time to Visit Al Noor Mosque
So, what is the best time to visit Al Noor Mosque? Well, the preferred time is before sunset. This way, you will get a chance to see an amazing butterfly garden. In addition, you can also pay your visit to the art installations at Al Noor Island along with the view of the water. This time is ideal to click fantastic pictures with a beautiful background.
Al Noor Mosque Timings
The timings to visit Al Noor Mosque are given below:
1) Public Visits
The Sunday to Thursday timings are from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. There is only one-hour duration to pay a visit to the mosque.
2) Private Visits
Private booking can be done from the official website ‘http://www.shjculture.com/’.
Things to Do at Al Noor Mosque
You can have a tour of the Mosque. An English guide will explain the design of the Mosque and also provide you with information about Islamic tradition and culture. The origin of the tradition will also be explained by the tour guide. The tour is free and you don’t need to pay anything. At the end of the tour, visitors can ask their queries and get their answers. After the query session, visitors can enjoy a complimentary Arabic coffee. Visitors can also have a traditional breakfast over there.
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Guidelines to Follow at Al Noor Mosque Sharjah
The rules and regulations to be followed at Al Noor Mosque are listed below:
- Visitors have to wear humble and traditional clothes.
- Ladies have to wear headscarves before they enter the mosque.
- Shoes are strictly prohibited inside the mosque.
- There is no charge for tickets at Al Noor Mosque.
- Only official tour guides are allowed to guide visitors during the tour.
How to Reach Al Noor Mosque from Dubai
If you plan to first spend your vacations in Dubai and then have a tour of the mosque, then you can either take a Taxi or a bus to travel to the Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah. Well, the cheaper option is a public bus because a taxi fare will cost around AED100 – AED120. However, if you take a bus from Deira City Center Bus Station, it will cost you just AED20.
Summing Up
To sum up, this is a great initiative by the Al Noor Mosque to let people become familiar with Islamic culture and heritage. So, plan your visit to this iconic mosque and make sure to consider the timings. In addition, assure to follow rules and regulations there to avoid hurting anyone’s sentiments.
