The UAE is very famous for its skyscrapers, but the nation is also home to many very beautiful mosques. Most of the mosques are exclusive to Muslims, but certain Mosques also permit people from other faiths to enter. So, here we are going to talk about a mosque that is open to people from all walks of life. And that is the Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah. You are bound to have a lovely time at this mosque. Do you wish to know more about this mosque? Great let us get started right away.
A Brief Overview of the Mosque
This mosque is a popular tourist attraction and a place of worship for many Muslims. You will find this mosque at the Buhaira Corniche, the mosque has a typical Ottoman architecture. The mosque was constructed in the year 2005 and was opened to the public in the same year. If you want to learn a little bit about the history and Islamic culture then this place is perfect. The mosque is quite big and it holds 2000 people at a time. It also has a section dedicated to women with a capacity for 400 women. The Mosque holds a record for having the biggest charity box made of wood.
Architecture
The mosque’s architecture is reminiscent of the old Turkish style. It has two minarets that measure meters in height and it has a primary dome in the centre, the mosque also has an additional 34 smaller domes. The interior decoration of the primary dome is astonishing. The mosque has a play area for young kids. The architecture of the mosque is simply breathtaking.
When Should You Visit The Al Noor Mosque?
If you want to see beautiful butterflies in the garden then you should be there right before the sun sets. You can also view beautiful pieces of art at Al Noor Island and also get a fabulous view of the sea. The time before sunset is ideal for taking good pictures. If you have less time then you can go for the Sharjah city tour that will cover this place as well.
Things to See at Al Noor Mosque
You can avail of the services of an English-speaking guide and get a complete tour of the mosque. You will get to learn a great deal about the Islamic traditions and history. The good news is that the entry ticket for Al Noor Mosque is completely free. You will also be treated to Arabic coffee, and it is on the house. You can also enjoy an Arabic breakfast at the mosque.
Things To Keep In Mind Before You Visit The Mosque
- Only licensed tour guides will be allowed to escort the tourists inside the mosque
- There are no paid tickets to enter the mosque
- You cannot wear shoes inside the mosque
- Women must wear headscarves while entering the mosque
- Please do not wear short or revealing clothes while visiting the mosque.
- While taking pictures, do not click pictures of other people without asking them
How to reach Al Noor Mosque?
You can get to the mosque on a bus or a taxi or you can rent a car. If you want to save a bit of money then you should take the public bus.
Attractions Close To Al Noor Mosque
Here is a list of tourist attractions that you can visit once you are done with the tour of the mosque.
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Al Majaz Waterfront
This is truly unique and it is located right in the middle of the city so it is not hard to find. This place has a beautiful musical fountain, and it is a must-watch. You may also find small concerts being held here. The place also has cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bit to eat.
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Al Mahatta Museum
This used to be a fort and was constructed in the year 1932, back then it used to be an airport and finally in the year 2000, it was converted into a museum of history and culture.
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Al Qasba Canal
This is another beautiful waterfront that you must include on your list of places to visit. In Al Qasba Canal you can enjoy a host of fun activities such as Go-Kart and boating or even dine at the cute
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Art Foundation In Sharjah
If you are an admirer of fabulous paintings then you must visit this art foundation, it showcases brilliant work done by the local artists of the UAE.
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Al Hisn Fort
For this you will have to visit the Heritage District, this fort was made in 1820. This used to be the home of the royal family of Sharjah. Now, Al Hisn Fort it is a museum filled with wonderful exhibits.
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Sharjah Art Museum
This museum is approximately 3 km away from the mosque and it is a must-visit. The museum has 72 galleries filled with interesting exhibits that depict the culture and history of the UAE. The museum also has exclusive pieces of art collected from all over the world.
- Timings: Open 24 Hours
- Address: 89MP+VRX – Corniche St – Al Majaz – Al Majaz 1 – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Conclusion
The fact that this museum lets people of other faiths come here is a gesture that has gone down very well with the public. So, if you enjoying Sharjah, take the time to visit this grand mosque and learn valuable information on the Islamic culture and traditions. The mosque has its set of rules and you must follow them to the fullest so that you do not hurt the sentiments of the people in the place. You can also take your kids to this place and they are surely going to love it. Plan your trip soon with Travel Saga and have a great time there.