Sharjah Mosque, Sharjah: History and respectful visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Sharjah Mosque

The mosque took more than five years to build and opened in 2019. The tourism site gives the cost as Dh300 million.

Useful facts

Sharjah Mosque facts at a glance

Location

Outside central Sharjah, about 20 minutes by car

Faith

Islam

Dedication

Congregational mosque, the largest in Sharjah

Visitor note

Welcomes non-Muslims; check hours and dress

Built

Opened 2019, after more than five years of construction

Why it matters

Why Sharjah Mosque is worth your time

At the time of opening it was the largest mosque in the emirate, with room for over 25,000 worshippers and, by the tourism page's figures, 5,000 inside the prayer hall. For the visitor it shows how the emirate is investing in welcoming non-Muslims, with spaces designed for visitors.

It also contrasts with Al Noor on the lagoon. Al Noor is Ottoman in inspiration and city-centred; this is a larger, newer building in a landscaped setting. Seeing both gives a better sense of modern mosque architecture than one alone.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Scale

   A prayer hall for 5,000 and capacity for over 25,000 worshippers in total.

2. 02

   The interior

   Stained-glass arched windows, Quran verses and a large central chandelier.

3. 03

   Gardens and walking track

   Landscaped grounds with fountains and a rubber walking track.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Plan this as a half-morning with a car and driver, since the mosque is on the outskirts and not on any walking route. Arrive when visitors are admitted, remove your shoes and expect to cover arms and legs; women should also cover their hair.

Inside, the prayer hall has stained-glass arched windows, Quran verses on the walls, a very large central chandelier and red carpeting. Outside, the domes, minarets and columns are set among gardens and fountains, and the compound includes a gift shop and cafeteria.

The walking track around the complex is a pleasant option for older relatives in the cooler months. Combine the trip with the museum and desert park side of the emirate, or return to the city for the souks and lagoon.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Outside central Sharjah, about 20 minutes by car

Time needed

1 to 1.5 hours including the drive time on site

Best time

Morning, outside prayer times

Walking level

Easy

Senior comfort

The complex is set in gardens with a rubber walking track, a cafeteria and a gift shop. Distances across the grounds are longer than in the old town, so ask for drop-off near the entrance.

Tickets and access

The mosque is equipped to welcome non-Muslim visitors, but visiting hours and dress rules were not listed on the tourism page. Check the mosque's official site (sia.gov.ae) or contact them before you go, and dress modestly.

Plan it with

FAQs