Dubai: Al Bidya Mosque is the oldest mosque in the UAE and one of the most precious national objects. It is situated in the middle of rocky hills and blue plains in Fujairah. Modest in scale yet monumental in heritage, this iconic landmark continues to stand as one of the nation’s most treasured religious and cultural sites.
Al Bidya Mosque will always be identifiable due to the unique four domes which are each held on a single central pillar; a unique architectural design in the region. Built from stone, mudbrick, hay, and clay mortar, Al Bidya Mosque showcases the skill and resourcefulness of ancient builders who relied on the land’s natural resources. The mosque has dimensions of only 6.8 metres by 6.8 metres and can hold approximately 70 people worshiping simultaneously.
Al Bidya Mosque: Architectural Marvel.
Another unique characteristic of Al Bidya Mosque is the rare architectural design. Unlike most mosques in the region, Al Bidya Mosque features four domes supported by a single central pillar, a design rarely seen in the UAE. The builders constructed the mosque using local materials such as stone, mud-brick, hay, and clay mortar.
Their choice of resources highlights the ingenuity and expertise of ancient craftsmen who relied entirely on what their land provided. The building is only 6.8 meters by 6.8 meters in size and is able to hold approximately 70 worshippers at once. It is of modest size but its historical and cultural background is way bigger than its size.
The Oldest Mosque in the UAE.
There has been a scholarly debate as to the precise date of the construction of the Al Bidyah Mosque. The Fujairah Archaeology and the University of Sydney proposed that Al Bidya Mosque was built around 1446 AD.
The Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, later commissioned a study that suggested the mosque was constructed around 1599 AD — nearly 150 years later than earlier estimates.
Whether built in the 15th or 16th century, Al Bidya Mosque still stands as an exceptional architectural and cultural relic, offering rare insight into the religious and social life of people who lived more than five centuries ago.
Archaeological Significance
Al Bidyah is much more than just a wall, as far as its importance is concerned. Archaeological excavations uncovered pottery, weapons, and tools from the Iron Age, nearly 2,500 years ago. These discoveries confirm that Fujairah thrived as a wealthy trading, settlement, and cultural center long before the UAE united.
The mosque served as the spiritual center of Al Bidyah village, reflecting Fujairah’s ancient role as a cultural and religious hub in the eastern Arabian Peninsula.
Inside Al Bidya Mosque
The simplicity of the interior of the Fujairah Mosque is impressive. The domed ceiling, which is constructed without wood, shows the skill of the local builders who managed to create a balance and durability using the natural materials. Al Bidya does not have a minaret as modern mosques do, but the religious essence is quite evident.
The interior design will include a Minbar (pulpit) and Mehrab (niche) that face Makkah which are the centre of Islamic worship. There is no extravagant ornamentation or artificial lighting, which helps to make the atmosphere of tranquility and sanctity. The mosque provides a special feeling of relaxation and spirituality to both worshippers and visitors.
Preservation and Conservation
Al Bidya, the oldest mosque in the UAE, has endured through meticulous maintenance led by Fujairah’s Department of Antiquities. These efforts, guided by Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, highlight the mosque’s cultural and spiritual significance to both Fujairah and the UAE.
A Mosque and Tourist Attraction
Unlike most historic landmarks that serve only as museums, Al Bidya Mosque remains an active place of worship. Worshippers conduct daily prayers here, continuing a tradition that dates back several centuries. Concurrently, the mosque has turned out to be a major tourist destination among visitors who are willing to learn the history and Islamic heritage of Fujairah.
The Fujairah City Center tourists commonly pay their visit to the mosque to marvel visit its architecture, get to know about its history, and enjoy its calm atmosphere. To the locals it has been a sacred place, a breathing link between the past and the present.
Illustration of the History of Fujairah.
In a country famous for futuristic skyscrapers and rapid modernization, the Fujairah Mosque of Al Bidyah offers a refreshing reminder of the past. Its permanence depicts its strength, belief, and culture that have influenced the UAE identity over centuries.
Whether admired as a symbol of architecture, archaeological heritage, or spiritual retreat, Al Bidya Mosque embodies the eternal spirit of Fujairah. It is not merely the oldest mosque in the UAE, but it also embodies a symbol of survival, history, and community.
Visiting Al Bidyah Mosque
Al Bidya Mosque is a must-visit spot for traveler who visit Fujairah. The mosque sits within easy reach of Fujairah City Center and offers an ideal stop on any cultural or heritage tour of the emirate. Since the mosque remains an active place of worship, tourists should dress modestly to honor its sacred character.
The serene environment, combined with the historical value of the mosque, makes it a cultural tourism attraction to all individuals who want to know the cultural background of the UAE.
Conclusion
Al Bidyah Mosque is the tale of endurance, religion, and eternal prettiness. Being the oldest mosque in the UAE, it is a living monument to the spiritual and cultural basics of the country. This ancient mosque has survived due to the diligence and foresight of leaders such as Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi and the Crown Prince of Fujairah.
Today, as worshippers gather under its four domes and tourists marvel at its centuries-old architecture, Al Bidya Mosque continues to echo the spiritual heartbeat of Fujairah. In every sense, it remains a beacon of tradition in a rapidly changing world — a quiet yet powerful reminder of the UAE’s enduring heritage.
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