Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah Overview

Located in the heart of Sharjah, the Al Noor Mosque is amongst the most beautiful mosques in the city. It dominates the city’s skyline owing to its fabulous architecture. In Arabic, the word 'Noor' means light, and Al Noor, true to its meaning, stands magnificently alongside the Khalid Lagoon on Buhaira Corniche. Al Noor is the first ever mosque in United Arab Emirates to be open to non-Muslim visitors.

The architecture of Al Noor is influenced by the classic Turkish Ottoman designs with elements inspired by the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul. This majestic mosque was built by the ruler of Sharjah in 2005. The mosque visit is free of any entry costs and the visitors are provided with a free one-hour guided tour by the non-profit Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication. The 45-minute tour informs tourists about the Islamic and Emirati culture and traditions and also briefs the visitor about the detailed design of the mosque.

Architecture of Al Noor Mosque

Al Noor’s architecture will sweep away all those who have an eye for detail and art. The main entrance of the mosque is lined by two magnificent and gracefully carved minarets on either side that stand tall with a height of 52 meters. These pillars soar into the sky, lighting up the place after sunset. These appear like lighthouses from a distance during night time.

Al Noor Mosque Front View — The Front View
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The 34 elegant cascading domes appear extremely harmonised to look at. They are the best external feature of Al Noor Mosque that attract art and design enthusiasts from all over the world. The glorious central dome is guarded by several half domes that are each adorned by four small cupola domes. The interiors of the central dome reach as high as 31.5 metres tall.

The exterior of Al Noor is embellished with beautifully carved floral cornices decorating the edge of the mosque’s roof and the arched windows and doors. Small meticulous combinations of geometric, floral and other closely knit patterns enhance the inner sides of the numerous domes. The domes, arches and pillars are also emblazoned with inscriptions from the Holy book of Quran. The humongous prayer hall is prettified by a number of arches, pillars and columns that stand together like a festooned garland.

Tips

1. Although the entry to the mosque is free of cost, register at the admin desk prior to the visit.
2. While visiting the mosque, women must make sure to wear appropriate clothing covering them from head to toe. They are also required to cover their heads with a scarf which will be provided at the registration desk and must be returned after the tour gets over.
3. Men also aren’t allowed to wear shorts or vests that expose a lot of upper bodies.
4. Visitors are requested to remove their footwear before entering the mosque.
5. To book the free tour, reach the mosque a little prior to the visiting time.
6. Taking photographs inside the mosque is allowed.

How To Reach Al Noor Mosque Sharjah

Al Noor is located on the Buhaira Corniche Road. Travelling to the mosque from the city centre is quite easy via a taxi. From Khalid Lagoon, the mosque is nearly 1 km away so one can easily walk over. Jumbo Sony 1 is the closest bus station to the mosque.