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All United Arab Emirates Al Bidya Al Bidya Mosque

Al Bidya Mosque

The oldest surviving mosque in the UAE has mysterious origins and unusual architecture.

Al Bidya, United Arab Emirates

Added By
lindsaysuzanne
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Al Bidya Mosque.   Mike Che/CC BY-SA 3.0
Al Bidya Mosque.   Mike Che/CC BY-SA 3.0
Al Bidya Mosque.   Bobak Ha'Eri/CC BY-SA 3.0
  MissBez / Atlas Obscura User
Al Bidya Mosque.   lindsaysuzanne / Atlas Obscura User
Al Bidya Mosque.   lindsaysuzanne / Atlas Obscura User
Al Bidya Mosque.   lindsaysuzanne / Atlas Obscura User
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About

After visiting the new, futuristic skyscrapers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Al Bidya Mosque is a respite in its simplicity. It’s the oldest extant mosque in the United Arab Emirates.

Al Bidya is thought to date back to 1446, when it was built into the hillside between the Gulf and the Hajar Mountains, though new research proposes it may be over a century younger than originally believed. Because it’s made entirely of mud and stone, radiocarbon dating a precise age is impossible.

The mosque is located near the village of Al Bidya in the east coast emirate of Fujairah. Its origins largely remain a mystery. Even local elders reportedly know little about its early history.

Al Bidya is uniquely built, mainly because it has fewer domes than other mosques. It has four layered domes, each containing a central pillar to support the structure. While it now has modern lighting and air conditioning, the worn minbar (pulpit), niches for decoration or lighting, and tiny windows for lighting and ventilation echo to a bygone era.

Modestly dressed tourists may visit this place of worship, which still features daily prayers. The surrounding area also includes old watchtowers, ruins of buildings, and market stalls where crafts are currently sold. The area is dotted with local flora.

Related Tags

Mosques Religion Architecture Mystery Ruins Markets Architectural Oddities Domes Unesco Sacred Spaces

Know Before You Go

Make sure to wear attire appropriate for visiting a mosque.

Community Contributors

Added By

lindsaysuzanne

Edited By

Kerry Wolfe, MissBez

  • Kerry Wolfe
  • MissBez

Published

October 24, 2017

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Sources
  • https://www.thenational.ae/uae/oldest-uae-mosque-holds-onto-its-secrets-1.469565
  • http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5665/
  • https://www.archaeology.org/news/5559-170517-al-badiyah-mosque
Al Bidya Mosque
Rugaylat Road (E99)
Al Bidya
United Arab Emirates
25.439089, 56.354113
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Nahwa

Nahwa, United Arab Emirates

miles away

Fujairah Fort

Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

miles away

Buried Village of Al Madam

Al Madam, United Arab Emirates

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

Middle East

Places 30

Nearby Places

Nahwa

Nahwa, United Arab Emirates

miles away

Fujairah Fort

Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

miles away

Buried Village of Al Madam

Al Madam, United Arab Emirates

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

Middle East

Places 30

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