Perhaps a building could embody Dubai’s blend of tradition and modernity? That building is the Juma Mosque. The Juma Mosque stands as one of the most loved landmarks in the United Arab Emirates.
The Juma Mosque’s story began in 1975. Construction finished in 1979. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum gifted it to his son, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The Jumeirah Mosque is a testament to Islamic architecture. It combines Fatimid and Mamluk styles. Architects Abd al-Mu’izz Husayn and Muhammad al-Mahdi Hegazy designed it. Their Hegazy Engineering Consultancy firm is based in Cairo.
Look at the mosque’s exterior. You will see yellow-pink sandstone. Deep relief carvings embellish the two minarets and dome. These carvings reflect Egyptian Mamluk architecture. Quranic verses adorn the entrance for worshippers. They emphasize daily prayer’s importance. Fountains stand in the courtyard for wudu.
Inside the Juma Mosque, columns surround the central dome. This hypostyle design comes from Seljuk architecture. A large carpet with floral patterns covers the floor. The prayer hall features epigraphy. It recites the Victory verse of the Quran. Notice the beige, yellow, salmon pink and blue colors. They ascend in order. Blue covers the dome’s interior, representing the sky.
The Jumeirah Mosque can accommodate 1,200 worshippers. It welcomes non-Muslim visitors through the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding or SMCCU. The SMCCU’s program is called ‘Open Doors. Open Minds.’. It aims to teach visitors about Islam and Arab culture.
The Juma Mosque visit includes a tour. It covers the Five Pillars of Islam, ablution and Islamic prayer basics. A Q and A session concludes the tour. Modest dress is required. Women need headscarves. Head covers, abayas, and kandooras are available. The complex features a museum, the Once Upon a Time museum. It also features a majlis and a dining area with Emirati food.
Interestingly, the Jumeirah Mosque once appeared on the 500 dirham note. That was in 2003. The Burj Khalifa has since replaced it.
Today, the Juma Mosque remains a cultural gem. It is located on Jumeirah Beach Road. It stands as a symbol of Dubai’s heritage and openness. Its doors are open. Its minds are open. The Juma Mosque invites everyone to learn and appreciate Islamic culture.