Visit the Jumeira Mosque in Dubai

The Jumeirah Mosque is considered to be the most important mosque in the city of Dubai for several reasons. The main reason is that it is one of the few mosques in the city that accepts non-Muslim visitors. In fact, it lives up to Dubai's motto of 'open doors, open minds' and is part of a programme that aims to bring Islam to people of all walks of life and faiths. **Everyone is welcome.
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But if that's not reason enough, its beautiful architecture is sure to convince you to visit. Built in 1979, the building was erected with the care and luxury that characterises the emirate. A large dome flanked by two tall minarets stands out and can be seen from many parts of the city (if you're looking for a view from the top of the Burj Khalifa, don't forget to look for it).

Want to know more? Come along and I'll tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful monument.

The temple is located on one of Dubai's main thoroughfares, Jumeirah Avenue. A residential area with numerous shops, cafes and entertainment venues to complement your visit.

It is important to know that the mosque has a dress code. You must enter barefoot and may not wear trousers above the knees or sleeveless T-shirts. In addition, women must wear a headscarf to cover their hair. If this is too much of a hassle for you, don't worry - traditional clothing suitable for the visit is available at the door.

How much does it cost to enter the Jumeirah Mosque?

The entrance fee is usually around 25 dirhams, which at the exchange rate is about 6 euros. A very affordable price considering the options on offer. You can buy your ticket at the mosque itself.

The mosque is open from Saturday to Thursday, but you can only enter at 10:00 am. However, if you are going to visit , you should be there half an hour before. Fridays are not open as this is a holy day in Islamic culture. It opens from Saturday to Thursday at 10:00 am.

As the visit is guided only, it is important to note that you should be there half an hour before the start of the visit. It is not necessary to book a ticket.

How much time do you need to visit the Jumeirah Mosque?

The visit lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and you have to be at the door 30 to 15 minutes beforehand to get your tickets, get dressed if necessary, etc. So it will take you between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on whether you prefer to go with more time on your hands or more relaxed.

The Jumeirah Mosque can only be visited as part of a guided tour programme. However, don't let that put you off, the visit is highly recommended, as it offers a very comprehensive tour.

The tour lasts approximately1 hour and 15 minutes, during which you will be shown the architectural and decorative virtues of the temple, you will be shown a different and probably unknown perspective of Islam and you will even have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and a typical snack. The snacks are offered before the tour begins and are usually light Arabic drinks, Arabic coffee and sweets and other products typical of the region.

So I definitely recommend a visit. You can find all the information on their website if you want to take a look. The mosque can also be visited as part of guided tours of Dubai.

In case you can't go on a guided tour, there is also the opportunity to visit the Jumeirah Mosque privately. To do so, you must first contact the mosque's management. You can find the contact details on the website I mentioned in the previous paragraph.

The idea of the mosque is that it should be an open place to showcase Islam and its culture to anyone who wants to visit. So there are no restrictions on visiting the mosque, except for Dubai's own dress code.

It is preferable that you go to the temple with the appropriate clothing and that once inside you comply with the rules without exception. Although it may sound contradictory, this mosque has become the focal point of the Open Doors, Open Minds programme that the emirates have been promoting for two decades and which is characterised by its open and friendly nature to bring Islam and the country's culture closer to all those who are willing to do so.

If you visit the mosque you will notice the hospitality and willingness of the guides who will accompany you during your visit.

The mosque is located at 1 Jumeirah Beach Road, near the beach of the same name. If you rent a car you won't have much difficulty, as there are plenty of free parking spaces in the area.

• Given the usual Dubai heat, taxis are one of the best options. Taxi fares are also quite reasonable.
• You can also opt to go by bus on one of the following lines: 9, X28, F11 and F09. All of them will drop you off very close to the mosque. If you have a pass for the Dubai Sightseeing Bus, one of the stops will drop you at the door.
• In this case the metro is not a recommended option as the nearest stop, the World Trade Center on the red line, is about 3km away. Even so, the metro is one of the most convenient ways to get around Dubai.

Of course! Children are free to enter, although they must also comply with the dress code. The visit is not too long and they will certainly enjoy going barefoot and the snacks on offer.

Children under the age of 12 are free of charge. From the age of 12 upwards they pay the same entrance fee as adults, those 6 euros I mentioned before.

The Jumeirah Mosque was built of white stone in the tradition of the region as seen in other mosques. It has twin minarets that rise around the central dome decorated with interlacing elements.

The architectural charm of the mosque is visible both inside and out. If you have the opportunity, visit the mosque at sunset. Its white colours combined with the orange hues of the sun before nightfall in Dubai offer a picture to remember.

Remember to bring your camera or phone with you, as this is one of the few mosques that can be photographed from the inside. Its mosaics, carpets and especially the decoration of the dome have to be in your photo gallery.

But it's best to go with an open mind and an open stomach, as you'll learn a lot about Islam and its culture from the guides and through your palate with the succulent breakfast included in the tour.

• Wear austere clothing that covers legs and arms. Women also wear scarves to cover their hair.
• Arrive at the gate 30 minutes before 10:00 am.
• Go with an open mind and an open stomach, as breakfast and typical drinks are available.
• Photography is allowed inside, however, make sure your photos do not include locals. You will find that they are very friendly and hospitable, but reserved about their religious rites.
• If you can walk around the outside of the mosque, the lighting, both natural at dusk and artificial at nightfall, makes for a picture-worthy sight.
• Respect the rules of conductat all times.

Jumeirah is undoubtedly one of the best mosques in Dubai as it is one of the few mosques that allows tourists to enter. However, there are other mosques in the city that you can visit if only to admire the exterior architecture:

• Al Farooq Mosque: Known as the Blue Mosque, it is inspired by the famous mosque of the same name in Istanbul. Its 65-metre high minarets and 30-metre high dome stand out.
• The Great Mosque: Its name does it justice as it is the largest mosque in Dubai. Its minarets reach 70 metres in height, making it the most striking building in Bur Dubai, the old part of the city.
• Al Noor Mosque: A mosque inspired by Turkish temple designs, it can accommodate up to 2200 worshippers.

If you are interested in Islamic culture, I recommend a trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, where you can see other wonders such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque that will not leave you indifferent.