JournalAl Bidyah Mosque, Fujairah: The UAE's Oldest Mosque
In short: Al Bidyah Mosque in Fujairah is described as the UAE's oldest surviving mosque. Its construction date is uncertain: one study suggested 1446 AD and a 2017 study proposed about 1599 AD. It is small, with four domes, and is still an active place of worship.
Quick facts
| Starting point | Fujairah city |
|---|---|
| Emirate | Fujairah |
| Dating | Uncertain: 1446 AD or about 1599 AD |
| Size | 6.8 m by 6.8 m, about 70 worshippers |
| Structure | Stone, mud-brick, hay and clay; four domes; no minaret |
| Status | Active place of worship |
Dating
A study by Fujairah's archaeology and heritage department with the University of Sydney suggested 1446 AD. A 2017 study proposed a date closer to 1599 AD, about 150 years later. Excavations nearby found Iron Age material from about 2,500 years ago.
Architecture
- Four domes, each supported by a single central pillar.
- Domed roof built without wood; no minaret.
- Local materials: stone, mud-brick, hay and clay mortar.
Visiting respectfully
It is a working mosque. Follow posted signs, dress modestly and keep quiet, and do not enter during prayer unless it is permitted. Rules on visitor access were not given in the sources, so confirm with Fujairah's Department of Antiquities.
Check before you go
This is a researched guide, not legal, medical or safety advice. UAE rules, permits, fees, opening hours and closures change and can differ by emirate, so confirm with the official tourism authority, municipality or police before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Al Bidyah Mosque?
Its date is disputed: about 1446 AD in one study and about 1599 AD in another.
Can visitors go in?
Check access with Fujairah's Department of Antiquities; it is an active mosque.
Does it have a minaret?
No.
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