Joanna James
Ultramodern architecture, luxury shopping and mind-blowing extravagance — the exotic Gulf city of Dubai also has a whole host of fascinating religious places for you to see. Come, tour the glimmering metropolis' sacred religious sites, and enjoy a slice of culture on your getaway to the Gulf city.
Set in the heart of the historical quarter of Dubai between Dubai Museum and Textile Souk, Grand Mosque is arguably the most important and sacred religious site in the bustling emirate. Bathed in a sandy-grey hue, the striking mosque brings out traditional design details of ancient Arabian and Anatolian architecture so elegantly. The sprawling sacred site is adorned with over 50 domes and also has a towering minaret with an in-built 70-metre-tall lighthouse adding to its charm, which is the tallest in all of Dubai and the only section in the entire mosque where non-muslims are allowed.
In the vicinity of the aforementioned Grand Mosque, Iranian Mosque in the district of Bur Dubai is a "Shia Mosque Hosainia". The mosque's vibrant blue-green mosaic facade is sure to catch your eye right away. Dating back to 1979, Iranian Mosque — also known as Iranian Mosque Hosainia or Ali Ibn Abi Talib Mosque — was built by Iranian Red Crescent and is inspired by traditional Persian design, which makes the mosque outstandingly conspicuous among the rest of the structures of Iranian background in the vicinity.
Bearing traditional Fatimid style which has its roots embedded in Syria and Egypt, Jumeirah Mosque is reportedly the largest mosque in Dubai and is also believed to be the most photographed structure in the whole of the Gulf city. The construction of the mosque began in 1976 and opened its doors 3 years later in 1979, marking itself as an icon of ancient Islamic architecture. While only Muslims are allowed casual visits to the mosque, non-muslims too are afforded the possibility to feast their eyes on the mind-blowing architectural masterpiece thanks to the tours organised by Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.
Built only in January 2012, Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple may not hold a vast historical significance as most other religious sites in the city of Dubai, but it sure offers an unmissable experience you don't want to leave out from your Dubai itinerary. Amidst scores of historical places of worship that go way back in time, this Sikh temple boasts a striking blend of ancient and modern architecture.
In the midst of all the Islamic-majority religious places in Dubai, St Mary's Catholic Church is one of the few catholic churches in the city as well as one of the oldest churches in the entire UAE, which is why it would be a pity not to pay this charming church a visit. After a day of touring the exotic Gulf city's fascinating religious sites, retreat to one of the finest hotel apartments in Dubai the likes of Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, and call it a day.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
