Al Bidya Mosque: see the UAE's oldest surviving mosque in Fujairah
Al Bidya Mosque in Fujairah is a tiny four-domed building of stone and mud-brick, described as the UAE's oldest surviving mosque and still used for prayer.
Al Bidya Mosque sits among the rocky hills of Fujairah on the east coast. Gulf News describes it as the UAE's oldest surviving mosque. It is small, measuring 6.8 m by 6.8 m, and it holds around 70 worshippers at a time. Local materials were used for the walls, including stone, mud-brick, hay and clay mortar. There are four domes, each resting on a single central pillar, and the roof has no wood and no minaret. Inside are a minbar and a mehrab. The exact date of construction is debated: one study suggested 1446 AD, while a later 2017 study pointed closer to 1599 AD. Conservation was led by Fujairah's Department of Antiquities with UNESCO support. It is special because its modest scale and age give a rare, tangible link to the early history of the region. The article does not state opening hours or visiting rules, and it remains an active place of worship, so check locally and dress and behave respectfully.
- Category: Culture & Heritage
- Emirate: Fujairah
- Location: Al Bidya, Fujairah
Questions and answers
How old is Al Bidya Mosque?
The date is debated. One study suggested 1446 AD, and a 2017 study proposed closer to 1599 AD.
How big is it?
It measures 6.8 m by 6.8 m and holds around 70 worshippers at a time.
What is it built from?
Stone, mud-brick, hay and clay mortar, with a domed roof built without wood.
Is it still used for prayer?
Yes, it is described as an active place of worship.
JavaScript is needed to show the full interactive page.