Al Bidya Mosque

Al Bidya Mosque in Fujairah is an ancient place of worship on a hill between ruined Portuguese watchtowers overlooking the Hajar Mountains and the gulf. Its exact construction date is unknown, with estimates ranging from 1446 to 1668, while legend links its founding to fishermen who found a pearl in the sea. Four low spiral domes rest on a single central pillar that supports the ceiling. Inside the prayer hall are a mihrab, arches, decorative windows and niches for storing sacred books. The grounds are enclosed by a wall of stone, clay and straw. The mosque was restored in 2008 using original materials and is now recognised as a UNESCO cultural heritage monument. Entry is free, modest clothing is recommended, and the best time to visit is between October and April, when temperatures are milder.

Al Bidya Mosque is built entirely from stone and mud brick and covered with layers of whitewashed plaster. Its architecture is unique in the Emirates: four pointed domes form an unusual roof supported by a single interior column, giving the prayer hall a sense of lightness and harmony.