Sharjah Mosque is the largest mosque in the emirate, opened in May 2019 in the Al Tay area where Emirates Road meets Maliha Road. It holds around 25,000 worshippers, was built in an Ottoman architectural style, and is one of the few mosques in Sharjah that welcomes non-Muslim visitors. Entry is free.
This guide covers what the mosque is, how to visit respectfully if you’re not Muslim, current hours, dress code, and how to get there.
Sharjah Mosque at a glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Total capacity | About 25,000 worshippers |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Dress code | Modest; arms and legs covered, headscarf for women |
| Opening hours | About 3:00 AM-11:00 PM daily (visit outside prayer times) |
| Opened | May 2019 |
| Architecture style | Ottoman |
| Location | Al Tay, Sharjah (Emirates Road x Maliha Road) |
| Distance from Sharjah city | About 20 minutes |
| Distance from Dubai | About 25-30 minutes |
| Parking | Free, over 2,000 vehicles |
Architecture and scale
The mosque was built between 2014 and 2019 at an estimated cost of around AED 300 million, on a site of roughly 185,806 square metres. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, oversaw the project and inaugurated it on 10 May 2019, during the first week of Ramadan.
The design follows a classical Ottoman style: large central domes, tall pencil minarets, colonnaded courtyards, and detailed calligraphy through the interior. The main prayer hall is the centrepiece, with high ceilings, chandeliers, and space that opens onto landscaped grounds with fountains.
Beyond the prayer halls, the complex includes a library, a collection hall, a Dawah centre for education and outreach, ablution areas, gardens, and a walking track around the grounds. Multilingual signage helps visitors find their way.
The 25,000 total capacity is spread across indoor and outdoor spaces rather than a single hall:
| Space | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Main prayer hall | ~5,000 (including a dedicated section for 610 women) |
| Front hall and side lobbies | ~6,000 |
| Outdoor yards | ~13,500 |
The main hall is the part most visitors see: arched stained-glass windows, walls inscribed with Quranic calligraphy, a large central chandelier, and red carpeting, with warm lighting designed to bring out the detail after dark.
Facilities and accessibility
The complex is built to handle large crowds and a range of visitors:
- Separate entrances for women, VIPs, and buses, alongside the main public gates, to keep movement smooth during busy periods
- A library holding Islamic texts, reference materials, and historical documents, open to both scholars and general visitors
- A collection hall displaying artefacts, manuscripts, and architectural models tied to the mosque’s construction
- Wheelchair access and seating for elderly visitors, plus a supply of wheelchairs on site
- A souvenir shop near the main entrance and a cafeteria
- Parking for over 2,000 vehicles
Visiting as a non-Muslim
Sharjah Mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors, which sets it apart from most mosques in the emirate. Access is through designated areas and, in many cases, guided visits run by the Dawah centre, which frame the visit around Islamic beliefs and the building’s design rather than architecture alone.
A few things to know before you go:
- Visit outside prayer times. The mosque is an active place of worship first, and non-Muslim access is meant to work around the five daily prayers. Fridays around midday (Jumu’ah) are the busiest and best avoided.
- Dress modestly. Both men and women should cover their arms and legs. Women should cover their hair, and headscarves are usually provided at the entrance if you don’t have one.
- Photography is allowed in designated areas, but avoid photographing people who are praying, and keep prayer halls quiet.
- Keep your behaviour respectful throughout, as you would in any active place of worship.
If you want a guided visit rather than a self-directed walk-through, it’s worth arranging in advance, especially during the busier winter tourist months.
Hours and entry
- Entry is free for all visitors.
- The mosque generally operates daily from around 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- Non-Muslim visiting is best done between prayer times, so plan around the daily prayer schedule rather than the full opening window.
Because prayer times shift through the year and the mosque’s visitor arrangements can change during Ramadan, check the current prayer schedule for the day you plan to go.
Getting there
The mosque sits at the intersection of Emirates Road (E611) and Maliha Road, roughly a 20-minute drive from Sharjah city and about 25-30 minutes from Dubai under normal traffic.
- By car: the location is well signposted and easy to reach from both Sharjah and Dubai via major roads. Parking is large, with room for over 2,000 vehicles.
- By public transport: some public buses from Sharjah stop near the mosque, though a car or taxi is the more reliable option given the location.
Best time to visit
Early mornings and late afternoons are the calmest windows, and sunset is a common favourite for the way the light sits on the domes and minarets. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Avoid Friday midday, when Jumu’ah prayers draw the largest congregation of the week.
A visit doesn’t need to be long. The grounds and main hall can be appreciated in under an hour, and the mosque’s appeal is more about atmosphere than ticking off a list of attractions.
And if you are exploring other places in Sharjah then you must consider Sharjah Desert Park after this. That has 4 venues and all in 1ticket (Arabian Wildlife Centre, Natural History Museum, Botanical Museum, Children’s Farm).
Ramadan
During Ramadan, the mosque hosts iftar gatherings, often as part of charitable and community initiatives, and the atmosphere shifts toward communal evening worship. Visitors are still welcome, but the schedule and access can differ from the rest of the year, so it’s worth confirming arrangements before visiting during the holy month.
Daily Mosque Routine & Timings
- Suhoor / Fajr (Dawn):
- Fajr Adhan: Calls for the start of the fast (~05:05 AM to ~05:30 AM depending on the part of the month).
- Iqamah: 20 minutes after the Adhan.
- Mosques remain open for morning Quran recitation (Halaqat) until after sunrise.
- Dhuhr (Midday):
- Adhan: ~12:30 PM to 12:35 PM.
- Iqamah: 15–20 minutes after the Adhan. Short religious reminders/tafsir circles often take place immediately following prayer.
- Asr (Afternoon):
- Adhan: ~03:45 PM to 03:52 PM.
- Iqamah: 15 minutes after the Adhan.
- Maghrib & Communal Iftar (Sunset):
- Adhan / Cannon: ~06:15 PM to 06:30 PM (marks the breaking of the fast).
- Iftar Tents & Distribution: Authorized charity Iftar tents and distribution points on the mosque grounds serve meals right at the Maghrib Adhan.
- Iqamah: Prayed 10–15 minutes after the Adhan to give worshippers time to break their fast with dates and water.
- Isha & Taraweeh (Night):
- Adhan: ~07:30 PM to 07:45 PM.
- Isha Iqamah: Usually prayed shortly after the Adhan.
- Taraweeh Prayers: Commence immediately after the Fard and Sunnah of Isha. Most mosques perform 8 to 20 Rak’ahs followed by Witr (typically lasting 45 to 75 minutes).
- Qiyam Al-Layl / Tahajjud (Last 10 Nights):
- Start Time: Usually begins around 12:00 AM – 1:00 AM during the final 10 nights of Ramadan.
- Sharjah Grand Mosque hosts prominent guest Qaris with extended recitations and Du’a Qunoot until approx. 2:30 AM – 3:00 AM.
FAQ
Can non-Muslims visit Sharjah Mosque?
Yes. It’s one of the few mosques in Sharjah open to non-Muslim visitors, through designated areas and guided visits run by the Dawah centre. Visits happen outside prayer times.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry is free for all visitors.
What’s the dress code?
Modest clothing covering arms and legs, for both men and women. Women should cover their hair, and headscarves are usually available at the entrance.
What are the opening hours?
The mosque generally operates daily from around 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM, but non-Muslim visits are best planned around prayer times rather than the full window.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, in designated areas. Avoid photographing people who are praying, and keep prayer halls quiet while you shoot.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Under an hour is usually enough to see the main hall and grounds, though you can stay longer if you want a quieter, more reflective visit.
Before you go
- Go outside prayer times, ideally a weekday morning or late afternoon when the mosque is quietest.
- Dress modestly, with arms and legs covered. Bring a headscarf if you have one, though the mosque provides them on request.
- Check the day’s prayer schedule before you leave. Exact times shift through the year and shape when non-Muslim visiting actually works.
- No ticket or fixed route needed once you’re inside. Just show up prepared and respectful.
