- Address: S116, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Phone: +971 6 505 5888
- Website: sia.gov.ae
Sharjah is rightly considered the most "faithful" emirate of the UAE . On its territory are located one of the most grandiose and beautiful religious attractions of the country. And among them - the mosque of King Faisal, considered almost a visiting card of the city and the emirate.
The history of the construction of the mosque of King Faisal
This architectural monument was named in honor of the former ruler of Saudi Arabia, which enjoyed great popularity among its citizens. Under the construction of the mosque of King Faisal was allocated a huge area of 5000 square meters. m. The Turkish architect Vedat Dalokai worked on its design, which became the winner among 43 architects from 17 countries of the world. Works on the construction of the mosque of King Faisal lasted from 1976 to 1987. Approximately $ 120 million was invested in the construction.
The uniqueness of the mosque of King Faisal
Among similar structures, this landmark is remarkable for its original architecture and gigantic dimensions. During the prayers, 3,000 believers can be accommodated at the same time. The building of the mosque of King Faisal is divided into the following levels:
- first and second floor - male prayer rooms;
- the third floor - the Department of Islamic Affairs;
- underground floor - women's prayer rooms.
On the third floor there is also a library, in the collection of which there are about 7000 books. Here you can find works on the history of Islam, modern books of Sharia and hadith, works of world science, art and literature. The women's library of the mosque of King Faisal is located on the ground floor. In addition, there are auditoriums for lectures and educational events and art galleries.
In the building of the mosque of King Faisal is the International University of Islam and the branch of the International Charitable Organization. On the ground floor there is a large playground where anyone can bring clothes and other donations to those in need from other countries of the world.
The interior of the mosque of King Faisal amazes with its luxury. The central prayer hall was decorated by a talented artist who decorated it with mosaic and precious stones. The main decorative element of the hall is a huge beautiful chandelier, made in Arabic style.
The rules of visiting the mosque of King Faisal
Not all Muslim buildings in the UAE have access for non-religious tourists and non-Muslims. This same rule applies to the mosque of King Faisal. For Muslims, it is open daily. Entrance to it is absolutely free. Other categories of tourists can sign up for tours that are held outside the building. So you can learn about the history of its construction and other interesting facts .
To admire the beauty and monumentality of the mosque of King Faisal is also possible from the main square of Sharjah - Al Soor. Here you can visit the Koran monument and the Central Market of the city.
How to get to the mosque of King Faisal?
This monumental structure is located in the western part of the city of Sharjah, about 700 meters from the lake Khalid. From the city center to the mosque of King Faisal you can get by taxi, rented car or public transport . If you move west along the Sheikh Rashid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi road, you will reach the required place in maximum of 11 minutes.
At 350 meters from King Faisal's mosque, there is the King Faisl bus stop, which can be reached via the E303, E306, E400.