Al Bidya Mosque: UAE’s Oldest Masjid in Fujairah

Architecture, History, Travel

Photos and Text by MUHAMMED NOUSHAD

As we were traveling in the northern UAE, we chanced upon this simple, beautiful mosque: Al Bidya masjid, named after the village where it stands. Still functional, Al Bidya mosque is believed to be the oldest surviving mosque in the UAE, situated in rural Fujairah, close to the Arabian Sea, 14 km away from Khor Fokkan. A small structure constructed with mud and local materials (no wood), with four domes and no minarets, this calm and serene shrine is open to all, and is still in use. There are two watchtowers in the background, overlooking the mosque and the village. Given the proximity of the sea, the watchtowers must have served its historic or military guardship in older times.

A collaborative study conducted by the Fujairah Heritage and Antiquities Department and the University of Sydney revealed that this mosque was established in 1446 CE. This mosque showcases the Emirati Islamic heritage from a different perspective and is a tourist attraction. According to the UNESCO World Heritage Center (Tentative Lists), “Al Bidya Mosqe is characterized, and distinguished from other old and modern mosques, by having four domes that are not equal in size. Each dome consists of multiple domes that are mounted on top of others, the first of which forms the base of a large dome. The second smaller dome, together with the third much smaller dome, is crowned with a dome with tiny head… All four domes are supported by one central pillar, which is the main pillar construction foundation are based on. Its central peak and roof bases carry four domes in a unique engineering system.”

According to a report that appeared in the Fujairah Observer, the Bidiyah village itself is one of the oldest on the coast, with people inhabiting it since 3000 BC, as it is believed.

Al Bidya mosque: the oldest mosque in the UAE, with an inviting old-world charm.
Al Bidya mosque with two watchtowers in the background.
Entrance to the mosque, shot from inside.
Mihrab and mimbar of Al Bidya – until a few years ago, the local villagers used to offer Friday jumua here. Nowadays, locals and tourists pray five times a day, like other mosques.
Another view of the mud-built mosque’s cool and serene interior.
Inside the mosque, small niches cradle copies of the Holy Quran, while traditional lanterns hang on the walls.
On the right side is the single central pillar that supports the four domes over the mosque.
The well in front of the mosque – obviously, meant for ablution in the older times.
An open majlis adjacent to the mosque.
Probably remnants of another lost structure.

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