Mosques of Dubai: A Journey Through Time and Architecture - Al Salam Mosque
Explore the history and architecture of diverse mosques across the Emirate
Wide angle view of the mosque by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
The landscape of Dubai
The city of Dubai has caught the world’s eye with buildings that are no less than inspiring visions and futuristic statements. Some of them are mosques.
Among them, Al Salam Mosque is one of the most magnificent and impressive – especially because it is just as cosmopolitan as the city itself.
View Of the windows of Mosque from inside by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
A melting pot of cultures
Dubai hosts more than 200 nationalities from around the world, all living in harmony.
In this cosmopolitan backdrop, Al Salam Mosque is a unique ensemble of architectural styles from across cultures. Just as the name suggests, they co-exist in harmony, glorifying the creator.
Night view of mosque by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Located in Al Barsha, behind Mall of the Emirates, Al Salam Mosque has space to accommodate 1500 worshippers. Completed in 2014, it was built under the financial patronage of His Excellency Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security.
Al Salam Mosque - beautiful example of Emirati architecture
Resplendent in its pink paintwork and golden touches, the majestic structure is unmistakable even from a distance. Al Salam Mosque is inspired by several architectural styles including the Andalusian, the Ottoman and the Fatimid.
The design elements of Al Salam Mosque are often a combination of more than one style. The minarets represent the Fatimid style, which in turn combines elements of eastern and western architecture, inspired by the likes of Byzantine and Coptic architecture.
Inside the view of mosque with Holy Book of Quran by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
From the inside, Al Salam Mosque is a formidable structure built with stone. The shaded veranda area is reminiscent of Andalusian and other styles.
As for the beautiful domes, their little windows lit up in green have traits of the Ottoman era while the vivid windows of the mosque are similar to those found in Europe and Andalusia.
Structurally, GRC and gypsum can be found to be used all around the interiors of the mosque. The glass fibre-reinforced concrete material is similar to that used in Emirati mosques, too.
Interestingly, the sides and the ceilings of Al Salam Mosque display a unique combination of Indian design and Chinese decorative styles.
Worshiper Offering Salah inside of mosque by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
The harmonious architecture seems to have a benevolent influence on the experience of worship and prayer within the mosque. Deep inside Al Salam Mosque, the mihrab is an intricately carved niche, richly amplifying the prayerful voice of the Imam as he leads the worshippers.
As in many mosques, verses from the holy Quran adorn the walls. They are written in line with the design of the mosque, interacting with worshippers, heightening the feeling of piety and conveying a sense of the stature and sanctity of the place they are in.
An edifice that stands for the harmonious co-existence of humanity, what is written on façade of Al Salam Mosque is the supreme statement of faith.
“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” A timeless recognition of truth holding together the harmony of humanity.
View Of the windows of Mosque with Chandelier by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
The colourful windows of the mosque bring to mind those found in Europe and Andalusia.
View Of the windows of Mosque from inside by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
If the variety of architectural styles is impressive, what is even more admirable is the harmony with which they co-exist.
View Of the Interior of Mosque from inside by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
The magnificent mosque has space for 1500 worshippers praying together.
Entrance of the Mosque by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
The minarets of Al Salam Mosque represent the Fatimid style, which in turn combines elements of eastern and western architecture.
AerialView of the whole mosque by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
The majestic structure of Al Salam Mosque, with its pink paintwork and golden domes, is unmistakable from afar.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.