Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah is an Ottoman style mosque on the Khalid Lagoon at Buhaira Corniche, completed in 2005 and inspired by the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul. It is known for its 34 cascading domes, two slender minarets about 52 metres tall and space for around 2,200 worshippers. Visitors of all faiths are welcome on free guided tours run by the Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication, traditionally held on Monday mornings at 10am. Entry is free, modest dress is required (abayas are provided for women), and after sunset the glowing domes make it one of the most photographed landmarks in the UAE.
Planning your Next trip? Let White Sky handle it.
We book your flights, hotels and transfers, with the option to pay later with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card monthly instalments.
Table of Contents
Al Noor Mosque at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Corniche Street, Al Majaz 1, Buhaira Corniche, Sharjah, UAE |
| Opened | 2005 (construction began in April 2003) |
| Architecture | Turkish Ottoman style inspired by the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque in Istanbul |
| Domes and minarets | 34 cascading domes and two minarets of about 52 metres |
| Capacity | Around 2,200 worshippers (about 1,800 men and 400 women) |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Public guided tour | Usually Monday at 10am, about one hour, except public holidays |
| Private group visits | Weekdays by prior arrangement with the Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication |
| Dress code | Loose clothing covering arms and legs; women cover their hair (abaya and shayla provided) |
| Best time to visit | November to March, from late afternoon to sunset for photos |
History and architecture of Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah
The mosque was built under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. Work began on 6 April 2003 and the mosque opened to worshippers in 2005. Its name comes from the Arabic word noor, meaning light, a symbol of guidance and knowledge in Islam.
The design follows classic Turkish Ottoman architecture, with clear cues from the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul. According to The National, the central dome weighs roughly 100 tonnes and rests on four marble pillars. It is surrounded by half domes and four small corner cupolas, giving 34 domes in total. Two fluted minarets without balconies rise beside the main entrance, while soft beige and pale blue tones reflect the water of the lagoon.
Inside, the prayer hall features Quranic calligraphy, floral ceiling details, marble columns and large crystal chandeliers, all designed to create a calm and bright space for prayer. The mosque is an active place of worship for daily prayers and becomes especially busy during Ramadan.
Guided tours and visiting hours
Al Noor Mosque was the first mosque in Sharjah to open its doors to non Muslim visitors. Tours are run by the Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication, a non profit organisation supported by the Sharjah Awqaf General Trust. The public tour usually starts at 10am every Monday, except on public holidays, and lasts around one hour. Try to arrive about 15 minutes early. You can admire and photograph the exterior from the corniche at any time. Tour days and times may change, especially during Ramadan, Eid and other public holidays.
Dress code and etiquette
- Wear loose, modest clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs.
- Women should cover their hair. An abaya and shayla are provided at the entrance if needed.
- Remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall.
- Keep your voice low and avoid visiting during prayer times.
- Photography is allowed on the tour, but always ask before photographing worshippers.
- Children are welcome but should stay close and keep quiet inside the prayer hall.
Best time to visit Al Noor Mosque
The cooler months from November to March are the most comfortable for exploring the waterfront. For the best photos, arrive in the late afternoon and stay until sunset, when the domes light up over Khalid Lagoon. The mosque has also been one of the landmarks lit up during the annual Sharjah Light Festival, which is usually held in February.
Al Noor Mosque location and how to get there
Al Noor Mosque is located on Corniche Street in Al Majaz 1, along the Buhaira Corniche in Sharjah, UAE. It stands right on the edge of Khalid Lagoon, next to the footbridge to Al Noor Island, with Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Qasba just a short drive around the lagoon. Its two tall minarets are easy to spot from the corniche, so finding the mosque is simple even on your first visit.
- Address: Al Noor Mosque, Corniche Street, Al Majaz 1, Buhaira Corniche, Sharjah, UAE.
- From Dubai: around 30 to 60 minutes by car or taxi via Al Ittihad Road, depending on traffic. Leave early on weekday mornings, as the road into Sharjah gets busy.
- From Sharjah city: only a few minutes by taxi from Al Majaz, Al Qasba, Al Khan and Rolla.
- Parking: paid parking is available along the corniche, a short walk from the mosque entrance.
- Public transport: intercity buses connect Dubai and Sharjah, and a short taxi or ride hailing trip takes you to the corniche.
More mosques and museums in Sharjah
If you enjoy Islamic architecture, add the Sharjah Mosque in Al Tay to your list. Opened in 2019, it is the largest mosque in the emirate and, according to WAM, can welcome around 25,500 worshippers. King Faisal Mosque in the city centre is another well known landmark. For history lovers, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization on the Corniche displays manuscripts, coins, science and art from across the Islamic world.
Things to do near Al Noor Mosque
Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah sits in the heart of the city’s most popular waterfront area, so it is easy to combine with other attractions in one day:
- Al Noor Island in Sharjah: just across the lagoon, with a butterfly house, outdoor art installations and landscaped gardens.
- Al Majaz Waterfront: parks, a musical fountain, play areas and lagoon views a short drive away.
- Al Qasba: a canal side district with cafés, restaurants and evening walks.
- Maraya Art Centre: a free contemporary art space at Al Qasba with changing exhibitions, workshops and artist talks.
- Heart of Sharjah: the restored heritage quarter with Souq Al Arsah, Bait Al Naboodah and traditional courtyard houses.
- Sharjah Aquarium and Sharjah Maritime Museum: a family friendly stop in Al Khan.
- Day trips: Mleiha desert for dunes and archaeology, or Khorfakkan on the east coast for beaches and waterfalls.
- Eye of the Emirates Sharjah: the 60 metre observation wheel at Al Montazah Parks, with views over Khalid Lagoon and Al Noor Mosque.
Food spots near Al Noor Mosque
Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Qasba are lined with Arabic, Lebanese, Turkish and international restaurants with lagoon views, ideal for lunch after the morning tour. In Heart of Sharjah, the traditional coffee shop at Souq Al Arsah serves Arabic coffee and Emirati dishes. Look out for local favourites such as machboos, harees, luqaimat and a cup of karak tea.
Hotels and resorts near Al Noor Mosque
Popular stays nearby include Corniche Hotel Sharjah (formerly Hilton Sharjah) on the Buhaira Corniche, Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah and Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort and Spa on the beachfront, and The Chedi Al Bait in Heart of Sharjah for a heritage stay. Al Majaz and Al Khan also have many hotel apartments for families and longer visits. These hotels are listed for information only. For more ideas, see our guide to Sharjah and Ajman hotels.
Plan your Sharjah trip with White Sky Travel
Planning to visit Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah as part of a UAE holiday? Entry and the public tour are free, so there is nothing to book for the mosque itself. For the rest of your trip, contact White Sky Travel and Tourism for flights, hotels and transfers. You can book flights with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and our friendly team will help you plan. T&C apply.
Related articles
Keep exploring Sharjah and the UAE with these guides:
- Bait Al Naboodah Museum in Sharjah: History, Tickets and What to See
- Sharjah Aquarium Review: Dive Into Marine Wonders Today
- Mleiha National Park Sharjah: Activities, Landmarks and Where to Stay
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque Fujairah: Timings, Entry and Visiting Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non Muslims visit Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah?
Yes. Al Noor Mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths on free guided tours run by the Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication, usually every Monday at 10am. Private group visits can be arranged on other weekdays.
Is there an entry fee for Al Noor Mosque?
No. Entry to Al Noor Mosque and the public guided tour are both free.
What are the Al Noor Mosque tour timings?
The public tour usually starts at 10am on Mondays, except public holidays, and lasts about one hour. Timings may change during Ramadan, Eid and other holidays.
Is Al Noor Mosque open every day?
Al Noor Mosque is an active mosque open for daily prayers. Non Muslim visitors can go inside on the guided tour, while the exterior can be viewed and photographed from the corniche at any time.
What should I wear to Al Noor Mosque?
Wear loose clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs. Women should cover their hair, and an abaya and shayla are provided at the entrance if needed.
Where is Al Noor Mosque located?
Al Noor Mosque is on Corniche Street, Al Majaz 1, Buhaira Corniche, Sharjah, UAE, on the Khalid Lagoon next to Al Noor Island.
Can I take photos inside Al Noor Mosque?
Yes, photography is allowed during the guided tour. Please ask before photographing anyone who is praying.
How long does it take to get to Al Noor Mosque from Dubai?
It takes around 30 to 60 minutes by car or taxi from Dubai, depending on traffic.
What is Al Noor Mosque famous for?
It is famous for its Ottoman design inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, its 34 cascading domes, two 52 metre minarets and its beautiful lagoon setting, especially when lit at night.
What is there to do near Al Noor Mosque?
Nearby you can visit Al Noor Island, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Qasba, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and the Heart of Sharjah heritage area.
Do I need to book the Al Noor Mosque tour through a travel agency?
No. The public tour is free and run by the Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication. For flights, hotels and transfers for your Sharjah trip, contact White Sky Travel on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Conclusion
Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah is one of the most rewarding cultural stops in the UAE. With free guided tours, a warm welcome for visitors of every faith and a stunning setting on Khalid Lagoon, it fits perfectly into a relaxed day: a morning tour, a walk around Al Noor Island, lunch at Al Majaz Waterfront and sunset photos of the glowing domes. Dress modestly, check the tour day before you go, and contact White Sky Travel for flights, hotels and transfers on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to make your Sharjah trip easy.
Enjoying our content? Make us a preferred source on Google.
Add us as a Preferred Source on Google
