Al Badiyah Mosque (also spelled Al Bidya or Al Bidyah Mosque) is the oldest existing mosque in the United Arab Emirates. Long dated to 1446 CE, it was dated to around 1599 CE by a 2017 scientific study published by Fujairah Tourism. It stands in the village of Al Bidyah on the east coast of Fujairah, between Khor Fakkan and Dibba Al Fujairah, about 35 km north of Fujairah city. This small square prayer hall is built from stone and mud brick, has four stepped domes resting on one central pillar, is still used for the five daily prayers, and is open to visitors of all faiths from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm outside prayer times.
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Table of Contents
Al Badiyah Mosque at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Bidyah village, Fujairah, UAE (east coast, between Khor Fakkan and Dibba) |
| Age | Around 1599 CE according to the latest 2017 study (traditionally dated to 1446 CE); the oldest existing mosque in the UAE |
| Built from | Local stone, mud brick and plaster |
| Size | About 6.8 by 6.8 metres |
| Signature feature | Four stepped domes supported by a single central pillar |
| Status | Active mosque, on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2012 |
| Opening hours | 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily (closed to visitors during prayers) |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Time needed | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Drive from Dubai | Around two hours |
History of Al Badiyah Mosque
Al Badiyah Mosque takes its name from Al Bidyah, one of the oldest settlements on the UAE east coast. For generations it served the village and nearby communities such as Al Fai, Al Jubail and Haqeel, who gathered here for Friday prayers.
For many years the mosque was dated to 1446 CE, a figure you will still see on many websites. Earlier radiocarbon tests on charcoal from its foundations gave a wide range between the mid 15th and mid 17th centuries. In 2017, Fujairah heritage authorities worked with the Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi and sent foundation samples to the University of Minnesota for uranium thorium dating. According to Fujairah Tourism, the results date the mosque to around 1599 CE, give or take nine years. Whichever date you go by, it remains the oldest existing mosque in the UAE and is still in daily use. The building was restored by Fujairah heritage authorities and reopened in 2003, and in 2012 the UAE added it to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
Architecture: what makes it unique
Most old mosques along the Gulf coast had flat roofs laid on palm trunks. Al Badiyah Mosque is different. Its roof is carried by one thick central pillar that divides the prayer hall into four spaces, each topped by its own dome. It is a striking contrast to modern landmarks such as Dubai’s Blue Mosque, and seeing both shows how far mosque design in the UAE has travelled.
- Four stepped domes: each dome is built in layers, with smaller domes stacked on larger ones, giving the roof its distinctive spiral look from outside.
- Single central pillar: one stone column supports all four domes, an unusual engineering solution for its time.
- Local materials: stone, mud brick and plaster, with thick walls that keep the interior cooler.
- Simple interior: a small mihrab, a short three step minbar, wall niches for oil lamps and small openings for light and air.
- Watchtowers: on the hill behind the mosque stand old watchtowers that once guarded the village and its date farms.
Al Badiyah Mosque location
Al Badiyah Mosque is located in Al Bidyah village, Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, right beside the main coastal road that links Khor Fakkan with Dibba Al Fujairah. The rugged Hajar Mountains rise directly behind it, while the Gulf of Oman lies just across the road, so the setting is as memorable as the mosque itself.
- Address: Al Bidyah, Fujairah, UAE (search “Al Bidya Mosque” in Google Maps or Waze)
- GPS coordinates: 25.4388° N, 56.3537° E
- Region: the UAE east coast, about 35 km north of Fujairah city on the road to Dibba Al Fujairah
- Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, closed to visitors during prayer times
- Parking: free parking right next to the mosque
How to get to Al Badiyah Mosque
A car is the easiest way to reach the mosque, as public transport along this part of the coast is limited.
- From Fujairah city: drive north along the coastal road for about 35 km, roughly 35 to 40 minutes.
- From Khor Fakkan: about 15 to 20 minutes north.
- From Dibba: about 20 minutes south.
- From Dubai or Sharjah: around two hours by car across the mountains to the east coast. Many drivers go via Al Dhaid in Sharjah, which makes a handy stop on the way.
Visiting tips: hours, dress code and etiquette
According to Fujairah Tourism, Al Badiyah Mosque is open to visitors from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. It closes to tourists during the daily prayers and is busiest around Friday noon prayers. Arriving in the morning on a weekday gives you the calmest visit and the most comfortable temperatures.
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders, arms and knees; women should cover their hair. Abayas and headscarves are usually available at the entrance.
- Shoes off: remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall.
- Respect worshippers: keep your voice low and avoid visiting during prayer times.
- Photos: photography of the building is fine; ask before photographing people.
- Climb the hill: take the short path up to the watchtowers for the best view of the mosque, the date palms and the sea.
- Beat the heat: in summer, go early, wear a hat and carry water.
Best time to visit
The most pleasant months are October to April, when temperatures on the east coast are mild. In summer, plan your stop for early morning. Many visitors turn the trip into a relaxing east coast weekend, and our UAE staycation deals make that easy.
Things to do near Al Badiyah Mosque
- Al Aqah Beach: just a few minutes south, with resorts such as Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa for an overnight stay by the sea.
- Snoopy Island: a popular snorkelling spot near Dibba with clear water and coral.
- Khor Fakkan: beaches, the corniche and the Khorfakkan Waterfalls.
- Fujairah Fort and Fujairah Museum: more of the emirate’s history in Fujairah city.
- Al Hayl Castle: a hilltop fort and former royal residence in Wadi Al Hayl, southwest of Fujairah city.
- Dibba Al Fujairah: a quiet coastal town with boat trips to the Musandam coast.
If you enjoy heritage sites like this one, you will also like Dhayah Fort in Ras Al Khaimah, or browse more ideas in our guide to UAE tourist attractions.
Plan your Fujairah trip with White Sky Travel
Want to see Al Badiyah Mosque without the hassle of planning? White Sky Travel can help you organise your east coast escape, from hotel stays in Fujairah to transport and UAE tours. You can spread the cost with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months.
Message our team on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and we will put together the right plan for you. Terms and conditions apply, and the final price is confirmed during booking.
Frequently asked questions about Al Badiyah Mosque
Where is Al Badiyah Mosque located?
Al Badiyah Mosque is in the village of Al Bidyah on the east coast of Fujairah, UAE, between Khor Fakkan and Dibba Al Fujairah. It sits beside the coastal road, about 35 km north of Fujairah city and roughly 15 to 20 minutes from Khor Fakkan.
How old is Al Badiyah Mosque?
The latest scientific study, carried out in 2017 and published by Fujairah Tourism, dates Al Badiyah Mosque to around 1599 CE. It was traditionally dated to 1446 CE. Either way, it is the oldest existing mosque in the UAE.
Is there an entry fee for Al Badiyah Mosque?
No. Entry to Al Badiyah Mosque is free. Donations are welcome but not required.
Can non Muslims visit Al Badiyah Mosque?
Yes. Visitors of all faiths can enter outside prayer times. Dress modestly, remove your shoes before going inside and keep your voice low, as it is still an active mosque.
What should I wear to Al Badiyah Mosque?
Wear loose clothing that covers shoulders, arms and knees. Women should cover their hair. Abayas and headscarves are usually available at the entrance for visitors who need them.
How long do you need at Al Badiyah Mosque?
Plan around 30 to 45 minutes to see the prayer hall, walk around the courtyard and climb to the watchtowers on the hill behind the mosque.
What is special about the architecture of Al Badiyah Mosque?
The mosque is a small square prayer hall of about 6.8 by 6.8 metres built from stone, mud brick and plaster. Its four stepped domes rest on a single central pillar, a design rarely seen in other mosques along the UAE coast.
How far is Al Badiyah Mosque from Dubai?
The drive from Dubai to Al Badiyah Mosque usually takes around two hours by car, heading east across the mountains towards Dibba or Fujairah and then along the coastal road.
What are the opening hours of Al Badiyah Mosque?
Al Badiyah Mosque is open to visitors from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, according to Fujairah Tourism. Visitors should avoid prayer times, when the mosque is reserved for worshippers.
Conclusion
Al Badiyah Mosque is small in size but huge in meaning. As the oldest existing mosque in the UAE, with its four stepped domes, single central pillar and quiet setting between the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, it offers a rare look at how people on the east coast built and worshipped more than four centuries ago. Entry is free, a visit takes less than an hour, and it pairs perfectly with a beach stay at Al Aqah or a day in Khor Fakkan. Dress modestly, avoid prayer times and go early in the day, and you will leave with one of the most memorable heritage experiences in the country. When you are ready to plan your trip, chat with White Sky Travel on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
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