Bin Sultan Mosque is a historic mosque in Masfout, the mountain enclave of the Emirate of Ajman in the Hajar Mountains, close to Hatta and the Oman border. Built around 1815 from clay, gypsum and palm fronds, it is the oldest mosque in Ajman and is still used for prayers today after careful restoration. The small, simple mosque sits among the date farms of Masfout Oasis, about 90 minutes by car from Dubai or Ajman city, and there is no entry fee to see it outside prayer times. It is a highlight of any visit to Masfout, which UN Tourism named the World’s Best Tourism Village in 2025. White Sky Travel and Tourism can plan your Masfout day trip on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133, with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments up to 12 months.
Planning your Next trip? Let White Sky handle it.
We book your attraction tickets and tours, with the option to pay later with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card monthly instalments.
Table of Contents
Bin Sultan Mosque at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Masfout Oasis farm area, Masfout, Ajman, UAE |
| Built | Around 1815 |
| Materials | Clay, gypsum and palm fronds |
| Status | Restored and still used for prayers |
| Entry fee | None |
| Best time to visit | November to March, in the morning |
| Drive from Dubai | About 90 minutes |
| Good to combine with | Masfout Castle and Museum, Kholaiban Dam, Hatta |
Information checked and updated in October 2026. Access and timings can change, so our team confirms the latest details when you book.
What Is Bin Sultan Mosque?
Bin Sultan Mosque is one of the oldest surviving mosques in the UAE and the oldest in Ajman, according to Gulf News. It was built in the early 19th century by the farming community of Masfout, at a time when the village was a self sufficient mountain settlement of the Na’im tribe. Masfout became part of Ajman in 1948.
The mosque shows how Emiratis built with what the land gave them. Its thick walls are made of clay and gypsum plaster, which keep the prayer hall cool in the heat, and the roof was made from woven date palm leaves supported by palm trunks. There is no tall minaret or large dome. Instead you see a low, sand coloured building with simple arches and an open prayer area, very different from the modern marble mosques in the cities.
The mosque has been restored in its original style and is still a working place of worship, so it feels like a living part of the village rather than a museum piece.
In Arabic the mosque is called مسجد بن سلطان (Masjid Bin Sultan), and you may also see Masfout spelled Masfoot or Masfut. The village around it is known for its farms, where millet has long been grown, and for the fine marble found in its mountains.
Where Is Bin Sultan Mosque Located?
Bin Sultan Mosque is in the farm area of Masfout Oasis, at the foot of the mountains in Masfout, Ajman. Masfout is an exclave of Ajman, which means it sits far from Ajman city, surrounded by Dubai’s Hatta area, Sharjah and Oman. To reach the mosque, follow the signs for Masfout Oasis from the Masfoot Walk area; a small farm track leads up to the mosque. You can read more about the whole area in our Masfout Ajman guide.
How to Get to Bin Sultan Mosque
There is no direct public transport for tourists, so most visitors drive or book a private tour. Non GCC nationals should avoid the Dubai Hatta Road (E44) for this trip, because part of it passes through Omani territory. The easiest route for UAE residents and tourists is the Sharjah Kalba Road (E102), then follow the signs to Masfout.
| From | Approximate drive time |
|---|---|
| Hatta | About 15 minutes |
| Dubai | About 90 minutes |
| Ajman city | About 90 minutes (around 120 km) |
| Sharjah | About 90 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi | About two and a half hours |
Drive times depend on traffic and the route you take. Fill up with fuel and buy water before the last stretch into the mountains.
Can You Visit Bin Sultan Mosque? Tips for Visitors
Yes. Visitors are welcome to see Bin Sultan Mosque from outside and take photos, and there is no ticket or entry fee. Because it is an active mosque, entering the prayer hall is not guaranteed for non Muslim visitors, so ask permission if someone is there and follow any instructions.
- Dress modestly: women should cover shoulders and knees and carry a light scarf; men should wear long trousers.
- Avoid prayer times, especially the Friday midday prayer.
- Remove your shoes before stepping into the prayer area.
- Keep your voice low and do not photograph people praying.
- There are no shops or toilets at the mosque, so bring water and plan stops in Masfout town.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the farm track can be dusty and uneven.
Best Time to Visit Bin Sultan Mosque
The best months are November to March, when Masfout is cooler and greener and the mountain air is fresh. Visit in the morning for soft light and quiet surroundings, or late afternoon for golden views over the farms. In summer, go early in the day and avoid the midday heat. After winter rain, the dams and wadis around Masfout are at their most beautiful.
What Is New in Masfout
Masfout and Ajman have had a big couple of years for tourism, which makes this a great time to visit Bin Sultan Mosque:
- World’s Best Tourism Village: UN Tourism picked Masfout from 270 villages in 65 countries for its Best Tourism Villages 2025 award, highlighting its heritage, including Masfout Castle and Bin Sultan Mosque.
- Masfout Gate: opened in February 2026, it links Masfout Museum and Al Boma Tower, and cyclists in the UAE Tour rode through it soon after, as The National reported.
- World Travel Awards 2026: Ajman was named the Middle East’s Best Emerging Tourism Destination.
- More places to stay: local farmhouses, villas and caravans can now be rented as licensed holiday homes.
Things to Do Near Bin Sultan Mosque
Bin Sultan Mosque is a short stop, so pair it with other sights in Masfout and nearby Hatta for a full day out.
Masfout Castle and Museum
The restored hilltop fort is now the Masfout Museum, telling the story of the village, its farms, water channels and tribal history, with great views over the valley. Entry was free in mid 2026 and it is generally open from morning until evening; timings may change.
Masfout Oasis and Masfoot Walk
A paved walkway with benches and shelters runs through town past a watchtower and cafes, and a side path leads into the green farms of Masfout Oasis, the same route you take to reach the mosque.
Kholaiban Dam Hiking Loop
The most popular trail in Masfout climbs from about 350 m to 515 m around Kholaiban Dam, with wide views of the village and valley. Start early and carry plenty of water.
Al Boma Tower Viewpoint
This small white watchtower on the hill opposite the museum is one of the best sunset spots in the area, looking over Masfout and Hatta.
Masfout Gate
Opened in February 2026 by the Ruler of Ajman, Masfout Gate is a new landmark that links two mountains and connects Masfout Museum with Al Boma Tower. It rises 16 metres with a 40 metre architectural walkway and has quickly become a favourite photo stop for visitors.
Hatta
Just a few minutes away, Hatta offers Hatta Dam kayaking, Hatta Heritage Village and mountain bike trails. For a quieter lakeside spot, see our guide to Suhaila Lake Hatta.
Other Ajman Heritage Spots
If you enjoy old mosques and forts, Ajman’s other enclave, Al Manama Ajman, has its own forts and museum, and back in the city you can explore the Ajman Heritage District. For a wider list, see our things to do in Ajman guide. History lovers may also like Al Badiyah Mosque in Fujairah, another very old mosque built from local materials.
Hotels and Resorts Near Bin Sultan Mosque
Masfout has few conventional hotels, but Ajman now licenses holiday homes, so you can stay in local farmhouses, villas and caravans in the village. Popular stays nearby include:
- Masfout holiday homes and farm stays: licensed farmhouses, villas and caravans close to the mosque and hiking trails.
- JA Hatta Fort Hotel: the main full resort in Hatta, with chalet style rooms and mountain views, a short drive away.
- Hatta Resorts: glamping in UAE style stays at Damani Lodges, Hatta Dome Park, caravans and vintage campers near Hatta Dam. These are seasonal, so availability changes through the year.
- Fairmont Ajman: a beach resort in Ajman city if you want to combine the mountains with the coast.
White Sky can book any of these for you, along with transport, on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Simple Half Day Plan for Bin Sultan Mosque and Masfout
- Leave Dubai, Sharjah or Ajman early and stop at Masfout Gate for photos.
- Visit Masfout Castle and Museum while it is cool.
- Walk through Masfout Oasis to Bin Sultan Mosque.
- Enjoy a juice or snack at a cafe on Masfoot Walk.
- Finish with the Kholaiban Dam trail or a sunset at Al Boma Tower, or continue to Hatta.
Book Your Masfout and Bin Sultan Mosque Trip With White Sky
White Sky Travel and Tourism plans private day trips to Masfout and Hatta from Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, including transport, a driver who knows the right route, and hotel stays if you want to stay overnight. You can split the cost with Tabby or Tamara, or pay with UAE credit card installments up to 12 months on eligible bookings. T&C apply and the final price is confirmed during booking. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to plan your trip.
Related Articles
Plan more of your trip with these guides:
- Masfout Ajman Guide: Things to Do, Hotels and How to Get There
- Things to Do in Ajman: Complete Guide for a Day Trip from Dubai
- Al Manama Ajman: Forts, Museum, Hotels and Things to Do
- Ajman Heritage District: Museum, Souqs, Murals and Food
- Suhaila Lake Hatta: Free Camping, BBQ and Hiking Guide
- Al Badiyah Mosque in Fujairah: History, Location and Visiting Tips
Frequently Asked Questions About Bin Sultan Mosque
Where is Bin Sultan Mosque located?
Bin Sultan Mosque is in the farm area of Masfout Oasis, Masfout, Ajman, UAE. Masfout is a mountain enclave of Ajman in the Hajar Mountains, next to Hatta and the Oman border, and the mosque is signposted from the Masfoot Walk area.
How old is Bin Sultan Mosque?
Bin Sultan Mosque was built around 1815, which makes it the oldest mosque in Ajman and one of the oldest surviving mosques in the UAE. It has been restored in its original style and is still used for prayers.
What is Bin Sultan Mosque made of?
The mosque was built from local materials: clay and gypsum plaster for the walls, with a roof of woven date palm leaves supported by palm trunks. These materials kept the prayer hall cool long before air conditioning.
Can non Muslims visit Bin Sultan Mosque?
Yes, everyone can visit and photograph the mosque from outside. Because it is an active mosque, entering the prayer hall is not guaranteed for non Muslim visitors, so ask permission, dress modestly and avoid prayer times, especially Friday midday prayer.
Is there an entry fee for Bin Sultan Mosque?
No. There is no ticket or entry fee to see Bin Sultan Mosque. Nearby Masfout Castle and Museum was also free to enter in mid 2026, though timings and prices may change.
When can I visit Bin Sultan Mosque?
The mosque is open for daily prayers, and visitors can see it from outside during daylight hours. The best time is a weekday morning between November and March, avoiding prayer times and the Friday midday prayer.
Is Bin Sultan Mosque in Hatta?
No. Bin Sultan Mosque is in Masfout, which belongs to the Emirate of Ajman. Masfout sits right next to Hatta, which is part of Dubai, so the two are easy to visit on the same day.
How far is Bin Sultan Mosque from Dubai?
Bin Sultan Mosque is about 90 minutes by car from Dubai, about 90 minutes from Ajman city and around 15 minutes from Hatta. Non GCC nationals should use the Sharjah Kalba Road (E102) rather than the Dubai Hatta Road (E44).
What else can I see near Bin Sultan Mosque?
Near the mosque you can visit Masfout Castle and Museum, Masfout Oasis and Masfoot Walk, the Kholaiban Dam hiking loop, Al Boma Tower viewpoint and the new Masfout Gate. Hatta, with Hatta Dam and Hatta Heritage Village, is only a few minutes away.
Are there hotels near Bin Sultan Mosque?
Masfout has licensed holiday homes and farm stays close to the mosque. Nearby in Hatta you can stay at JA Hatta Fort Hotel or glamp at Hatta Resorts, which offers Damani Lodges, Hatta Dome Park, caravans and vintage campers in the cooler season. For a beach stay, Fairmont Ajman is a good choice in Ajman city.
Can I book a Bin Sultan Mosque and Masfout trip with installments?
Yes. White Sky Travel and Tourism plans Masfout and Hatta trips with payment through Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments up to 12 months on eligible bookings. T&C apply. Message the team on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to plan your trip.
Conclusion
Bin Sultan Mosque is a small building with a big story. Built around 1815 from clay, gypsum and palm fronds, it is the oldest mosque in Ajman and a peaceful window into how mountain communities lived in the UAE long before the modern cities. Combine it with Masfout Castle, the oasis farms, the Kholaiban Dam trail and nearby Hatta for a memorable day in the Hajar Mountains. Visit between November and March, dress modestly and avoid prayer times. When you are ready to go, message White Sky Travel and Tourism on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and pay your way with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments.
Enjoying our content? Make us a preferred source on Google.
Add us as a Preferred Source on Google
