Al Bidyah Mosque
Al Bidyah Mosque, also known as the Ottoman Mosque, is widely regarded as the oldest surviving mosque in the UAE. Located between Khor Fakkan and Dibba on Fujairah’s coastal road, the mosque’s construction is generally dated to the mid-15th century, with some studies placing it as early as 1446, based on carbon dating of samples from the site — no historical records survive naming its builder.
The mosque is a small, simple structure of mud, brick and stone, measuring roughly 6.8 by 6.8 metres, and is distinguished by its four domes of unequal size, supported by a single central pillar rather than timber beams — an unusual engineering solution for the period. It can hold no more than about 20 worshippers at a time and remains in active use for daily prayers to this day.
The surrounding site, known as the Al Bidyah Archaeological Mosque area, also includes the remains of a watchtower and stone walls from a former Portuguese-era fort, along with rock carvings scattered nearby. Restoration work carried out by the Fujairah Department of Antiquities and Heritage, in cooperation with Dubai Municipality, added an imam’s house and ablution area using traditional stone construction. As a functioning mosque, modest dress is expected, and access to the interior may be restricted during prayer times.
Amenities
Oldest Mosque in the UAE · Traditional Mud-Brick Architecture · Nearby Watchtower Ruins · Dress Code · Photography Opportunities
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