Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque was completed in 1979 in a medieval Fatimid manner, built of stone with two minarets and a large central dome, and it is the one mosque in Dubai that regularly opens to non-Muslim visitors. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding runs the tours: a guide takes groups inside, explains the building and the practice of prayer, and answers questions, with tea and dates afterwards. Dress is covered and headscarves are lent at the door.

What you actually see

• The Fatimid design - a stone mosque built in a medieval Egyptian manner in 1979.
• The guided visit - an open session for non-Muslims run by the cultural centre.
• The prayer hall - the interior with its dome, carpet and mihrab.
• The question session - the open discussion of practice and belief that follows.

When to go

November to April for comfortable weather. Tours run on set mornings and do not run on Fridays. Ramadan changes the schedule and needs checking.

Honest expectations

Entry is only on the scheduled tours and casual visits are not possible. Dress rules are enforced and shoulders, knees and hair must be covered. Tours fill and booking ahead is advisable.

Nearby

Kite Beach is west, and Al Fahidi is east.