Legend has it that the call to prayer once echoed across Middle Eastern cities as one of the few sounds breaking the dawn’s tranquillity, urging people to gather in spaces designed as much for beauty as for worship.
Today, these mosques continue to stand as architectural masterpieces, merging centuries-old traditions with contemporary design. Each mosque reflects a rich blend of faith, culture, and community values, showcasing an artistry of domes, minarets, and ornate calligraphy that symbolises the heart of Islamic culture.
In recent years, a wave of modern architectural styles like Neo-Futurism has influenced mosque design, introducing sustainable materials, innovative technology, and advanced construction techniques. The blend of ancient and new is emblematic of the region’s evolution, where rapidly growing cities have embraced mosque designs that honour their heritage while meeting the needs of present-day society.
Modern mosques are now community hubs as much as they are a place of worship, acting as educational centres and venues for charitable work and adapting with the times to support their communities.
These ten extraordinary mosques from across the Middle East capture the essence of this balance, with each structure standing as a testament to both tradition and progress.
Please note that this list is not a ranking.
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Year built: 2007
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture, with its 82 gleaming white marble domes and gold-tipped minarets. Drawing inspiration from Mughal, Moorish, and Persian styles, the mosque showcases reflective pools, intricate floral mosaics, and one of the world’s largest chandeliers.
Inside, the prayer hall is adorned with natural materials and floral motifs, creating a serene atmosphere. Designed as a welcoming space, the mosque is open to all, regardless of background, promoting Abu Dhabi’s values of peace, unity, and cultural acceptance.
2. Masjid Al-Haram
Location: Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Year built: 638
Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world, welcomes millions of worshippers, especially during Hajj, as they gather around the revered Kaaba at its center, a symbol of global Muslim unity.
The mosque features marble floors, an expansive courtyard, and multiple soaring minarets adorned with Islamic designs. This sacred site uniquely bridges the ancient and the modern, with Islamic calligraphy, grand arches, and domes complemented by advanced cooling systems and a retractable roof. As Islam’s holiest location, Masjid al-Haram is the ultimate pilgrimage destination, embodying unity, peace, and devotion to Allah for Muslims worldwide.
3. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Location, Muscat, Oman
Year built: 2001
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is celebrated for its grand dome, intricate mosaics, and a magnificent handwoven Persian carpet—one of the world’s largest—crafted by hundreds of artisans. Its interiors feature elegant Islamic calligraphy and Quranic verses, blending traditional Islamic and distinctive Omani architectural styles to showcase Oman’s cultural heritage.
The mosque’s spectacular chandelier, adorned with Swarovski crystals, adds to its grandeur. Open to visitors of all faiths, this architectural marvel serves as a symbol of Oman’s rich history, spirituality, and commitment to cultural exchange, fostering a deeper appreciation of Islamic traditions and diversity.
4. Al-Masjid An-Nabawi
Location: Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Year built: 1817
Located in Medina, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, originally built by the Prophet Muhammad, has been significantly expanded over the centuries, notably by the Ottoman Empire. Distinguished by its iconic green dome, the mosque showcases elegant Ottoman arches, intricate mosaics, and modern retractable domes. Its vast courtyard and prayer halls are equipped with advanced facilities, allowing millions of pilgrims to gather comfortably.
As the second holiest site in Islam, after the Kaaba, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is not only a sacred destination for worship but also a center for Islamic learning. It offers a serene setting for Muslims to reflect on the Prophet’s teachings and the spiritual legacy he left behind.
5. Jumeirah Mosque
Location: Dubai, UAE
Year built: 1979
Jumeirah Mosque, crafted in Dubai’s traditional Fatimid architectural style, is renowned for its twin minarets, sandstone structure, and intricately detailed arches. With a simple, symmetrical exterior that glows beautifully under soft evening lights, the mosque exudes tranquility and elegance. Its design emphasises light, openness, and harmony, reflecting the essence of Islamic architecture.
As one of Dubai’s most photographed landmarks, Jumeirah Mosque serves as a beacon of cultural connection. Through its ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ initiative, the mosque welcomes visitors of all backgrounds, offering them a unique opportunity to learn about Islamic traditions and practices in a spirit of inclusivity and understanding.
6. Al-Fateh Grand Mosque
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Year built: 1988
Al-Fateh Mosque, renowned for its striking fiberglass dome, ranks among the largest mosques in the world. Its interior is a vibrant display of colorful stained glass, gleaming marble floors, and intricate Arabic calligraphy that adorns the expansive prayer hall. The mosque’s contemporary design harmoniously blends traditional Bahraini artistry with modern architectural elements.
Beyond serving as a place of worship, Al-Fateh Mosque functions as a vital cultural hub in Bahrain, hosting various activities, religious classes, and guided tours for the community. It highlights the central role of Islam in Bahraini life, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
7. Imam Ali Mosque
Location: Najaf, Iraq
Year built: 977
The Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf is a stunning blend of Persian and Ottoman architectural styles. Its striking exterior features a gold-plated dome and minarets, adorned with exquisite calligraphy and intricate mosaics. Inside, the shrine halls are decorated with countless mirrors and ornamental tiles, creating an atmosphere of spiritual grandeur and warmth.
As the burial site of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the mosque holds immense significance for Shia Muslims, making it one of their holiest places. Each year, millions flock to this sacred site to honor Imam Ali and reflect on his profound impact on the history of Islam.
8. Al Rajhi Grand Mosque
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Year built: 2004
The Al-Rajhi Grand Mosque in Riyadh is a remarkable architectural achievement, featuring expansive prayer halls, impressive domes, and elegantly designed minarets. Its interior is a stunning blend of traditional Islamic motifs and modern innovations, including advanced lighting and cooling systems that enhance both aesthetics and comfort.
Designed to be both functional and majestic, the mosque exemplifies contemporary mosque architecture in Saudi Arabia. In addition to serving as a place of worship, the Al-Rajhi Grand Mosque actively engages with the community by offering outreach programs and religious classes, embodying the role of mosques in Saudi society as vital centers for social welfare and religious education.
9. Grand Mosque of Kuwait
Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait
Year built: 1986
Designed by Mohamed Saleh Makiya, the Grand Mosque of Kuwait is a stunning blend of Islamic geometric patterns, spacious halls, and traditional Kuwaiti elements. Its impressive dome and Andalusian-style courtyards enhance the mosque’s architectural authenticity and regional character.
Inside, the central prayer hall and adjoining spaces are adorned with decorative tiles and intricate Islamic calligraphy. As the largest mosque in Kuwait, it serves as a gathering place for worship and cultural activities. The design not only fulfills spiritual needs but also reflects Kuwaiti identity and national pride, as it hosts a variety of educational and religious programs for the community.
10. Grand Mosque of Sana’a
Location: Sana’a, Yemen
Year built: 715 AD
The Great Mosque of Sana’a is one of the earliest mosques in Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula, showcasing unique Yemeni adobe architecture infused with Turkish elements. Its soaring minarets, intricately carved wooden ceilings, and Qur’anic inscriptions reflect a rich historical style.
The incorporation of Turkish design features during Ottoman restorations in the 16th century adds further depth to its architectural narrative. This mosque stands as a testament to the enduring presence of Islam in Yemen and underscores the significance of Sana’a as a cultural and historical hub. It serves as a culturally and religiously inclusive site, preserving the diverse aspects of Yemeni and Islamic heritage throughout the years.
This list first appeared on Parametric Architecture.