Deira residents reflect on much loved mosque that is older than the UAE
Omar Ali Bin Haider Mosque may not be on the tourist trail.
But it is close to the hearts of residents who for many years have called Dubai home.
Built in 1952, the mosque has welcomed worshippers since the seven emirates were known as the Trucial States.
It is one of the oldest structures in the country and is in Deira, near another landmark, Al Ghurair Centre mall.
The house of worship is known for its striking architecture, with one patterned bluetiled minaret and a simple dome with many doors encasing a prayer hall.
Inside, Quranic verses are inscribed on the walls, and an enormous chandelier hangs in the middle of the space.
The mosque is a haven in old Dubai where the sounds of the city seem very far away.
“It is the most popular mosque in the area,” said Waqas Ali, a waiter who has been working in the area for four years.
“The mosque is one most people on Al Rigga Street and some from Al Muraqqabat
Road come to pray in. It’s our community mosque. It has a beautiful design and history.”
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the house of worship attracted hundreds of people at prayer times.
During Eid it became even busier, with crowds of people, dressed up for the Muslim holiday, exchanging greetings and hugs after the Eid prayer.
The mosque is also popular with people of other religions who live in the area.
Shilpa Parmar has lived near Al Ghurair Centre for 20 years.
“Once, while passing around in the evening, the mosque caught my eye,” she said.
“The beauty of the mosque reflected beautifully under the moonlight. The shape of the dome, which is made of white and blue stones, the entrances and the staircases that lead to the entrance. It’s all very eye-catching.
“The mosque has a backdrop of the glamorous Al Ghurair Residence, which perfectly reflects how Dubai has grown to be one of the most beautiful modern cities in the world, but also respects and preserves its Islamic culture.”
The mosque was built by Omar Ali bin Haider, an Emirati businessman who was known for his philanthropic work, in the centre of Dubai in the 1950s and 1960s.
Al Haider would also offer his support to traders and others who were exhausted from their long travels to reach Dubai.
In 1967, aged in his midforties, he died.
His son Mohammed Omar renovated the mosque in 1984, honouring his father’s contribution to society and following in his footsteps by serving the community.