Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah - in pictures

  • On the banks of the palm tree-lined Khalid Lagoon in Sharjah sits the majestic Al Noor Mosque. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    On the banks of the palm tree-lined Khalid Lagoon in Sharjah sits the majestic Al Noor Mosque. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The landmark on the Buhaira Corniche was built under the patronage of the wife of Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi
    The landmark on the Buhaira Corniche was built under the patronage of the wife of Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi
  • The Arabic word noor translates to light, an element that is intrinsically connected to Islamic culture, representing divine guidance and knowledge
    The Arabic word noor translates to light, an element that is intrinsically connected to Islamic culture, representing divine guidance and knowledge
  • Al Noor Mosque was completed in 2005, with space for more than 2,000 worshippers at a time
    Al Noor Mosque was completed in 2005, with space for more than 2,000 worshippers at a time
  • There are 34 cascading domes that sit on top of the structure
    There are 34 cascading domes that sit on top of the structure
  • Covered with a delicate and graphic standing seam checked pattern, the central dome weighs approximately 100 tonnes and is supported by four main marble pillars
    Covered with a delicate and graphic standing seam checked pattern, the central dome weighs approximately 100 tonnes and is supported by four main marble pillars
  • The two towering minarets of the mosque are 52-metres high with no balconies and are decorated with floral geometric designs and crowned with a conical peak
    The two towering minarets of the mosque are 52-metres high with no balconies and are decorated with floral geometric designs and crowned with a conical peak
  • The colour of the mosque is a light beige with accents of pale blue, both of which reflect the surrounding environment
    The colour of the mosque is a light beige with accents of pale blue, both of which reflect the surrounding environment
  • Ornamental parapets with a floral motif line the edges of the rectilinear base of the mosque
    Ornamental parapets with a floral motif line the edges of the rectilinear base of the mosque
  • The floral motif create a distinction between the soft shapes of the domes the hard-lined rectangular elements of the mosque’s foundation
    The floral motif create a distinction between the soft shapes of the domes the hard-lined rectangular elements of the mosque’s foundation
  • Al Noor Mosque is one of the few mosques that’s open to the public with tours available for individuals and groups
    Al Noor Mosque is one of the few mosques that’s open to the public with tours available for individuals and groups