First of 200 imams from Indonesia arrive to serve in UAE mosques

Programme aims to promote a moderate understanding of Islam

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  The mosques of the UAE stand with a rich diversity. The beautiful domes, exquisite exteriors and calligraphic inscriptions are testament to the hard work and architectural elegance from which they were designed and built. Here are ten of the most beautiful mosques to visit in the UAE.

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  Modern architecture of Abdul Rahman Siddik Mosque on The Palm, Jumeirah. Reem Mohammed / The National

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  Al Aziz Mosque in Marina Square on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah. Reem Mohammed / The National

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  Sheikha Fatima Mosque at Mohammed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi. Ravindranath K / The National

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  Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Christopher Pike / The National

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  Salama Mosque in Al Barsha. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  The dome at Abdul Rahman Siddik Mosque on The Palm, Jumeirah. Reem Mohammed / The National

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  Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Exterior of Al Aziz Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Al Badiyah Mosque, Fujairah, the oldest existing mosque in the UAE. Pawan Singh / The National

More than a dozen imams from Indonesia have arrived in the UAE to serve in mosques across the country.

The 15 religious leaders are the first of 28 selected in March by the UAE General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) to travel to the Emirates. Eight more are expected to arrive in mid-November.

The co-operation in sending imams is another proof of the close relationship of the two countries

Husin Bagis,
the Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE

The imams will serve in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, among other locations.

The 'Imams from Indonesia' programme was agreed by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Joko Widodo, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, when he visited Abu Dhabi in January last year.

In total, the scheme will send more than 200 religious leaders to serve in the UAE by the end of next year.

A group of Indonesian imams arrive in Abu Dhabi to work in mosques in the UAE. Photo: Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia

Husin Bagis, the Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE, said he was pleased the first imams had arrived in Abu Dhabi.

"The co-operation in sending Imams is another proof of the close relationship of the two countries, which is not only focused on economic co-operation," said Mr Bagis.

Understanding moderate Islam

Organisers hope the programme will encourage mutual learning for both countries, and promote a moderate understanding of Islam.

“The imams from Indonesia can learn how Islam is carried out in the UAE with full tolerance and [how to] contribute to the creation of peace in society, without causing any friction," said Mr Bagis.

"When they return to Indonesia, they can implement and promote the same thing."

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Joko Widodo, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, at a welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace in Bogor, Indonesia. Reuters

Another set of interviews for new imams took place in October in Jakarta, with representatives from Awqaf collaborating with the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs to handpick candidates.

Of 89 possible imams, 23 were selected, and are currently being processed by UAE authorities before arriving. They are expected to fly to the UAE in December this year.

The UAE and Indonesia have forged strong religious partnerships in recent years.

A $20 million replica of Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is currently under construction in the President Widodo's home town of Surakarta.

Sheikh Mohamed offered the building as a gift during his trip to the country in July 2019.

The leaders are expected to meet again on November 3 in Abu Dhabi, and President Widodo is also due to take part in the celebrations for Indonesia's National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on November 4.

One of the first UAE mosques designed by a woman

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  Architect Sumaya Dabbagh designed the mosque of the late Mohamed Abdulkhaliq Gargash in Dubai. All photos Chris Whiteoak

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  The mosque in Al Quoz, Dubai, is contemporary in style with several unusual design features.

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  Ms Dabbagh is one of the first women to design a mosque in the UAE.

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  A passage from the Quran is moulded into the exterior facade of the building and, in a shift from tradition, the minaret is placed separately from the main mosque structure.

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  The awning over the courtyard was made of locally fabricated aluminium. Many of the building materials were sourced regionally.

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  An area for ablutions in the courtyard of the mosque.

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  From the moment worshippers enter the gate of the mosque, they are taken on a journey from the outer material world, through a shaded courtyard, to the ablution area, and then into the prayer hall, where the transition to contemplation can be completed.

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  Triangle-shaped windows puncture the walls of the mosque allowing in dynamic shards of light into the prayer hall.

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  Carefully selected passages from the Quran are stencilled onto the walls around the mihrab.

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  The lights inside the mosque are also shaped as triangles, to mirror those on the walls.

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  Ali Al Mulla prays in the main hall of the mosque.

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  The mosque opened for worshippers in June, but is already full for Friday prayers.

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  The qubba, or dome, above the prayer hall also features a triangle motif.