All you Need to Know about the First Female designed Mosque

The United Arab Emirates! The great UAE! What comes to your mind when you hear the term? Well, most of the time, it reminds us of the high-rise buildings designed with exceptional architecture. UAE is often called the “City of Gold” or being a hub for growing businesses for trading gold. At the same time, it is becoming an excellent example of the perfect implementation of women’s empowerment. 

w decades, the government has issued some programs for the benefit of women. Also, since 2002, an entire businesswomen council was set up to guide the female entrepreneurs. Women of UAE aspire to prove their abilities in different fields, including politics, business, architecture, etc.

Since last few decades, the government has issued many programs for the benefit of women. Also, since 2002, an entire businesswomen council was set up to guide the female entrepreneurs. Women are proving their abilities in different fields, including politics, business, architecture, etc.

But, did it happen all of a sudden? Definitely, not! It took years to reach this position. And, still, the women in UAE have a long way to go. However, it was all started with the women who took the first steps in different fields. Here, the very first name that comes to our mind is Majda Abdellatif Al Muhaideb. She is the super talented creative lady who was behind the first female designed mosque in UAE.

The Mosque in Sharjah: The Masterpiece

Back in the 1970s, the mosque established in Sharjah, still stands there, glorifying the great architectural knowledge of the lady.

Majda designed the mosque when it was not common for women to get into a profession like this. But she dared to take the step and created the masterpiece. Later on, such powerful moves lead to the courage of many women to step into this profession.  Nowadays, as you can see, many women architects from UAE are here designing exceptional structures.

With all its amazing designs and unique features, the mosque at Sharjah deserves to be talked about. So, let’s delve into the details of the beautifully designed mosque.

The First Female designed Mosque in UAE- the Architectural Magnificence

Among all of the skyscrapers with modern-day architectural features, the ancient mosque at Sharjah looks unique. Recently, an Instagram post by @emiratebooks brought it into the limelight. The post also includes the picture of the mosque created by the designer Majda.

The caption of the image pays tribute to her. The caption was “From the memory of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (currently the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure) in the seventies, a mosque designed by the first Emirati architect, engineer Magda Abdul Latif Al Muhaidib.”

With the perfect combination of an off-white and stone-like appearance, the mosque looks elegant. Most of its aura lies in the perfectly shaped tomb on the top. If you ever visit it, you will see how symmetrically the doors are designed. Overall, it gives a wonderful outlook maintaining the legacy of Islamic architecture.

If you plan to visit Sharjah, do not forget to pay a visit to it. The way to Sharjah from Dubai is quite simple. Take public transport, or you can drive by yourself. You will be there in 30-40 minutes if the road is clear.

Well, along with its historical significance, the mosque is notable for other reasons as well. Majda designed the mosque, and it paved the way for other aspiring female architectures to come forward. Let’s know about one such lady who, too, built another masterpiece.

Another Female Designed Mosque in UAE

Following the footsteps of Majda, another female architect named Sumaya Dabbagh designed an exquisite mosque. The mosque is named as Mosque of the Late Mohamed Abdulkhaliq Gargash. Present in Al Quoz, it stands out from many of the structures for its magnificent aura. It is in the Southern part of Dubai.

Also known as “The Mosque of Light”, it showcases the design of the ancient tradition of Arabic architecture. The geometric excellence proves the creative talent of the lady. The beautiful snow-white stones are covered with well-scribbled geometric forms. The calligraphy in it makes the structure appealing to tourists.

If you are in Dubai and tired of the city cacophony, visit the place once. The sense of calmness and bliss will feel your mind definitely.

The Takeaway

So, that’s how the first female designed mosque in UAE holds the historical legacy and helped the architecture of Dubai flourish more. Thus, it has become one of the most attractive places to visit in the United Arab Emirates.

 

---