The Jumeirah mosque on the Bur Dubai side of the creek is tall and impressive. The house of god was re-built in 1998 in the mansion district Jumeirah (close to the court area) and comprises 45 small and nine large domes. The minaret – the highest in town with 70 metres – watches the ivory-white building which is also eternalised on the 500-dirham bank note.

 

But no matter how inviting the mosque seems to be, not everybody may enter it. Non-Muslims only have the chance to see the interior of the medieval building during a guided tour, for example by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. During these tours not only the mosque and the mixture of modern Arabic and traditional architecture are examined carefully but the participants are also offered many insights into Muslim habits. But be careful: take off your shoes at the entrance and roll down your trouser legs. Women's hair and shoulders have to be covered with a scarf. Children under the age of five are not allowed but you may take photos.