The DIFC Grand Mosque is a contemporary place of worship set within Dubai’s International Financial Centre, offering a calm and reflective space amid one of the city’s busiest urban districts. Known for its modern architectural approach and thoughtful design, the mosque serves both the local community and visitors seeking a meaningful cultural experience in the heart of Dubai.
This guide provides practical information to help you plan your visit, including location details, transport options, nearby attractions and communities, available facilities, opening hours and visitor tips. Whether you are visiting for quiet reflection, architectural appreciation or as part of a wider DIFC itinerary, the sections below will help you make the most of your time at DIFC Grand Mosque.
- Overview
- Location
- How to Get There
- Nearby Communities
- Nearby Attractions
- Facilities and Amenities
- Things to Do
- Timings
- Contact Information
- Tips for Visitors
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Overview
The DIFC Grand Mosque represents a bold and contemporary reinterpretation of mosque design in the UAE, created to reflect the modern, global character of Dubai International Financial Centre while remaining rooted in Islamic architectural principles. Designed by RMJM as part of the Gate Avenue development, the mosque was envisioned as a new architectural vernacular — one that moves away from traditional ornamentation and instead reimagines form, light and space in a modern urban context.
Conceived as a simple cube within a cube, the mosque mirrors the geometric language of the surrounding DIFC buildings, positioning itself as the fifth architectural “node” within the wider Gate Avenue masterplan. Its outer form is wrapped in a suspended mashrabiya screen, which filters daylight, provides privacy and shade, and transforms the building into a softly illuminated urban landmark after dark. This interplay of light and structure allows the intricate interior to remain visible while maintaining a sense of calm separation from the surrounding promenade.
With an internal capacity of over 500 worshippers and additional outdoor prayer space accommodating hundreds more, the mosque serves all five daily prayers, as well as Friday and Ramadan prayers. It is fully integrated into the DIFC environment, offering 24-hour street-level access via lifts and escalators, and sits alongside reflective water features that create a visual and spatial buffer from the busy commercial surroundings.
Completed in 2019, the DIFC Grand Mosque forms part of the LEED® Gold-certified Gate Avenue development, reinforcing its role not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of sustainable, forward-thinking Islamic design. Together, its architecture, accessibility and setting position the mosque as a distinctive spiritual and cultural landmark within one of Dubai’s most contemporary districts.
DIFC Grand Mosque Location
The DIFC Grand Mosque is located on the 1st floor of Gate Avenue, right next to the food hall in the new extension of DIFC, Dubai. It’s within the area of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), famous for offices, restaurants, and high-end shops. The mosque is accessible and strategically located for visitors and workers nearby.
Gate Avenue Zone D, 1st Floor, Trade Centre DIFC, Dubai, UAE
How to Get There
Reaching DIFC Grand Mosque is straightforward thanks to its central location within Dubai International Financial Centre. The mosque is easily accessible by public transport, taxi and private vehicle, making it convenient for both visitors and worshippers. Whether you are coming from nearby districts or other parts of the city, several transport options are available to suit different travel preferences.
By Metro
Take the Red Line and get off at Financial Centre Station. From there, it’s a short walk to Gate Avenue.
By Car
There’s plenty of parking available at DIFC, including underground and valet parking options.
By Taxi or Ride Apps
Just enter DIFC Mosque or Gate Avenue DIFC in your app. When you get there, go to the 1st floor (Zone D) adjacent to the food hall. You may use the escalator or lift to get to the mosque conveniently.
Nearby Communities
If you’re staying or living in DIFC or nearby, the mosque is very easy to access from:
- Downtown Dubai – 17 minutes drive
- Zabeel – 18 minutes drive
- Business Bay – 21 minutes drive
- Al Satwa – 22 minutes drive
Nearby Attractions
There are various places to visit in Dubai near the DIFC Grand Mosque, whether you’re stopping by for a quick visit or planning to spend the whole day exploring.
- Museum of the Future – 6 minutes drive
- Dubai Fountain Show – 13 minutes drive
- Dubai Mall – 14 minutes drive
- Burj Khalifa – 15 minutes drive
DIFC Grand Mosque Facilities
The DIFC Mosque is well-planned to provide comfort, convenience, and serenity to all the visitors.
- Men’s and Women’s Prayer Areas
- Ablution (Wudu) Areas
- Mashrabiya Screen
- Reflective Pool
- Stunning Chandelier
- Lift Access
Things to Do
The DIFC Mosque is not only a venue for prayer; it provides a serene and enriching experience for both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors.
Join the Daily Prayers
You can attend any of the five daily prayers in a serene, contemporary environment, ideal for frequent worshippers and travellers alike.
Attend Friday (Jumu’ah) Prayer
The mosque fills up quickly for Friday prayers, offering a beautiful sense of community. Just make sure to arrive before 12:30 PM.
Enjoy the Architecture
Take a moment to admire the mosque’s unique cube design, elegant interiors and the glowing mashrabiya screen, especially stunning at night.
Take Peaceful Breaks
If you’re in DIFC for work or shopping, the mosque is a perfect quiet spot to pause, reflect or unwind.
Walk by the Reflective Pool
Take a moment to walk by the reflective pool in front of the mosque, a peaceful feature that adds to the beauty and tranquillity of the surroundings.
Respectfully Take Photos
The mosque’s design makes it one of the most photogenic in Dubai. Take plenty of photographs of it and especially at night when it is lit.
DIFC Grand Mosque Timings
The DIFC Grand Mosque is accessible throughout the day for the five daily prayers; visitor movement may be restricted during prayer times, particularly on Fridays and during Ramadan, providing a serene and accessible place for prayer at any time of the day.
DIFC Grand Mosque Contact Number
If you’re intending a visit or would like further information, you can contact the DIFC Grand Mosque on this number.
+971-4-362-2222
Tips for Visitors
- Visit early on Fridays
- Dress modestly, as it’s a place of worship.
- Evening is the best time to visit if you want to see the mosque glowing at night.
- Be respectful of privacy, particularly while photographing.
- Travel on public transport during peak hours to stay clear of traffic and parking problems.
Key Takeaways
DIFC Grand Mosque offers a unique visiting experience that blends modern Islamic architecture with a thoughtfully designed urban setting in the heart of Dubai’s financial district. Its contemporary cube-based design, filtered light through the mashrabiya façade and integration within Gate Avenue make it stand out from more traditional mosques in the city. The mosque is not only visually distinctive but also fully functional, serving daily prayers while remaining accessible and welcoming to visitors.
With its central location, 24-hour access, nearby attractions and practical facilities, the mosque is easy to include in a wider DIFC visit. By planning ahead and following visitor guidelines, guests can enjoy a calm and reflective experience that highlights how faith, design and modern city life come together in one of Dubai’s most progressive cultural spaces.
FAQs
Yes! The mosque welcomes both worshippers and visitors. Just make sure to dress modestly and respect the peaceful environment.
No booking is needed. You can walk in any time, but for Friday prayers, it’s best to arrive before 12:30 PM as security closes the gate after that.
Yes! The DIFC Grand Mosque has designated prayer and ablution areas for both men and women.
Absolutely. The mosque is located within Gate Avenue, close to restaurants, cafés and retail spaces, making it easy to combine your visit with dining or leisure activities in DIFC.
