Whether modern or traditionally ornate, a mosque celebrates the purity of the Islamic faith. While prayer and communion are at the heart of these architectural wonders, their charm lies in their timeless beauty and thought-provoking serenity. So, whether your interest is artistic, pious or just scenic, here’s what to look out for in your search for the most stunning mosques in the region.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE

True to its promise of grandeur, the largest mosque in the UAE is home to 82 pure marble domes, seven crystal chandeliers gilded with 24-karat gold and the world’s biggest hand-knotted carpet that was brought to life by 1,200 artisans over a period of two years. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street 5th Street, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 4191919, http://www.szgmc.ae/en/



2) Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman

As one of Oman’s only mosques that allows non-Muslims, the Sultan Qaboos is an indisputably magnificent treasure. The massive chandelier in the centre, which was once seen as the world’s largest, holds 600,000 Swarovski crystals. Sultan Qaboos St, Muscat, Oman, +968 24 505170, http://sultanqaboosgrandmosque.com/



3) Grand Mosque, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Built in the seventh century, this mosque is considered the holiest place of Islamic pilgrimage. The sky-piercing minarets are delicately inlaid with marble offset by intricate frescoes and stone carvings. With a capacity of over 820,000 worshippers, it is the world’s largest mosque. Mecca St, Mecca, www.gph.gov.sa



4) Imam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahab Mosque, Doha, Qatar

Named after the great Muslim philosopher Imam Muhammad, the mosque has strikingly modern architecture blended effortlessly with traditional Arabian features including half-moon symbols and a distinguishing doomed roof. Al Mohandiseen Street, Doha, http://jameaalemam.com/



5) Al-Masjid an- Nabawi Mosque, Medina, Saudi Arabia

The startling green dome and gold minarets dominate the Medina skyline. Along with being the second holiest site for Muslims, worshippers also consider it the final resting place of Prophet Mohammad. Al Haram, Medina 42311, Saudi Arabia



6) Siddiqa Fatima Zahra Mosque, Kuwait

One of Kuwait’s newest mosques has architecture inspired by the iconic Taj Mahal. Distinctive features such as Quran verses on the interior walls, four primary minarets and a central brass dome conjure up a dizzying kaleidoscope of art that sets it apart from the Taj. Dahiya Abdullah Mubarak, near Kuwait International Airport, Kuwait







7) Al Fateh Grand Mosque-Manama, Bahrain

Built on reclaimed land, Al Fateh is the largest mosque in the country and can accommodate over 7,000 worshippers. The mosque amalgamates the finesse of Italian marble with local Bahraini craftsmanship resulting in stellar interior design. Al Fatih Highway, Manama, Bahrain, +973 1772 7773



8) Floating Mosque, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

This pristine white spectacle is located on an island in the Red Sea and appears to float during high tide. Corniche, Jeddah, +966 55 654 8153



9) Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah, UAE

You’d be forgiven for thinking you walked into the Eighties because the Al Noor bedecked with 34 elegant cascading domes oozes old-world charm. Traditional Arabic calligraphy set against a canvas of mosaics make this a popular tourist destination. Al Mamzar Corniche St, Sharjah, +971 6 568 3338



10) Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai, UAE

The grand old mosque of Dubai can accommodate over 1,200 visitors. Built entirely from white stone in the medieval Fatimid tradition, Islamic patterns and motifs coalesce with skilled artistry. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, +9714353 6666, http://www.cultures.ae/