As the sun sets over Al Dhaid, the inside of newly opened Al Nasr Mosque begins to glow. Golden light pours through a giant round glass dome made of small hexagon-shaped glass panels, and the prayer hall fills with warmth and calm sunlight. For a few minutes, it feels as if the mosque is made of light.
Inaugurated on Tuesday by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Al Nasr Mosque stands in the Jabal Omar neighbourhood as one of the emirate’s most striking new landmarks.
The mosque covers more than 7,800 square metres. But what immediately captures attention is the dome.
The spherical glass dome measures 20 metres in diameter and rises 16 metres high. It covers nearly 80 per cent of the mosque’s roof, making it the dominant feature of the structure. Built using a honeycomb-style pattern of hexagonal glass panels, the dome reflects light throughout the day, but at sunset, the effect is breathtaking.
Beside the dome stands a 38 metre-tall minaret with flowing, sculpted lines. It does not follow the traditional straight design. Instead, it rises in a soft twist, complementing the round dome and giving the mosque a modern look.
Inside the main prayer hall, there are 12 rows prepared for worshippers. The space feels wide, open and peaceful. The large circular glass façade facing the qibla allows natural light to enter freely.
The mimbar, where the imam delivers the sermon, also stands out. Unlike traditional wooden pulpits with heavy carvings, this one has a clean and futuristic design. It rises in smooth lines, with soft lighting built into its structure, and blends naturally with the modern look of the dome and prayer hall. It feels simple, matching the mosque’s overall architecture.
On Wednesday evening, some worshippers gathered for Maghrib prayer, many visiting the mosque for the first time.
“I have prayed in many mosques, but this one feels different” said Ahmed Al Mazrouei, a resident of Al Dhaid.
“When the sunlight comes through the dome, you feel a kind of peace. It makes you want to stay longer.”
Another worshipper, Saeed Al Ketbi, said the design left a strong impression on him. “From outside it looks modern, but inside it feels very spiritual. The light, the space, everything is calm. It is beautiful and simple at the same time.”
The mosque can accommodate 1,325 worshippers in total. The main hall holds 470 people, while the courtyard and outdoor prayer areas increase the male capacity to 1,180. A separate women’s prayer hall can host 145 worshippers.
Outside, a fountain area welcomes visitors at the entrance. Water flows gently. Around the mosque, a small landscaped garden has been created with grass and concrete benches that makes evening very special by just seeing the sun set.
The mosque also includes ablution areas, restrooms, mortuary washing facilities, a water station, an imam’s residence, a public reading library and parking spaces, serving residents of Al Dhaid and nearby communities.
The beautiful architecture and flowing light position the mosque as an ideal gathering point at sunset, where residents can have a memorable iftar surrounded by beautiful views.
