Al Bidya Mosque

Fujeirah | UAE

Project Duration: 2018

Following the request of the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority of the Emirate of Fujairah, UAE, the IHM conducted a Feasibility study on the World Heritage potential of Al-Bidyah Mosque. Within the scope of this feasibility study, IHM’s tasks involved a basic assessment of the state of conservation of the mosque, its present use and relevance for the local community. This was done on the basis of research as well as a 5 day visit to the site, which allowed for communication with locals and detailed tours provided by representatives of Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities.

Al-Bidyah Mosque and two towers which are part of the Al Bidyah Fort were constructed by the Portoguese in the 17^th century. The results of the study brought two options for Al-Bidyah Mosque: a vernacular architecture approach that focuses on the design and construction methods of the mosque; and the typological approach concerning the unusual ringed domes of the roof of the mosque. The IHM provided a list of Mosques in the Gulf for comparison and further steps were recommended to proceed with this project. A collaboration with Oman was suggested, as some similar Mosques were found there that could be included in this project.

Reference: Britta Rudolff, Susann Harder. Feasibility Study: The World Heritage Potential of Al Bidya Mosque. 2018. Unpublished.