In the centre of Sharjah is one of the UAE’s most important and unique mosques designed by a pioneering Khaleeji architect.
King Faisal Mosque, led by Abdul Rahman Al Junaidi, is on Al Arouba Street. It is a stunning architectural work, not only due to its innovative design but also as a powerful symbol of Sharjah.
“I think it symbolises the regional architectural school in the Gulf that people may not be too aware of,” says Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, founder of Barjeel Art Foundation.
Al Qassemi, who has researched the history of the mosque and also interviewed Al Junaidi before he died in 2021, says the King Faisal Mosque is significant work on many levels, perhaps most obviously for its distinct and unique design.
“Even 40 years on, it is still a unique architecture that we don't see replicated, and it is instantly recognised," he tells The National. "When you see it, you know that this is an architectural piece by Abdul Rahman Al Junaidi.”
First opened to the public in January 1987, two years after construction began, Al Junaidi spent a significant time in Sharjah overseeing the project. It was also the biggest mosque in the UAE until 2007, when Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi opened.
Built in honour of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, the structure is 70 metres high with its interiors measuring 12,000 square metres. It can accommodate more than 16,000 worshipers, including 12,000 seated.
Drawing inspiration from both traditional Islamic architecture, modern engineering and functionality, the mosque is characterised by clean lines, simplicity in form and minimalism. It has three levels, ascending in an overhanging order. Two simple minarets stand on the roof, framing a small-sized dome.
This overall design gives the mosque an austere presence, one that focuses solely on the shape and lines of the structure rather than any ornamentation or detail. Al Qassemi says that this was an important focus in Al Junaidi's design for the mosque.
“When I interviewed him he told me he didn't want to distract people from prayer – he wanted it to be very simple,” Al Qassemi says. “This is really what is very special about this mosque, it's both grand and modest at the same time.”
Al Qassemi also points out the unique element of the cantilevers in the structure, an uncommon feature in mosques. A cantilever is part of the structure that is suspended forward without any framing below – a structural term to say "overhanging". This is seen in how each level of the mosque was designed with these over-extended cantilevers, which create a unique silhouette.
Another design element that Al Qassemi cites as unique is the inner courtyard on the ground floor of the mosque. He says: “This is one of the first mosques that has an inner courtyard. When you enter, it's a huge courtyard that gives you shade ... it's a place of gathering inside."
The second level of the mosque is used by the Sharjah Department of Islamic Affairs, or Awqaf, and includes offices and a general library, which has almost 7,000 books on Islamic history, thought and culture.
The third level is the prayer area. Thanks to high ceilings and the massive arched windows, whose shape is echoed throughout the space by tall standing pillars, the prayer area is bright and welcoming. Like the exterior of the structure, the inside of the mosque has no major decorative elements, only clean lines and plenty of light to create an atmosphere of focused prayer.
Al Qassemi says that Al Junaidi was probably the first licenced native Saudi architect, studying in Syria where the cities of Damascus and Aleppo left a lasting influence on his style. He drew inspiration not only from the cities but also from Islamic architecture such as the Grand Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest in the country.
King Faisal mosque's design greatly influenced the architectural landscape of Sharjah and the broader UAE, especially the archers, cantilevers and stairs seen in many mosques, Al Qassemi adds. And his perspective was an important one because he wasn't trained by western architects, but by Arab architects in Syria.
“He lets the architecture speak for itself," says Al Qassimi. "And notice his buildings don't have this flashiness, these mosaics from the outside. It's architecture for architecture, say, rather than public art. The King Faisal Mosque gave Sharjah its first Islamic iconic symbol. It’s a statement.”
Our legal advisor
Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation.
Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Meydan race card
6.30pm: Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Primera Liga fixtures (all times UAE: 4 GMT)
Friday
Real Sociedad v Villarreal (10.15pm)
Real Betis v Celta Vigo (midnight)
Saturday
Alaves v Barcelona (8.15pm)
Levante v Deportivo La Coruna (10.15pm)
Girona v Malaga (10.15pm)
Las Palmas v Atletico Madrid (12.15am)
Sunday
Espanyol v Leganes (8.15pm)
Eibar v Athletic Bilbao (8.15pm)
Getafe v Sevilla (10.15pm)
Real Madrid v Valencia (10.15pm)
'THE WORST THING YOU CAN EAT'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Hili 2: Unesco World Heritage site
The site is part of the Hili archaeological park in Al Ain. Excavations there have proved the existence of the earliest known agricultural communities in modern-day UAE. Some date to the Bronze Age but Hili 2 is an Iron Age site. The Iron Age witnessed the development of the falaj, a network of channels that funnelled water from natural springs in the area. Wells allowed settlements to be established, but falaj meant they could grow and thrive. Unesco, the UN's cultural body, awarded Al Ain's sites - including Hili 2 - world heritage status in 2011. Now the most recent dig at the site has revealed even more about the skilled people that lived and worked there.
HEADLINE HERE
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Honeymoonish
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Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
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6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
Specs
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Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
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The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe
Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
Federer's 11 Wimbledon finals
2003 Beat Mark Philippoussis
2004 Beat Andy Roddick
2005 Beat Andy Roddick
2006 Beat Rafael Nadal
2007 Beat Rafael Nadal
2008 Lost to Rafael Nadal
2009 Beat Andy Roddick
2012 Beat Andy Murray
2014 Lost to Novak Djokovic
2015 Lost to Novak Djokovic
2017 Beat Marin Cilic
How it works
Booklava works on a subscription model. On signing up you receive a free book as part of a 30-day-trial period, after which you pay US$9.99 (Dh36.70) per month to gain access to a library of books and discounts of up to 30 per cent on selected titles. You can cancel your subscription at any time. For more details go to www.booklava.com
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Fixtures
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War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
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Scores
Oman 109-3 in 18.4 overs (Aqib Ilyas 45 not out, Aamir Kaleem 27) beat UAE 108-9 in 20 overs (Usman 27, Mustafa 24, Fayyaz 3-16, Bilal 3-23)
