Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, on Thursday opened a new mosque to serve up to 7,000 worshippers in the emirate.
The striking design of Al Dhaid Mosque was inspired by both Fatimid and Ottoman architecture.
The place of worship is located in Al Awaided district of Al Dhaid city.
Sheikh Dr Sultan removed a curtain to mark the opening of the mosque.
He was briefed on its construction and the amenities available to worshippers during his visit.
Speaking of the key role mosques play in communities, Dr Sheikh Sultan pointed to their rich cultural and religious legacy while stressing the need for parents to encourage their children to pray and to follow Allah's guidance.
He also underlined the importance of having libraries in mosques to promote greater understanding of religious texts and to encourage people to acquire further knowledge about their faith.
During the inauguration, Ahmed Al Mukhtar, the preacher at the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, gave a sermon during which he highlighted the benefits and rewards of building mosques and hailed the directives of the Ruler of Sharjah to constrict more places of worship in all parts of the emirate.
A number of officials and dignitaries attended the opening ceremony.
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The five pillars of Islam
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Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
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5pm: Maiden (Purebred Arabians); Dh80,000; 1,400m.
5.30pm: Maiden (PA); Dh80,00; 1,400m.
6pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup (PA); Group 3; Dh500,000; 1,600m.
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The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
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- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
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The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
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Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000
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Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm
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Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km
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