Al Sahaba Mosque
A modern architectural marvel in Sharm El Sheikh, blending Ottoman and Fatimid styles with towering minarets and intricate details.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light
Al Sahaba Mosque
Best Time
Golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern architectural marvel in Sharm El Sheikh, blending Ottoman and Fatimid styles with towering minarets and intricate details.
"The architecture is absolutely breathtaking, with intricate details that blend Ottoman and Fatimid styles."
🎯 Dress Modestly for Entry
Women: cover arms, legs, head. Men: cover arms, knees. Free abayas available.
⏰ Avoid Prayer Times
Closed to visitors 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM. Plan your visit accordingly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Exterior Architecture
Admire the stunning blend of Ottoman and Fatimid styles, intricate stonework, and mosaic details. A true architectural marvel.
Towering Minarets
The mosque boasts impressive 76-meter minarets that dominate the Sharm El Sheikh skyline.
Illuminated at Night
Experience the mosque's magical transformation as it's beautifully lit up after sunset.
Old Market Location
Conveniently situated in the heart of the Old Market, allowing for a combined visit with shopping and local cuisine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code for Entry
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dress Modestly for Entry
Women: cover arms, legs, head. Men: cover arms, knees. Free abayas available.
⏰ Avoid Prayer Times
Closed to visitors 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM. Plan your visit accordingly.
📸 Exterior is the Star
The outside architecture is more impressive than the simple interior. Admire from outside if short on time.
💧 Bring Your Own Scarf
Communal abayas are provided, but bringing your own scarf is recommended for hygiene.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dress Modestly for Entry
Women: cover arms, legs, head. Men: cover arms, knees. Free abayas available.
⏰ Avoid Prayer Times
Closed to visitors 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM. Plan your visit accordingly.
📸 Exterior is the Star
The outside architecture is more impressive than the simple interior. Admire from outside if short on time.
💧 Bring Your Own Scarf
Communal abayas are provided, but bringing your own scarf is recommended for hygiene.
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Market
Combine your mosque visit with shopping and local food in the vibrant Old Market.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Al Sahaba Mosque for its absolutely stunning and majestic exterior architecture, describing it as a standout landmark in Sharm El Sheikh. While the interior is considered simpler, the overall experience is highly recommended for its beauty and cultural significance, especially when illuminated at night. Some note potential waits and the need for strict adherence to the modest dress code.
"The Al Shahaba Mosque is truly a beautiful sight, especially from the outside. The architecture is absolutely stunning, with intricate details and an impressive structure that stands out in the heart of Sharm El Sheikh. It’s definitely worth stopping by just to admire and take photos.
A few practical tips for visiting: women must be fully covered to enter. The mosque does provide abayas and scarves for free, but keep in mind that these are communal and worn by hundreds of people before you. If you’re not comfortable with that, it’s better to come prepared, wear long sleeves, long pants, and bring your own scarf.
We had to wait nearly 30 minutes in the heat to get inside. Honestly, unless you’re deeply interested in seeing the interior of the mosque, it may not be worth the wait. The inside is quite simple compared to the majestic exterior. It’s a regular prayer hall without the same wow factor. So if you’re tight on time or visiting during a hot day, admiring it from outside might be the best experience.
Entrance is free, and you can’t visit from 8-9:45 it’s prayer time, they re open at 9:45 till 10:30 for visitors."
A.
"A modern mosque with grand ambition. Its multi-domed silhouette and towering minarets make it a centrepiece of Old Sharm. The intricate exterior stonework and mosaic details are worth admiring, especially when lit at night. A cultural and spiritual landmark."
Neel Banerjee
"The Al-Sahaba Mosque is in the main part of the Old Market, and is easily visible from all parts. It's an imposing building, and quite attractive to look at.
We had arrived a little bit early and as a service was still underway, we had wait a short while to enter.
Note; ladies must cover bare legs, shoulders and arms, and they prefer that you cover your head. Cloaks are freely available; they might not be the most fashionable, but they do the job. Men should not be showing their upper arms, and knees should be covered. You will need to remove shoes, and there is a rack to store these safely, but it's OK to keep socks on.
Once inside, you can visit the prayer room, which is not the biggest I've seen, and be given key information about Islam. Generally, women wearing cloaks and headscarf can also walk around this part. However, there was a young woman who argued that she would not wear a cloak as all her limbs were covered. She was very quickly directed to the ladies prayer space, and not allowed to return to the main area.
It's worth noting that most of the structures in Sharm el Sheikh are not that old. Nothing existed before 1980, and everything has been built since. Even those building such as the Mosque which might appear to be much older are really quite new.
I should note that once we were inside, our guide took a copy of the Koran, and spent several minutes explaining key points, which I found very interesting.
If you get the chance, definitely make the effort to visit. I'm sure that you will find it as interesting as I did."
Anthony Sutcliffe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Al Sahaba Mosque is located in the heart of the Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh. It's easily visible and accessible by taxi or local transport. Many visitors mention combining their visit with exploring the Old Market. +1
While not directly adjacent, Al Sahaba Mosque is in the Old Market area. Depending on your exact location, it might be a short taxi ride or a longer walk from hotels like Sentido Reef Oasis. It's best to check a map or ask locals for the most direct route.
Taxis are readily available in Sharm El Sheikh and are a convenient way to reach the Old Market. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Some local buses might also pass through the area. +1
Parking can be challenging in the busy Old Market area. It's often easier to arrive by taxi or to be dropped off nearby and walk. If you are driving, look for designated parking areas, though they may be limited.
This depends on your hotel's location. If you are staying in the Old Market area, walking is feasible. For hotels further afield, a taxi is recommended. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entrance to Al Sahaba Mosque is free. However, donations are welcome to help with its upkeep.
The mosque is generally open to visitors outside of prayer times. It is closed for visitors from 8:00 AM to 9:45 AM daily for prayer.
No, tickets are not required, and you do not need to book in advance. Entry is free and on a first-come, first-served basis outside of prayer times.
To avoid the largest crowds, try visiting in the early morning after prayer times (after 9:45 AM) or during the late afternoon before sunset. Evenings can be very busy due to the illumination.
Yes, tourists are welcome to visit Al Sahaba Mosque. It's a popular landmark for visitors to Sharm El Sheikh. +2
🎫 🕌 Onsite Experience
Modesty is key. Women must cover their arms, legs, and head. Free abayas and scarves are provided, but bringing your own is recommended. Men should cover their upper arms and knees.
Yes, women can enter Al Sahaba Mosque provided they adhere to the modest dress code. They will be offered abayas and headscarves if needed.
For women, a long-sleeved top, long pants or a long skirt, and a headscarf are recommended. For men, long pants and a shirt covering the upper arms are appropriate. Shoes must be removed before entering.
Many visitors find the exterior architecture to be more striking than the interior, which is described as a simple prayer hall. However, some find the interior peaceful and informative.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography, especially during prayer times.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire exterior is a photographer's dream, especially the intricate details, minarets, and domes. The mosque looks particularly stunning at sunset and when illuminated at night.
Absolutely! The mosque is renowned for its beauty during sunset, with the golden hour light casting a magical glow on its architecture. +1
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside, but always be respectful of worshippers and avoid disruptive behavior. The interior is simpler than the exterior.
For dramatic shots, aim for sunset or after dark when the mosque is illuminated. For softer light and fewer crowds, early morning after prayer times is also a good option.
Focus on the detailed stonework, the mosaic accents, the grand entrance, and the towering minarets. The unique blend of architectural styles offers many interesting angles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🕌 Religious Visitors
Visitors can learn about the significance of the 'Sahaba' and admire the detailed craftsmanship. Remember to adhere to the dress code and be respectful during prayer times. 📸 Photographers
+1 Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while evenings provide dramatic lighting. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels of Al Sahaba Mosque
+1The exterior is adorned with intricate stonework and mosaic details, which are particularly captivating when illuminated at night. This attention to detail gives the mosque a grand and majestic appearance, often drawing comparisons to fairytale settings.
While the exterior is the main draw for many visitors, the interior houses a prayer hall. The mosque's name, 'Al Sahaba,' refers to the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, and the pillars are reportedly decorated with their names.
This adds a layer of historical and religious significance to the structure, even if the interior design is more understated compared to the opulent exterior. Visiting Etiquette and Practicalities
Be mindful of prayer times, as the mosque is closed to visitors during these periods, typically from 8:00 AM to 9:45 AM. Arriving outside these hours will ensure you can enter and explore.
While the entrance is free, donations are appreciated. The exterior architecture is widely praised as the most impressive aspect, with some visitors suggesting that admiring it from the outside might be sufficient if you are short on time or prefer to avoid potential queues during peak hours.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit