Al Sahaba Mosque

Al Sahaba Mosque is one of the best-known landmarks of Sharm El Sheikh, standing in the Hadaba district of the resort area in South Sinai, Egypt. The large white mosque has a tall slender minaret, a cluster of domes, arched windows and decorative stonework, and it is lit at night so that it can be seen from the surrounding streets and hotel areas. The building is an active place of worship used by residents and workers in the city, and it is open to respectful visitors outside prayer times. Inside, the prayer hall has carpeted floors, decorated ceilings, chandeliers and calligraphy, and the main dome creates a cool, quiet space in contrast to the busy resort outside. Visitors usually spend 20 to 40 minutes, enough to walk the courtyard, look at the exterior architecture and, if allowed, enter the hall. Both men and women should wear modest clothing covering shoulders, arms and knees, and women are expected to cover their hair; shoes are removed at the entrance. Entry is free and no ticket is required, and the mosque is not designed as a tourist attraction, so visitors should follow staff directions, speak quietly and avoid visiting during the five daily prayers, with Friday midday prayers especially busy. The best photographs of the exterior are taken in late afternoon, when the light warms the white stone, or at dusk when the minaret is illuminated. Crowds are rarely an issue outside prayer times, though the surrounding roads are busy with traffic. A taxi from Naama Bay costs roughly EGP 50-100. Photography of the exterior is generally accepted, while photographs of worshippers should be avoided and permission asked before photographing inside.