Discover Sharm
Al Sahaba Mosque
A Masterpiece of Islamic Architecture
Standing in the heart of Sharm El Sheikh's Old Market, Al Sahaba Mosque isn't just a place of worship — it's one of those rare buildings that stops you mid-step, the kind where you find yourself reaching for your camera before you've even processed what you're looking at.
There's something about the way the mosque rises against the backdrop of the Red Sea that feels almost deliberate, like someone placed it there knowing the contrast — creamy stone against deep blue water — would be impossible to ignore. And honestly? It works. Tourists and locals alike gravitate toward it, not just for prayer but for that quiet moment of standing in front of something genuinely beautiful.
The first thing you'll notice — after the sheer size of it — is the Ottoman-inspired design. There's a clear nod to the Taj Mahal in the silhouette, with those two towering minarets framing the central dome like they're keeping watch. Egyptian architect Fouad Tawfik Hafez was the mind behind the blueprint, and you can feel the intention in the details: the geometric patterns carved into the facade, the way the multiple domes catch the light differently as the sun moves, the calligraphy that wraps around the entrance like a whispered invitation.
Construction kicked off in 2011 and stretched across six years of meticulous work. The total cost ran to about 30 million Egyptian pounds, pulled together through a mix of donations and government backing. For a building that now anchors the entire Old Market district, it's hard to argue the investment wasn't worth it.
"A symbol of faith, beauty, and creativity — where the Red Sea meets the spiritual heart of Sharm El Sheikh."
Location-wise, the mosque couldn't be better positioned. It sits right in the Old Market area, surrounded by the buzz of shops, bazaars, and restaurants that spill out onto the streets. You can hear the call to prayer echo across the market, and for a moment everything pauses — shopkeepers step away from their stalls, tourists glance up from their bargaining, and the whole area shifts into something quieter.
Inside, the mosque houses an Islamic preaching center where sermons and teachings are delivered in multiple languages — a reflection of just how international Sharm's visitor base has become. There's also a library stocked with Islamic publications spanning various topics, from jurisprudence to history, making the mosque as much a place of learning as it is of worship. Around the perimeter, service and commercial units operate as an endowment, generating income that keeps the mosque self-sustaining.
Thousands pass through its doors every day. Some come to pray. Others come to sit in the courtyard and absorb the stillness. And plenty — like me — come simply to stand back and admire what happens when architecture, history, and belief collide in the best possible way. If you're making your way through Sharm, skip the rush and give yourself an hour here. You won't regret it.
Visit Al Sahaba Mosque
Located in the Old Market of Sharm El Sheikh, open daily for visitors and worshippers alike. Experience one of Egypt's most beautiful modern mosques.
Plan Your Visit →