Photographer Imad Alaeddin Frames the Celestial Domes of UAE's Mosques

CairoScene

25-03-2025

An image may capture a moment, but for Syrian photojournalist Imadeddin Alaeddin , it is a portal to something deeper. His latest work, 'Mosques of the UAE: A Harmony of Art and Spirituality', showcased at Xposure 2025 International Photography Festival in Sharjah, explores the often-overlooked beauty of mosque domes.
'Attending the Xposure Photography Exhibition last year sparked an idea for a project that goes beyond simply capturing images. I wanted to document the beauty of mosques from a fresh perspective, and in the domes of UAE mosques, I found a unique harmony of art and spirituality,' Alaeddin tells SceneHome.
Over a journey spanning 30 mosques across the UAE , Alaeddin's lens turned skyward, revealing the intricate floral motifs, Quranic inscriptions, and stained glass illuminations that often go unnoticed. His images frame these ceilings as celestial compositions, where geometry and craftsmanship converge in quiet reverence.
Roaming from Dubai to Sharjah , he uncovered the forgotten details of Islamic architecture. 'I sought to present a different vision of Islamic architecture, where artistic details blend with spiritual depth, making the exhibition an opportunity for visitors to discover a new perspective on these sacred spaces,' he reflects.
Photographing these domes came with challenges. Restricted prayer times meant limited access, while fluctuating lighting conditions required adaptability. 'Some mosques rely on programmed lighting systems that activate only at specific times, so I had to make the most of natural light,' Alaeddin explains. 'I considered using laser devices to fine-tune angles, but out of respect for the sanctity of the space, I chose to rely solely on my eye and experience.'
His photographs capture a world of colour and light, where crimson and deep blue hues pulse against pale cream backdrops, creating a mesmerising interplay of contrast. Each dome tells a story—its patterns, calligraphy, and muqarnas whispering the legacy of those who built them…
The dome of Al Muherabah Mosque in Dubai
Adorned with gilded Arabic calligraphy, its inscriptions encircling the space in a rhythmic embrace. Soft blue hues filter through the stained-glass windows, casting a tranquil glow of natural light.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Mosque in Dubai
An ocean of geometric carvings unfolds within a meticulously structured composition, where the pendentive, drum, and dome align in perfect harmony. Hanging pendants appear to defy gravity—as if suspended mid-fall—yet, when captured upside down, they create an uncanny sensation of descent, pulling the viewer into the depths of the celestial expanse above.
AlRushd Mosque in Al Dhaid, Sharjah
Here, sections of the columns supporting the dome appear to lean toward a singular perspective, drawing the eye inward. The overall cream palette exudes serenity, while deep crimson calligraphic bands introduce a striking contrast—infusing the space with a quiet intensity and a sense of warmth.
Al Dhaid Mosque in Al Dhaid, Sharjah
A luminous green band of gilded calligraphy encircles the dome, its vibrancy heightened by the delicate interplay of light and shadow. Yet, the true marvel lies in the muqarnas bridging the drum and the dome—cascading like snow-capped peaks dissolving into the pale eggshell palette. Against this serene backdrop, the bold green creates a striking contrast. Suspended at the heart of it all, a traditional metal chandelier descends, its dark tones amplifying the depth of the dome, framing it in mesmerizing concentric circles.
Sheikha bint Saeed Al Maktoum Mosque in Dubai
An octagonal drum dome reveals a harmonious transition from the square base to the triangular squinches, followed by the octagon and finally the dome. This visual layering unfolds like a cascading symphony, where geometry orchestrates a delicate balance of structure and ornamentation. The spotlights arranged around may have altered how it appears in the photograph, yet they still shine like constellations in perfect alignment.
Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai
Four half-domes converge seamlessly into the central dome, creating a harmonious architectural crescendo. The vivid color palette transforms the sacred into something unexpectedly jubilant—bright mustard yellow and deep red infuse the space with an electrifying contrast, where surprise and awe intertwine. Together, the domes form a floral-like composition, culminating in the central dome, where stained glass windows encircle the drum, casting ethereal light across the space.
Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah
A whisper of timeless Ottoman mosques lingers here, yet within, golden carvings elegantly drape the ceiling before unveiling the dome's radiant white expanse. Four half-domes converge seamlessly into the central dome, their pristine grandeur exuding a profound sense of calm and serenity. Artificial lights, arranged in concentric circles, intensify this feeling of infinity, drawing you into a luminous reverie.
Sharjah Grand Mosque in Sharjah
Gazing upward, the dome reveals a masterpiece where art and spirituality intertwine. Thuluth calligraphy flows across its surface, framing Quranic verses with the Names of Allah, creating a sense of divine rhythm. Gilded floral and geometric patterns echo Ottoman elegance, while striped arches introduce a striking contrast. A grand chandelier hangs at the center, casting a warm glow that enhances the mosque's tranquil beauty.
Mary the Mother of Jesus Mosque in Abu Dhabi
What sets this mosque apart is not just its architectural splendor but its profound message of tolerance and coexistence, after the mosque's name was changed from Mohammed Bin Zayed Mosque in 2017. Graceful calligraphy and intricate blue patterns weave across the dome, where light filters through geometric windows, casting a tranquil glow.
Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Mosque in Dubai
The dome's intricate floral geometry stretches endlessly, its layers unfolding like a lotus in bloom. Seen from beneath, it feels infinite—a vanishing point so profound, it's like gazing at the horizon itself, only framed by sacred symmetry.
Khor Kalba Mosque in Sharjah
Beige and blue unfold beneath the dome, evoking a sense of serenity and transcendence—like the sky meeting the clouds in a seamless embrace. A band of calligraphy frames the base, grounding the composition. Yet, it is in the quiet interplay of these hues, in the restraint of ornamentation, that the true opulence reveals itself—where absence speaks as powerfully as presence.
Amina bint Ahmed Al Ghurair Mosque in Ajman
A masterpiece of harmony, this dome weaves intricate geometry with the richness of golden Kufic calligraphy, encircling the space with a quiet grandeur. Light filters through, casting shifting shadows that bring the patterns to life, creating an atmosphere where structure and ornamentation merge into a seamless expression of devotion.
Photography Credit: Imad Al-Din Alaa Al-Din