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Islam in the United Arab Emirates

Jumeirah Mosque , built in stone in medieval Fatimid tradition, is an example of modern Islamic architecture and is one of the most photographed sights of Dubai
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Jumeirah Mosque , built in stone in medieval Fatimid tradition, is an example of modern Islamic architecture and is one of the most photographed sights of Dubai

Most of the citizens of the UAE are Sunni Muslims who adhere to the Maliki legal tradition. Some Sunnis of the Wahhabi sect (followers of a strict interpretation of the Hanbali legal school) live in the Al Buraymi Oasis, and some who follow the Shafi'i legal school live along the Al Batinah coast. The foreign population includes Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, Hindus, and Christians.

Although varying from amirate to amirate, the degree of religious freedom afforded non-Muslims is greater in the UAE than in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. For example, non-Muslims are permitted to worship but not to proselytize. There are several large Christian churches and schools in the UAE, primarily in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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Last updated: 02-19-2005 14:38:06
Last updated: 04-25-2005 03:06:01