Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is a modern city surrounded by gorgeous rocky mountains and vast deserts. The lovely city never fails to impress with its unique history, ancient architecture, and diverse culture. One can see the gorgeous gardens, amusement parks, modern architecture, and historical landmarks when visiting the city. However, mosques in Riyadh are the top places that attract pilgrims and tourists from around the globe. People coming to the capital city can explore the mosques with both traditional and modern architecture.
7 beautiful mosques in Riyadh
1. King Khalid Grand Mosque
The King Khalid Grand Mosque, also referred to as the religious beacon, is one of the most famous mosques in Riyadh. People consider it a spiritual sanctuary and believe that it brings the community together. It is a stunning structure with a distinctive architectural design, including a magnificent dome, glass detailing, and more. Mosaics and Byzantine craftsmanship inspire this architectural marvel. The interior design is beautiful, with elegant doors, arches, geometric patterns, and Quranic illustrations on the walls representing the Arabic tradition.
Location: Umm Al-Hamam Street, Al-Gharbi, Riyadh
Timing: Open 24 hours every day
2. Imam Turki Bin Abdulla Mosque
The Grand Mosque was built during the reign of Imam Turki Bin Abdulla and is one of Saudi Arabia’s largest mosques. It can hold up to 17,000 people at once. The mosque has existed for decades, but it was rebuilt and reopened in January 1993. Every year during Ramadan and Eid, members of the Al Saud family visit the mosque, which shows its huge religious significance. The exterior and upper interior portions are built of brown arriyadh limestone, which glows golden when illuminated at night. The lower section is made of eye-catching white marble. There are separate libraries for both men and women inside the mosque.
Location: Al Imam Turki Ibn Abd Allah Ibn Muhammad, Ad Dirah, Riyadh
Timing: Open 24 hours every day
3. Al Rajhi Grand Mosque
Al Rajhi Grand Mosque is one of the most popular places of worship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It draws a huge crowd every year. Among the largest mosques in the capital, it is also one of the most significant Islamic sites in the Kingdom. This beautiful architecture can accommodate 18,000 people in the men’s hall and 2,500 people in the women’s hall.
The mosque is well maintained and serves as a gathering place for the locals on special occasions such as Eid. On Fridays, the prayers are translated into seven languages and displayed with subtitles on large digital screens.
Location: Al Akheyar, Al Jazirah Riyadh
Timing: 4 am to 8 pm (every day)
4. Princess Latifa Bint Sultan Mosque
Princess Latifa bint Sultan Mosque is widely famous among the worshippers in Riyadh. The mosque has a distinct Islamic style design and a wonderful ambiance that provides a sense of calm and relaxation. It is well-known for its brightly lit prayer halls, excellent interiors, well-kept surroundings, magnificent exteriors, and great location. The interior walls are covered with magnificent inscriptions, decorations, and verses from the Qur’an, while the floors are covered with the finest and most luxurious carpets. The main hall has a large magnificent chandelier on the ceiling, which adds to the mosque’s beauty from the inside.
Location: Al Takhassousi, Al Rahmaniyah District
Timing: Open 24 hours every day
5. KAFD Grand Mosque
KAFD Grand Mosque is one of Riyadh’s most attractive architectural structures due to its unique appearance from the inside and outside. The building is a hidden gem and one of the most modern-looking mosques in Saudi Arabia. It is widely visited by worshippers and can accommodate up to 1500 people at one time. The KAFD Grand Mosque’s design is inspired by the ‘desert rose’ and is based on traditional Islamic patterns similar to those found in diamonds. Two 60-meter-tall minarets enhance the structure. This Grand Mosque was also nominated for the ‘Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture’ in 2019.
Location: King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh
Timings: 4 am to 9 pm (every day)
Suggested Read: 15 Best Tourist Places In Riyadh : Mosques, Malls, And Skyscrapers
6. KAPSARC Mosque
The mosque is located in the compound of King Abdullah Petroleum Studies And Research Centre (KAPSARC). It rises 3 feet above the surrounding pool, giving the impression that the mosque is floating above the water at night. The glass box illuminates at night, with light shining through the large holes, increasing the mosque’s beauty. The main prayer hall can hold up to 200 men, while the other prayer hall can hold up to 100 women. The walls and ceiling are a lovely mix of modern and traditional Arabic designs. The 115-foot tall standing minaret is built to complement the mosque.
Location: King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
Timing: Open 7 am to 4 pm (Sunday to Thursday), closed on Friday and Saturday
7. King Khalid Airport Mosque
King Khalid Airport Mosque, also known as the Royal mosque, is located within the central plaza of the airport. The mosque was built in modern Arabic style and was considered the most modern mosque in the world when it was built. It has a capacity of 5000 worshippers in the main hall and 4000 in the surrounding plaza. The mosque’s giant dome, 33 meters in diameter, is internally covered with polished bronze.
Location: Airport Road, King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
Timing: Open 24 hours every day
Riyadh is widely regarded as a modern city with modern architecture, but it is also a popular destination for pilgrims with some beautiful mosques. The city has numerous gorgeous mosques with eye-catching traditional and modern designs. They are the ideal place to pray in a peaceful setting. Tourists are highly recommended to see these beautiful mosques in Riyadh during their visit to the city.
Suggested Read: The 3 Holy Mosques Tour – Masjid Al Haram, Masjid Al-Nabawi, Masjid Al Aqsa
Mosques In Riyadh FAQs
When was King Khalid Grand Mosque built?
King Khalid Grand Mosque was built in 1988.
What hotels are near Al Rajhi Grand Mosque?
Vivian Park, Golden Dune, Shaza Riyadh, and Dara Al Rayan are some hotels near Al Rajhi Grand Mosque.
What is the opening time for Al Rajhi Grand Mosque?
The Al Rajhi Grand Mosque is open to worshippers 24 hours a day.
Is the KAPSARC mosque open every day?
KAPSARC mosque is open from Sunday to Thursday and closed on Friday and Saturday.
