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Al Rahma Mosque (Floating Mosque)

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Al Rahma Mosque (Floating Mosque)

A white mosque built on pillars over the Red Sea on the North Corniche — at high tide it seems to float on the water.

Favourite places

Local food

  • Sayadiyah

    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    A coastal Red Sea dish of fish served over spiced rice browned with onions — the classic seafood meal of Jeddah.

  • Mutabbaq

    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Thin, crispy folded pastry filled with minced meat, egg and leek (or a sweet banana and cheese version), cooked on a hot griddle. A favourite Hejazi street snack, especially in the evening and in Ramadan.

Where to eat

  • Corniche and Waterfront cafés

    North Corniche and Jeddah Waterfront

    Cafés, juice bars and family restaurants along the sea, busiest after sunset when the breeze cools the air.

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  • Al Baik

    Branches across Jeddah (and Makkah)

    The fried-chicken chain founded in Jeddah in the 1970s is a national favourite and a rite of passage for visitors — expect queues at busy times.

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Where to stay

  • Al Rawdah, Tahlia Street and Al Andalus

    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Central Jeddah between the airport road and the sea: business hotels, malls and restaurants, with easy taxi access to everywhere.

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Culture

The mosque is one of the most photographed sights in Jeddah, and at sunset the call to prayer drifts over the water while families walk the Corniche.

History

Al Rahma Mosque ("Mosque of Mercy") was built in the mid-1980s on the North Corniche. It stands on pillars over the sea, so that at high tide the water surrounds it and it appears to float — hence its popular name, the Floating Mosque.

Its design mixes modern and traditional Islamic elements: a central dome, a single minaret and a white exterior with turquoise details, set against the blue of the Red Sea. It is an active mosque used for daily and Friday prayers.

Tour plans

North Corniche at sunset

2–3 hours

  1. Step 1: Al Rahma Mosque

    Arrive before sunset to see the mosque in daylight.

  2. Step 2: Promenade walk

    Walk along the North Corniche.

  3. Step 3: Café by the sea

    Tea, juice or dinner as the lights come on.

Map

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Travel information

Best time to visit

Late afternoon to sunset, from October to April; avoid prayer times if you only want to view and photograph it.

How to get there

On the North Corniche: take a taxi or ride-hailing app to Al Rahma Mosque on the Corniche Road. There is parking along the seafront.

Getting around

  • Walk along the shore and the walkway to view the mosque from different angles.
  • The North Corniche promenade continues in both directions.

Travel tips

  • It is a working place of worship: be quiet and respectful, and avoid visiting during prayer times.
  • Non-Muslim visitors can view and photograph it from outside; ask locally before attempting to enter.
  • Muslim visitors joining the prayer should dress appropriately; women cover their hair.

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