Badiyah (also spelt Bidyah and Bidiya), 8km north of Khor Fakkan, is famous for its teensy mosque. The modest stone and mud structure, adorned with four pointed domes and resting on a single internal pillar, dates to 1446 and considered the oldest mosque in the UAE.
Non-Muslims are free to take a peek but must be modestly dressed and take off their shoes; women must also cover their hair. Free abeyyas (black robes for women) may be borrowed from the attendant.
The prayer hall has a lovely contemplative feel, enlivened by a red carpet with white dots and leatherbound books stacked into wall niches. There is a small mihrab (niche pointing in the direction of Mecca) and simple minbar (stepped pulpit).
The mosque is built into a low hillside along the coastal road just north of Badiyah village and guarded by two ruined watchtowers. It's well worth walking up here for sweeping views of the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf.
