The Ismaili Centre Dubai

Today I had my senses delighted at the architectural marvel which is the Ismaili Centre Dubai.

Pictures are worth a thousand words, so I will let the beauty speak for itself:

"The Ismaili Centre, Dubai is a complex of creative spaces for contemplative, cultural, educational and recreational purposes, designed to encourage understanding and the sharing of wisdom from many perspectives."

When you walk into the Centre, you're engulfed by a calm, cool breeze and a still silence. You can't help but begin to feel contemplative, meditative.

The dome has always been my favourite aspect of Islamic architecture. This unique dome is seven sided, and built with red bricks. Usually the dome evokes images of heaven and is decorated in ornate calligraphy, so the bricks were a very pleasant surprise!

Pools, fountains and streams are found throughout the building, as is consistent with centuries of Islamic architecture. It adds to the peaceful, calm feeling and allows visitors to reconnect with nature.

Here the small canals are fed using a gravitational pull from the main fountain.

The archways are magnificent!

Here's the lovely courtyard, and the main fountain.

The beautiful domed roof.