Qibla finder / UAE
Qibla direction from Dubai, 258.2° west-southwest
From Dubai, face 258.2° clockwise from true north to face the Kaaba in Makkah, 1,631 km away. With a magnetic compass, face 256.0°.
- Distance to the Kaaba
- 1,631 km (1,014 miles)
- Magnetic compass bearing
- 256.0°
- Magnetic declination
- 2.2° east
- City centre
- 25.2048, 55.2708
How to face the qibla
Stand with a compass and turn until it reads 256.0°. That is 258.2° from true north, adjusted for the 2.2° east magnetic declination in Dubai. Or open the live compass on your phone.
Worked out for the centre of Dubai. Across the city the direction changes by less than a degree.
Guide
Why the qibla is west-southwest from Dubai
The qibla is the direction of the Kaaba, measured along the shortest path over the globe. From Dubai that path leaves heading west-southwest, at 258.2° from true north. Flat maps distort this route, so it can look wrong on a map even though it is the true direction.
A compass points to magnetic north, which in Dubai is 2.2° east of true north this year, by the World Magnetic Model 2025. That is why the compass bearing, 256.0°, differs from the true bearing.
Someone far from Makkah faces the direction (jihah) of the Kaaba. A small turn to the left or right does not affect the prayer, and a prayer made after a genuine effort stays valid even if you later learn you were slightly off.
Other madhhabs
- Shafi'i
- The stronger view is to aim at the Kaaba itself by your best effort, even from far away.
- Maliki, Hanbali
- Facing the direction is enough, as in the Hanafi school.
Qibla from other cities in United Arab Emirates
| City | Qibla | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 260.2° | W |
| Sharjah | 257.9° | WSW |
| Ajman | 257.8° | WSW |
| Al Ain | 262.4° | W |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 256.9° | WSW |
| Fujairah | 259.6° | W |
| Umm Al Quwain | 257.2° | WSW |
Checked by our team. For a more accurate answer to your own situation, consult a scholar.
Questions
Good to know
What is the qibla direction from Dubai?
The qibla from Dubai is 258.2° from true north, which is west-southwest. With an ordinary magnetic compass, face 256.0°.
How far is Dubai from Makkah?
About 1,631 km (1,014 miles) in a straight line over the globe.
Why is the qibla west-southwest from Dubai?
The qibla follows the shortest route over the curved Earth to the Kaaba, called a great circle. On a flat map this route looks curved, so the direction can look different from what a map suggests.
How exact do I need to be?
In the Hanafi school, someone far from Makkah faces the general direction of the Kaaba. A small turn to either side does not affect the prayer. Do your best, or follow the direction of your local masjid.