In the UAE, mosques go digital

Traditionalist Islamic mosques have embraced the 21st century by posting QR coded informational messaging on their walls. With the scan of a mobile device, worshipers at Dubai's Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum mosque can now access information about prayer timings, lectures and courses, as well the text of the Friday Sermon. Meanwhile, visitors to the building – dubbed the world's first "smart mosque" – can scan the codes for touristic information that includes the building's history. According to the emirate's Director General of the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities, Dubai's goal is to outfit every mosque in the country with QR code technology to better serve congregations and add more value to visitors.