Dubai has announced the construction of 55 new mosques and decided to provide English translations of Friday sermons in 70 percent of the city’s mosques ahead of Ramadan.
The Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities has informed about the new projects in its 2024 “Quality Achievements of the Mosque Affairs Sector” report, which aims to harmonize Islamic architectural heritage with modern sustainability solutions.
Last year, 24 mosques were inaugurated for 172 million dirhams, with a capacity of 13,911 worshipers.
This year, 55 new mosques are being built with an investment of 475 million dirhams, which will provide a capacity of 40,961 worshippers.
54 new plots have also been allocated for the construction of mosques in the future to ensure easy access for people.
The Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities is also developing a “Mosque Guide”, which aims to achieve a seven-star rating for sustainability in mosques.
Dubai is taking steps to build environmentally friendly mosques, with the emirate opening its first autonomous mosque in 2024, which cost 18.15 million dirhams and can accommodate 500 worshippers.
The mosque helped reduce the carbon footprint of Dubai’s mosques by 5%, exceeding the initial target.
Dubai has also begun work on the UAE’s first 3D-printed mosque, which is expected to open in 2026, further cementing Dubai’s leadership in technology-driven urban development.
However, no new information has been given about the world’s first floating mosque, which was announced in 2023 with an estimated cost of 55 million dirhams.
Dubai has inaugurated two new mosques ahead of Ramadan. The Ibrahim Ali Al Gergawi Mosque in Mirdif is built on 2,226 square meters and can accommodate 544 worshippers.
The Atta-ur-Rahman Mosque in Al Barsha (Arjan), which is built on 1,275 square meters, can accommodate 504 worshippers and has excellent arrangements for men and women to pray.
The department revealed that more than 50 million dirhams have been raised through donations, while ongoing collaboration efforts are being made with the American University’s School of Architecture to promote local styles in the construction of mosques.
With all these measures, Dubai is set to strengthen its religious infrastructure, to provide sustainable, inclusive, and technology-equipped places of worship.
