Eco-friendly mosque set to open in Dubai

The Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) on Saturday announced the construction of the first eco-friendly mosque in the Islamic world is 85 per cent complete and is set to open doors to worshippers shortly.

Suspended ceilings have been installed in the ‘Awqat’ and ladies hall. Marble-inlay work on the walls of the prayer hall has been completed. Additionally, exterior plastering on the facades of the mosque, as well as wooden doors and cabinets in the kitchens of the Imam block have been installed. Meanwhile, Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (Dewa) has deployed transformers to the site. The contract for granite works at the entrance of the mosque has been awarded, while the installation of the crescents, ablution chairs and handrails has also concluded.

Tayeb Al-Rais, Secretary General, Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, said: “We are delighted to announce the imminent opening of the Islamic world’s first green mosque to worshipers. The mosque will be the largest of its kind in Dubai spread across 105,000 square feet with a built-up area of 45,000 square feet that can accommodate 3,500 worshippers. Through this mosque, we hope to inspire many more such eco-friendly initiatives that are in line with Dubai’s vision for a sustainable future.”

Integrated with the standards and specifications mandated for green buildings, the project aims to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed) Silver certification for conformance to the sustainability requirements of the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

Mohammed Hassan, Director - Investment, AMAF, said: “We have utilised latest green technologies available in the region’s first eco-mosque project. The installation of mixers that are in line with the specifications of green buildings will help reduce water consumption. Care has been taken to moderate the speed of water flow from taps in the ablution areas. Used water will be recycled and utilised in washrooms and for plant irrigation.

“The mosque integrates renewable energy solutions in its design. This is illustrated in the exterior lighting poles that are fitted with solar panels, battery storage system that is powered by solar energy, and the use of solar panels instead of energy draining electric heaters for the purpose of water heating.”

The use of energy-saving LED lights over regular bulbs, and a control system that automatically switches the lights on to correspond with prayer times or in the presence of an individual in the hall are some of the other eco-friendly solutions integrated into the design of the mosque. In addition to daylight sensors in the extension of the mosque, a climate control system has also been installed for regulating the air-conditioning units according to prayer times and number of worshippers.

Among other solutions used are the techniques of thermal insulation in the building material for roofs and exterior walls to reduce heat transfer, and double-glazing windows with metal coating to minimize the intensity of solar radiation into the mosque. Technologically advanced equipment has also been installed for improving indoor air quality and the performance of the air-conditioning system.