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Green mosque to be completed by 2014

Work on the UAE’s first eco-friendly mosque will commence soon, the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) announced today. The contract for its construction has been awarded to Al Arif Contracting Company, a subsidiary of Masharie, the private equity arm of Dubai Investments.

The green mosque is scheduled for completion in 18 months, and will be located in Bur Saeed area, close to the Clock Tower Roundabout in Deira. The 45,000 square feet mosque will be built over an area of 105,000 square feet. Being the largest mosque in Dubai, the facility will accommodate 3,500 worshippers.

During the implementation of the project, Al Arif will work closely with a specialist consultant to develop green building standards that will prioritise the provision of green spaces, and use of solar panels to generate warm water for the purpose of ablution and for the Imam’s house. The facility will also ensure the recycling and purifying of ablution water for irrigation and washroom supply, use of environment-friendly building materials, and improved performance of the air-conditioning and air-purification system with the integration of high-tech equipment.

Tayeb Al Rais, Secretary-General at AMAF, said: “Al Arif won the contract from among a large number of construction companies that submitted their tender for the pilot project. Following the successful completion of this landmark initiative, AMAF aims to transform several mosques in Dubai into eco-friendly mosques and adopt green building standards to contribute to Dubai’s sustainable development plans.” He added: “Al Arif has proven experience in the implementation of real estate projects that support environment preservation and sustainability factors. A specialist consultant will work alongside Al Arif to ensure compliance with all standards set forth in the contract.”

Conforming to green building criteria, the project will install thermal insulation, programmed and automatic thermostats, suction fans with energy recovery units, and use natural light and heat reflective colours especially at the interfaces and roof. It will also feature a terrace garden for heat insulation, and undergo periodic maintenance. The eco-friendly mosque will seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the air conditioning system and avoid using building materials such as asbestos and polystyrene.

The construction of the mosque is in line with Dubai’s recent legislation on green buildings, which mandates the conservation of resources, environmental protection and the adoption of green practices for improving the performance of buildings and enhancing the overall health and safety of the inhabitants. It also takes forward the Dubai Strategic Plan that endorses the creation of an urban and sustainable environment through enhancing the efficiency of infrastructure in order to meet the needs of future development.

news@khaleejtimes.com