Dubai shall evolve with the opening of the first 3D printed mosque in the UAE in the second quarter of 2026. The mosque, at its first announcement by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in January 2023, has started to build. One-of-a-kind initiative of this particular kind goes a step further in incorporating the development of Dubai into the overall goal of modernizing things with contemporary designs, and cultural and religious practices.
The city has started an integral mosque expansion program that besides the 3D mosque, will erect 55 new mosques capable of accommodating 40,961 worshippers at a cost of Dh475 million. The Mosque Affairs Sector of IACAD regarding the 54 new plots earmarked for future mosque development has released the recurring costs related to mosque construction. So far, 24 new mosques have been built for $172 million, and increased capacity for 13,911 worshippers has been achieved.
Most important for history is having our doors open to a mosque for self-sufficiency in Dubai. Built at an investment of Dh18.15 million, it operates on a capacity for 499 worshippers, thus featuring a commitment towards environmental sustainability that matches one of Dubai’s.
The Sector of Mosque Affairs at IACAD has also undertaken some initiatives that are set up to enhance the worship experience. Increased access to Friday sermons would include translations in English, now available in 70 percent of Dubai’s mosques. A wider, more inclusive Islamic message is the idea behind such improvement. In addition, this sector’s Qibla determination service has processed over 16,000 requests, and more than 1,230 complaints were resolved with a complete value of resolution within the specified period.
Most charitable services will be further enhanced under this initiative through the launch of the Integrated Packages initiative, which has sought to approve donors and has accrued cash contributions exceeding Dh50 million.
Currently, the sector has also accomplished 5 percent in reducing the carbon footprint of the mosques of Dubai beyond its intended vesting. It installed air quality measuring devices, which also improved energy efficiency by 20 percent. This is also part of the sustainability initiative being developed by the sector under the “Mosque Guide,” which will develop a 7-star rating system that describes mosques based on environmental standards.
Through these progressive efforts, Dubai places itself at the helm of innovation and sustainability within the religious sector.
