Dubai has become the first country to announce the world’s first floating mosque with an estimated cost of approximately AED55 million, authorities said on Thursday.
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai has announced the ambitious Religious Tourism Project, being developed at Dubai Water Canal, designed to bolster Islamic tourism in the Emirates. The “Religious Tourism Project in Dubai” aims to promote Dubai’s status as a global religious tourism hub, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds. The project intends to position Dubai as the world’s most visited city by 2025, as outlined in the Dubai 2025 strategy.
Planned for completion in 2024, the pioneering structure comprises three floors, each serving a unique purpose. The first floor is an underwater prayer area, the second floor is a versatile multi-purpose hall, and the third floor houses an Islamic exhibition. The submerged level will include ablution facilities and washrooms. With the capacity to accommodate between 50 to 75 worshippers, this remarkable project promises to be an example of religious tranquillity and cultural enhancement.
Additionally, the mosque will host a Quranic exhibition chronicling the journey of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Quran from its inception to the distribution of the latest copies worldwide.
Several eye-catching depictions were released on Thursday, offering a glimpse into the future of the attraction.
Ahmed Khalfan Al Mansouri, cultural communication consultant at IACAD, said the mosque was one of many projects aimed at attracting tourists to religious sites in Dubai.
“The floating mosque will be an important attraction in the emirate,” he said.
“Visitors will walk into the mosque and either pray or see the underwater praying hall.”
“The mosque will be connected to the land. We are finishing the design, and it will be open to visitors next year,” he added.
People of all faiths will be welcome to visit the mosque but will be asked to dress modestly and act respectively per Islamic customs.
