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29 March 2024

Foundation laid in Dubai for region’s 1st green mosque

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By Staff

Tayeb Al Rais, Secretary General of Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (Amaf), today laid the foundation stone for the Middle East’s first green mosque in the presence of senior government officials and specially invited guests.

Located on a 105,000 sq. feet plot, the mosque will take shape over an area of 45,000 sq. feet and accommodate 3,500 worshippers. Nearly 60,000 sq. feet of the plot has been allocated for landscape at the environmental friendly mosque that is scheduled for completion in March 2014.

Hamad Abdulkarim Al Arif, Managing Director of Al Arif Contracting, contractors for the mosque’s construction, attended the stone laying ceremony.

Tayeb Al Rais said: "His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has clearly articulated a vision to drive sustainable development in the country. The new eco-friendly mosque comes as part of our efforts to contribute to this vision. Setting new standards for sustainable mosques in the UAE and the wider region, the mosque will conform to green standards for reducing energy, water and materials consumption. We thank Dubai Municipality for offering support in getting the project off the ground. We also wish to credit all those who have contributed to making this project a reality.”

The mosque is in line with Dubai’s recent legislation that mandates all new buildings to integrate green building standards for enhancing the overall well-being and safety of the occupants. The law prioritises improved planning, design, construction and operation of buildings for the creation of a conducive city.

Al Rais added: “As part of our efforts to contribute to Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, we aim to convert a large number of mosques in Dubai into eco-friendly facilities that use green building materials, thermal insulation systems for lowering energy consumption, and air conditioners that emit reduced greenhouse gases.”

Operating according to the guidelines of best practices in corporate governance, Amaf is considered the primary reference for endowments in Dubai and the authorized body for the welfare of minors. The Foundation is reputed worldwide for its transparent mechanisms that include the issuance of periodic reports to endowers and guardians of minors. Amaf is led by a highly-qualified management and specialized human resources team, most of who UAE nationals.