Ramadan Gift: Dubai Announces Construction of 55 Mosques, Expands Friday Sermons in English
Dubai is making a grand gesture ahead of Ramadan with the announcement of 55 new mosques and an ambitious plan to expand Friday sermon translations into English across 70% of mosques in the emirate. This major initiative, spearheaded by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), reinforces Dubai’s commitment to blending tradition with modern innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Dubai has already made significant strides in its mosque expansion efforts, inaugurating 24 new mosques in 2024 at a cost of Dh172 million, accommodating 13,911 worshippers. Now, with an additional Dh475 million investment, 55 more mosques are under construction, set to provide 40,961 worshippers with state-of-the-art facilities across the emirate. To further cater to the city’s rapidly growing population, 54 new plots of land have been allocated for future mosque projects, ensuring accessibility and extensive coverage.
Mohammed Ali bin Zayed Al-Falasi, Executive Director of the Mosque Affairs Sector at IACAD, emphasized the department’s vision of merging Islamic architectural heritage with cutting-edge sustainability. He stated, “Our mosques are designed to be models of excellence, incorporating sustainable technologies while upholding the values of Islamic identity and heritage.”
Dubai’s First 3D-Printed Mosque & Other Innovations
Dubai’s relentless push for innovation continues with the construction of the UAE’s first 3D-printed mosque, scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2026. This revolutionary project cements Dubai’s position as a global leader in advanced technology and sustainable development.
In a remarkable achievement last year, the city unveiled its first self-sustaining mosque, built for Dh18.15 million, with space for 500 worshippers. This eco-friendly structure has significantly contributed to sustainability efforts, reducing the carbon footprint of mosques by 5% and improving energy efficiency by 20%, thanks to advanced air quality measurement devices.
Major Contributions and Expansions
The expansion also extends to Friday sermon translations, with efforts underway to cover 70% of mosques in English, making religious teachings more accessible to Dubai’s diverse community.
Meanwhile, financial support for mosque development continues to grow, with IACAD raising over Dh50 million in donations through the Integrated Packages initiative. Additionally, the department collaborated with the School of Architecture at the American University to train students in mosque design and engineering, fostering local talent and promoting modern architectural techniques.
New Mosque Openings Ahead of Ramadan
Just days before Ramadan, Dubai has inaugurated two new mosques. The Ibrahim Ali Al Gergawi Mosque in Mirdif, spanning 2,226 square meters, accommodates 544 worshippers and includes indoor parking, ablution areas, and inclusive facilities. Meanwhile, the Ata Al-Rahman Mosque in Al Barsha (Arjan), covering 1,275 square meters, welcomes 504 worshippers and boasts modern yet traditional architectural elements.
Both mosques feature dedicated prayer spaces for women, Imam and muezzin residences, accessible pathways for people of determination, and enhanced facilities to ensure a welcoming and inclusive worship experience.
Dubai’s ambitious mosque expansion project is not only about building places of worship but also about creating sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced religious spaces. With these remarkable developments, the emirate continues to set new benchmarks in religious infrastructure and community inclusivity, ensuring that worshippers have access to the best facilities while preserving Islamic heritage.
