First look: This is what the UAE's net-zero mosque is going to look like
Masdar City is getting a futuristic, eco-friendly place of worship – and it's about as green as a building can get.
Abu Dhabi's Masdar City is already known for being the region's sustainability show-off, but it's about to raise the bar even higher by building the world's first net-zero energy mosque.
Yes, you read that right. A place of worship that powers itself, cools itself and even saves water, all while looking serene and stunning.
Designed by global engineering and design giant Arup and developed by Aldar, this not-so-humble house of prayer will sit proudly on a circular 1,595-square-metre plot and welcome more than 1,300 worshippers. But it's not just big – it's brainy, too.
Let's break it down:
The mosque will generate 100 percent of its annual energy needs, thanks to an array of solar panels.
Cooling? Mostly passive. That means clever design does the heavy lifting – like channelling breezes through tiered roof windows, so worshippers don't melt during midday prayer.
Water usage? Cut by 55 percent using greywater recycling.
Embodied carbon? Slashed, thanks to rammed earth walls, low-emission concrete, sustainable carpets and hydrogen-based steel – the first time that's ever been used in a MENA construction project.
And about those walls – rammed earth is making a comeback here, not for the 'rustic chic' aesthetic (though it does look pretty great), but because it's been used in traditional mosque design for centuries and is a natural temperature regulator.
It keeps the heat out, the cool in and adds to the building's earthy, grounding feel.
Even the prayer carpets are getting the eco-treatment and the lighting is LED-efficient, naturally.
As mentioned, Aldar has also teamed up with EMSTEEL to use low-carbon, hydrogen-based steel in the rebar – an experimental move that's already reducing emissions by a jaw-dropping 95 percent on structural materials.
This mosque is more than just a place to pray – it's a symbol of where faith, culture and sustainability intersect. And while it's only the second mosque in Masdar City, it's leading the region (and maybe the world) when it comes to green innovation.
Coming soon to Masdar City. Designed by Arup, developed by Aldar. @aldar.
More going on in Abu Dhabi
8 things we know about the new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi
It's going to be magical – and massive
Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025
From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year
It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names
Wow, look at this line-up
Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once
Your dinner inspo is sorted
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out Abu Dhabi
4 days ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
First look: This is what the UAE's net-zero mosque is going to look like
Masdar City is getting a futuristic, eco-friendly place of worship – and it's about as green as a building can get. Abu Dhabi's Masdar City is already known for being the region's sustainability show-off, but it's about to raise the bar even higher by building the world's first net-zero energy mosque. Yes, you read that right. A place of worship that powers itself, cools itself and even saves water, all while looking serene and stunning. Designed by global engineering and design giant Arup and developed by Aldar, this not-so-humble house of prayer will sit proudly on a circular 1,595-square-metre plot and welcome more than 1,300 worshippers. But it's not just big – it's brainy, too. Let's break it down: The mosque will generate 100 percent of its annual energy needs, thanks to an array of solar panels. Cooling? Mostly passive. That means clever design does the heavy lifting – like channelling breezes through tiered roof windows, so worshippers don't melt during midday prayer. Water usage? Cut by 55 percent using greywater recycling. Embodied carbon? Slashed, thanks to rammed earth walls, low-emission concrete, sustainable carpets and hydrogen-based steel – the first time that's ever been used in a MENA construction project. And about those walls – rammed earth is making a comeback here, not for the 'rustic chic' aesthetic (though it does look pretty great), but because it's been used in traditional mosque design for centuries and is a natural temperature regulator. It keeps the heat out, the cool in and adds to the building's earthy, grounding feel. Even the prayer carpets are getting the eco-treatment and the lighting is LED-efficient, naturally. As mentioned, Aldar has also teamed up with EMSTEEL to use low-carbon, hydrogen-based steel in the rebar – an experimental move that's already reducing emissions by a jaw-dropping 95 percent on structural materials. This mosque is more than just a place to pray – it's a symbol of where faith, culture and sustainability intersect. And while it's only the second mosque in Masdar City, it's leading the region (and maybe the world) when it comes to green innovation. Coming soon to Masdar City. Designed by Arup, developed by Aldar. @aldar. More going on in Abu Dhabi 8 things we know about the new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi It's going to be magical – and massive Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
Zawya
30-05-2025
- Zawya
Emsteel, Magsort to start decarbonised cement production in Al Ain
UAE - Emsteel, one of the largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturers in the region, has announced a major milestone in its decarbonisation journey where it has signed a strategic partnership with Finnish company Magsort to produce decarbonised cement. The agreement follows the success the Group has had in implementing an industrial-scale pilot for decarbonised cement production at its Al Ain facility through utilising 10,000 tonnes of materials that reduce carbon, which have been developed by incorporating steel-slag. Emsteel Group's pilot provides a unique use-case for complementary operations between its two main business lines: Steel and Cement. This is achieved by incorporating steel slag at scale as raw material for clinker and cement production, reinforcing the Group's commitment towards driving sustainability in the sector. Due to its diverse product range, Emsteel in uniquely positioned to pioneer a viable and practical circular economy case study. This simultaneously underscores Emsteel's strategic capability to expedite decarbonisation efforts across diverse sectors and strengthens its standing as a regional sustainability leader setting new benchmarks for industrial innovation in developing low-carbon cement. To address the growing local market demand for low-carbon cement, an integrated line will be built at the company's Al Ain plant, said the company in a statement. This line will process steel residue and refine materials sourced from Emsteel's steel plant in Abu Dhabi. This significant initiative is a crucial step expected to directly contribute to reducing Scope 1 carbon dioxide emissions, it stated. This initiative is a core component of Emsteel's decarbonisation strategy. The company aims to achieve a 40% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its Steel Business Unit and by 30% reduction in its Cement Business Unit by 2030, using 2019 as the baseline year. Emsteel remains firmly committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Group CEO Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi said: "This is a proud moment for Emsteel and a strong signal of what is possible when innovation meets ambition. By transforming steel slag into a valuable input for cement, we are not only cutting emissions but also proving the commercial value of industrial circularity." "Our integrated model is unlocking real results, and this milestone is a testament to our commitment to accelerate our decarbonisation journey and help deliver the UAE's Net Zero vision," he stated. Hugo Losada, CEO of Emirates Cement, part of Emsteel Group, said: "This milestone represents an important step in our decarbonisation journey. Proving the technical and commercial viability of this decarbonisation effort is a promising sign that we will be able to achieve our objective of hitting the 2030 decarbonisation targets by 2026." "We look forward to continuing this very fruitful co-operation with Magsort over the years to come," he stated. Kalevi Kostiainen, CEO of Magsort, said: "We are extremely happy in achieving this key milestone in Abu Dhabi. The co-operation with Emirates Cement has been incredibly productive and this facility serves as a large-scale example for the industry on how to achieve significant CO₂ reduction with today's technology and existing materials." "It's a clear win-win for the cement and steel industries. We would like to thank Emirates Cement for leading the way and taking action," he added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arabian Post
29-05-2025
- Arabian Post
Arup experts share trends shaping the future of rail at Asia Pacific Rail
Arup experts gathered at Asia Pacific Rail 2025, exploring how to transform rail across the region. HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 May 2025 – Rail leaders of global sustainable development consultancy Arup from across the Asia Pacific region shared their insights into the future of rail at Asia Pacific Rail 2025, ranging from the role of transit-oriented development in funding rail infrastructure, the use of the latest green and smart technology in transit systems, station transformation, and customer journey planning. Held in Bangkok on 28-29 May 2025, the major rail event in the region was attended by 4,000 people and brought together more than 160 speakers and 200 exhibitors. As moderator of the keynote panel, TC Chew, Managing Director of APAC at Arup, discussed with leaders of key rail organisations in the region the crucial role of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in making public-private partnerships (PPPs) financially viable and sustainable, the challenges in implementing TOD as well as opportunities for future regional collaboration. ADVERTISEMENT 'Governments are under increasing pressure to look for innovative ways to fund rail projects. TOD could be part of the answer. If planned and designed carefully, TOD can help address challenges such as a growing population and demand for housing and employment, while promoting efficient transport options needed for a long-term sustainable future,' said TC. James Musgrave, APAC Rail Business Leader at Arup, said, 'From the Kowloon Station development in Hong Kong to the Sydney Metro Martin Place integrated station development in Australia, Arup provided strategic planning, design and engineering expertise to maximise the value of investment in transit infrastructure and the positive impact on the community it serves. When we create an impactful TOD, we don't just change how a city moves, we redefine how people live.' Three leaders from Arup also spoke at Asia Pacific 2025 on major topics in railway development: Alberto Battois, Malaysia Rail Business Leader, on 'Integrated mobility – what next?'; Carol Lau, Associate Director, on 'New forms of smart and green mass transit systems for medium capacity network – planning and design'; and Aden Chua, Associate, on 'Digitalising station transformation'. In addition, Arup sponsored the British Embassy Reception, where Arup's clients and partners connected with rail leaders to exchange ideas and share insights. With over 6,400 people in 28 offices across Asia Pacific and direct access to a larger global network, Arup is committed to supporting clients to deliver transformative railways that enhance lives and connectivity across cities and nations. Hashtag: #Rail #TransitOrientedDevelopment #Arup Wechat: Arup奥雅纳 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Arup Arup is a global built environment consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines. We create safe, resilient, and regenerative places, bringing a Total Design approach to our work for our clients.
