Dubai: World's first 3D-printed mosque set to open in 2026
The world's first 3D-printed mosque, set to come up in Dubai, is expected to be open in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD).
Work has commenced on the construction of the mosque, which was first announced in January 2023.
Dubai will also have 55 new mosques, while 54 new plots of land were allocated for future mosque constructions, the Mosque Affairs Sector of IACAD said. As part of expansion projects, 24 new mosques were built at a cost of $172 million, with a total capacity of 13,911 worshippers.
Meanwhile, the first self-sustaining mosque in Dubai was inaugurated, with a cost of Dh18,150,000 and a total capacity of 499 worshippers, marking a significant step towards achieving environmental sustainability.
The Mosque Affairs Sector also undertook several projects to help worshippers.
It included enhancing the translation of Friday sermons into English to cover 70% of mosques, promoting the inclusivity of the Islamic message.
The sector also provided the Qibla determination service for nearly 16,291 requests and handled more than 1,232 complaints, achieving a 100% resolution rate within the specified timeframes.
The Integrated Packages initiative helped accelerate the process of approving donors, resulting in the collection of over Dh50 million in financial donations.
In terms of professional specialisation support, the sector collaborated with the School of Architecture at the American University to train students in mosque design and engineering using modern technology, supporting localization efforts and the development of young talents.
Mosques in Dubai also witnessed a 5% reduction in their carbon footprint, exceeding the set targets, and energy efficiency improved by 20% thanks to the installation of air quality measurement devices. The sector is currently preparing the 'Mosque Guide,' aimed at achieving a 7-star rating for mosques based on sustainability standards.
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