Construction of the first eco-friendly mosque in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is nearly complete and Tayeb Al Rais, secretary-general of the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation said the green mosque will soon open its doors to worshipers.
“Through this mosque, we hope to inspire many more such eco-friendly initiatives that are in line with Dubai’s vision for a sustainable future,” Al Rais told Gulf News.
The massive mosque, which will accommodate 3,500 worshipers, aims to achieve silver certification within the American Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system for green buildings. (Estidama’s Pearl Rating System – a green building rating system specific to the Gulf climate – only applies to projects in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.)
Mohammad Hassan, Investment Director at AMAF, said: “We have utilized latest green technologies…used water will be recycled and utilized in washrooms and for plant irrigation.”
The design incorporates LED lights, solar panels for exterior lighting and water heating, and energy saving taps to reduce water consumption.Sensors will control lighting and climate control systems according to prayer times and the number of occupants.
Building materials were selected based on thermal insulation performance to reduce heat transfer and to minimize the intensity of solar radiation streaming into the mosque. Exterior siteworks are underway, and the contract for granite works at the entrance of the mosque has been awarded.
Simple strategies that add up to smart building performance – something not often seen in Gulf projects where traditional energy sources are abundant and subsidized, and deep pockets can cover high operational costs.
