Dubai: Residents in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) have expressed the need for a mosque inside the community, as the nearest one is currently 8km away.

With over 700 villas, and a population of 25,000, JVC is one of the fastest growing communities in Dubai, which does not have its own mosque yet.

Muslim residents in the community are inconvenienced on a daily basis when taking a 15-minute drive to the nearest mosque — Bin Lahij Mosque — located in Al Barsha, to perform their prayers.

One resident, Adel Hussain from Egypt, told Gulf News the mosque in Al Barsha is often crowded during Friday prayers. “It is always full during Juma prayers, and it is difficult to sit outside, especially during the summer months,” he said. Hussain, who has lived in JVC for three years, pointed out the long commute also makes it difficult for many residents to perform their daily prayers at the mosque. “Because the mosque is so far, we only perform our Friday prayers there. It’s a shame,” added Hussain.

Another resident, banker Haytham Sleem from Egypt, said an ideal spot for a mosque in JVC is in the centre, between gate one and gate two, as it would serve both sides of the community. “As a Muslim, we have to perform prayers five times a day, and attend the Friday sermon before Juma prayers. But because the mosque is not within walking distance, it’s not logical to drive down [15 minutes] two or three times a day to pray,” he explained.

Just the same, consultant paediatrician Mohammad Zaheeruddin, from India, said he has been living in a JVC villa since 2011 and faces the same problem every week during Friday prayers.

“There are so many parks in JVC, converting one of them to a small mosque would be great for residents in the area,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Khalaf from Jordan pointed out that a mosque in JVC would reduce the traffic on Al Hessa Road, as most residents heading to Al Barsha to perform their prayers are forced to stop at multiple traffic lights on the way. “I have lived in JVC for two years, and I would really like to see a mosque built anywhere in the community, so that residents can avoid driving on the main road (Al Hessa road) in the direction heading towards Tecom, just to perform their prayers,” said Khalaf.

Gulf News talked to JVC developer Nakheel to find out if there are any plans to build a mosque in the near future.

“A number of sites in JVC have been earmarked for mosques, including one at The Circle Mall, currently under construction,” said a Nakheel spokesperson. No specific date for the opening of the mall, including the new mosque, has been set yet, however, the project is set to be completed in 2017, confirmed the spokesperson.

Residents have also highlighted the need for several facilities in their community. These include restaurants and cafes, football and basketball courts, additional supermarkets, along with benches and children’s play areas in the existing parks.