Huge mosque to be built in Al Ain

Al Ain: Al Ain Municipality has launched a project to construct a mosque which will be able to accommodate nearly 4,000 worshippers. The new Shaikha Salama Mosque will be the biggest mosque in Al Ain city centre.

The design and supervision contract of the project has been given to Aldar Properties, said a company spokesman, adding that the mosque would have the capacity to accommodate 3,860 people. The project is expected to be completed in 2009.

The mosque, he said, will combine a contemporary interpretation of traditional Arabic architecture and will reflect the historical and cultural uniqueness of Al Ain.

Exquisite symbolism

"With a simple rectangular layout and a total area of 35,873 square metres, the design includes an extra 1,000 car parking spaces to ensure that future demand is taken into account," said the Aldar official.

The mosque's ceiling will gradually ascend in the direction of Makkah. The natural stone cladding, granite flooring and abundant light in the structure will produce an inner space that communicates the mosque's exquisite symbolism, whilst the incorporation of lifts will give the new structure a modern aspect.

The spokesman said once completed the new mosque, which has been designed by noted architect Jafar Tukan, would complement one of the UAE's most natural, picturesque and historic towns.