Dubai: The Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) on Saturday announced that the construction of the first eco-friendly mosque in the UAE is 85 per cent complete and is set to open its doors to worshippers shortly.
Tayeb Al Rais, Secretary-General of the Foundation, said that the Islamic world’s first green mosque would be the largest of its kind in Dubai, spreading across 105,000 square feet with a built-up area of 45,000 square feet. The mosque can accommodate 3,500 worshippers.
“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,” he added. Integrated with the standards and specifications mandated for green buildings, the project aims to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification for conformance with the sustainability requirements of the US Green Building Council.
Mohammad Hassan, Director, Investment, AMAF, said: “We have utilised latest green technologies available in the region’s first eco-friendly mosque project. The installation of mixers that are in line with the specifications of green buildings will help reduce water consumption. Care has been taken to moderate the speed of water flow from taps in the ablution areas. Used water will be recycled and utilised in washrooms and for plant irrigation.”
The mosque integrates renewable energy solutions in its design. This is illustrated in the exterior lighting poles that are fitted with solar panels, battery storage system that is powered by solar energy, and the use of solar panels instead of energy-draining electric heaters for the purpose of water heating.
The use of energy-saving LED lights over regular bulbs, and a control system that automatically switches on the lights to correspond with prayer times or in the presence of an individual in the hall are some of the other eco-friendly solutions integrated into the design of the mosque.
In addition to daylight sensors in the extension of the mosque, a climate control system has also been installed to regulate the air-conditioning units according to prayer times and the number of worshippers.
Among other solutions used are thermal insulation in the building material for roofs and exterior walls to reduce heat transfer, and double-glazed windows with metal coating to minimise the intensity of solar radiation into the mosque. Technologically advanced equipment has also been installed for improving indoor air quality and the performance of the air-conditioning system.
