UAE’s first 3D-printed mosque set to open in 2026

The UAE’s first 3D-printed mosque is expected to open in Dubai in the second quarter of 2026, officials said.

According to a Khaleej Times report, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) confirmed that construction has begun on the mosque, which was first announced in January 2023.

The city is also set to see the construction of 55 new mosques at a cost of 475 million dirhams ($129 million), with a total capacity of 40,961 worshippers. In addition, 54 new plots have been allocated for future mosque construction, the Mosque Affairs Sector of IACAD said.

As part of expansion efforts, Dubai has already built 24 new mosques at a cost of $172 million, accommodating 13,911 worshippers.

Meanwhile, the city inaugurated its first self-sustaining mosque, a milestone in environmental sustainability. The project cost 18.15 million dirhams ($4.9 million) and has a capacity of 499 worshippers.

The Mosque Affairs Sector has also implemented several initiatives to support worshippers, including expanding Friday sermon translations into English, now covering 70% of mosques.

The sector processed 16,291 requests for Qibla determination and resolved more than 1,232 complaints, achieving a 100% resolution rate within designated timeframes.

Through the Integrated Packages initiative, authorities accelerated donor approvals, resulting in over 50 million dirhams ($13.6 million) in financial contributions.

In a move to integrate modern technology, the sector partnered with the School of Architecture at the American University to train students in mosque design and engineering.

Sustainability has also been a key focus. Mosques in Dubai have reduced their carbon footprint by 5%, surpassing targets, while energy efficiency has improved by 20% with the installation of air quality measurement devices.

The sector is also preparing the “Mosque Guide,” which aims to achieve a 7-star rating for mosques based on sustainability standards.