Dubai has unveiled the Middle East’s first net-positive mosque, built by property developer Majid Al Futtaim in the Tilal Al Ghaf community. This eco-friendly structure generates more energy than it consumes, marking a significant step in sustainable building practices within the region.
Equipped with 203 solar panels, the Majid Al Futtaim Mosque produces over 204,121 kWh of power annually, surpassing its energy requirements by 115%. The surplus power is redirected to the local grid. The mosque’s eco-efficient features extend beyond solar energy, incorporating solar-powered water heating, LED lighting, an advanced HVAC system, electric vehicle charging stations, and a sophisticated Building Management System (BMS) to optimise energy consumption. It aims to achieve BREEAM certification, which is a globally recognised benchmark for sustainability in building design.
During the launch ceremony, H.E. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, general manager of Dubai’s Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department, described the mosque as a milestone in the UAE’s sustainable development efforts. “The opening of the first net-zero emissions mosque in the Middle East is an achievement that reflects our deep commitment to the principles of sustainability. This project represents a significant shift in the field of environmental sustainability and highlights our fruitful collaboration with Majid Al Futtaim in implementing this initiative,” Al Muhairi said.
He further emphasised the alignment of the project with the UAE’s Vision 2030, which aims to balance economic progress with environmental preservation. “This project perfectly aligns with the United Arab Emirates’ Vision 2030, which focuses on achieving a balance between economic development and environmental conservation. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting this ambitious green agenda, and we hope that this project will inspire more initiatives across the region and the world,” added Al Muhairi.
Majid Al Futtaim Holding’s CEO, Ahmed Galal Ismail, described the mosque as a tribute to the company’s founder and a representation of their dedication to community and sustainability.
“It is a great honour to inaugurate the Majid Al Futtaim Mosque, a symbol of our late Founder’s enduring legacy and a tribute to his commitment to serve the communities in which we operate. As the first net-positive mosque in the region, this space has been thoughtfully designed as a cornerstone of the community, blending sustainable design principles with Islamic values,” said Ismail.
The mosque’s construction utilised low-carbon and responsibly sourced materials to minimise environmental impact, with an emphasis on water efficiency, air quality, and non-toxic materials for a healthy indoor atmosphere. The advanced mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems in the mosque are key contributors to its net-positive status, highlighting Majid Al Futtaim’s vision for a “cleaner tomorrow.”
The mosque’s creation forms part of Majid Al Futtaim’s broader sustainability commitment, which targets net-positive status in water and carbon by 2040 under its ‘Dare Today, Change Tomorrow’ strategy. As the UAE pursues ambitious environmental goals, this mosque serves as a pioneering example, demonstrating how traditional values can merge with innovative design to drive meaningful change.
