Dubai: Middle East’s First Net-Positive Mosque Opens in Tilal Al Ghaf

Dubai Opens Middle East’s First Net-Positive Mosque in Tilal Al Ghaf

The Middle East’s first net-positive mosque opened in Dubai on Friday.

The mosque was launched in Dilal Al Gaff by property developer Majid Al Futhaim in association with Dubai’s Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities.

Named after the company’s late founder, Majid Al Futtaim, the mosque combines sustainable and modern design practices in an effort to push the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 agreement.

Key features of the mosque include 203 solar photovoltaic panels that generate 204,121 kWh of energy annually, providing more than 115 percent of the mosque’s energy needs. Excess green energy is fed back into the grid for use throughout the community.

Additional energy-efficient systems at the Majid Al Futtaim Mosque include a solar-powered hot water system, LED lighting, an efficient HVAC system, electric vehicle charging stations and a building management system (BMS).

Ahmad Darwish Al Muhairi, General Manager of the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charities, called the opening of the first net-zero emission mosque in the Middle East an achievement that “reflects our deep commitment to the principles of sustainability”.

“It serves as a direct example of successful partnerships between the public and private sectors, sets a new standard for responsible innovation in building and maintenance, and is consistent with noble Islamic values ​​that advocate for environmental protection and conservation.”

Al Muhairi added: “This project is fully aligned with the UAE’s Vision 2030, which focuses on achieving a balance between economic development and environmental protection.

Ahmad Kalal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futhaim Holding, said: “As the first net-positive mosque in the region, this place is a cornerstone of the community, thoughtfully designed by blending sustainable design principles with Islamic values.”

Water efficiency, air quality and non-toxic materials are used to ensure a healthy environment, while responsibly sourced, low-carbon products are prioritized to reduce its overall carbon footprint.

As a result of a series of key sustainability features, the Majid Al Futtaim Mosque is set to achieve BREEAM certification, an assessment that recognizes a level of performance set against established benchmarks that assesses the building’s specification, design, construction and use.