The UAE’s groundbreaking 3D-printed mosque, located in Dubai, is set to open its doors in the second quarter of 2026. Alongside this construction, the city will see 55 new mosques and 54 additional plots reserved for future expansions, reflecting Dubai’s ongoing commitment to innovation and spiritual community growth.
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) confirmed that work on the UAE’s first 3D-printed mosque is well underway, following the initial announcement in January 2023. This cutting-edge construction technique uses 3D-printing technologies to shape the mosque’s structure layer by layer, promising efficiency, reduced waste, and a testament to Dubai’s innovation-driven ethos. The facility is expected to welcome worshippers by the second quarter of 2026.
Alongside the 3D-printed mosque, Dubai will add 55 new mosques at a total cost of Dh475 million, offering space for over 40,900 worshippers. Additionally, 54 plots of land have been allocated for future mosque projects, signifying the emirate’s commitment to meeting the needs of its growing population. Already, 24 new mosques have been constructed—worth $172 million—to accommodate nearly 14,000 individuals. These expansions not only reflect Dubai’s focus on spiritual well-being, but also its push for architectural diversity and sustainability.
IACAD recently inaugurated Dubai’s first self-sustaining mosque, costing Dh18.15 million and accommodating 499 worshippers. The project underscores the emirate’s efforts in environmental stewardship, integrating green designs, and achieving energy self-sufficiency through renewable sources. This step aligns with Dubai’s wider sustainability agenda, encouraging similar eco-friendly endeavors for new religious and public facilities.
The Mosque Affairs Sector, a division within IACAD, has rolled out multiple initiatives to enhance the worshipper’s experience. One effort involves increasing the English translation coverage of Friday sermons to 70% of all mosques, broadening the accessibility of Islamic teachings to diverse communities. The sector also reports successes in Qibla determination services, receiving more than 16,000 requests, and addressing over 1,200 public complaints with a 100% resolution rate.
Financial donation processes have also been streamlined through the Integrated Packages initiative, facilitating quicker approval for donors and resulting in more than Dh50 million in collected contributions. To encourage local talents in mosque design, the sector collaborated with architectural students from the American University, showcasing modern technology applications while fostering specialized skills in the UAE’s future workforce.
In keeping with Dubai’s drive for innovation and eco-awareness, the city’s mosques have already recorded a 5% reduction in carbon footprint, surpassing initial targets, along with a 20% improvement in energy efficiency. Air quality monitoring devices have been installed to maintain a pleasant indoor environment. Additionally, the sector is currently preparing a “Mosque Guide,” intended to achieve a 7-star rating for mosques based on sustainability benchmarks—an initiative that underscores how places of worship are evolving into sustainable, forward-thinking community centers.
The 3D-printed mosque stands as a prime example of Dubai’s capacity to merge tradition and innovation. By embracing cutting-edge construction methods, expanding mosque infrastructure citywide, and setting ambitious environmental goals, IACAD and its partners reveal a vision for religious facilities that meet both spiritual needs and sustainability standards. With completion expected in 2026, the 3D-printed mosque will serve as a hallmark of the emirate’s dynamic approach to architecture, technology, and community welfare.
