Construction of Maldives’ largest mosque in Hulhumale' to begin in September

Funds have been allocated for the construction of the largest mosque in the Maldives, to be built in Hulhumale' with a capacity to accommodate around 10,000 worshippers at a time, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said.

The mosque project, to be constructed between Hulhumale' Phase 2 and Phase 3, was announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in his presidential address at the opening of Parliament yesterday.

Minister Shaheem said the foundation stone of the mosque will be laid on September 13 this year, marking the 900th anniversary of the Maldives’ embracing Islam. He said the final size of the mosque complex will be confirmed once the design process is completed.

Currently, the largest Islamic structure in the Maldives is the Islamic Centre in Male', built 41 years ago during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, which has a capacity of around 4,500 people.

The new mosque complex will also include waqf buildings, commercial facilities and parking areas. Minister Shaheem said revenue generated from the waqf buildings will be used to support Islamic affairs in the Maldives.

The mosque will feature a Quran museum and other key facilities. According to the minister, the entire project is being funded by a foreign donor.

“This will be a very important Islamic project for the future of the Maldives,” Minister Shaheem said.

He added that while the overall concept of the mosque has already been finalized, detailed design work is currently underway. The mosque is being designed by foreign experts, and all stages of the project including the design are being financed by the funding body.

The foundation stone laying ceremony is expected to be attended by representatives of the funding entity, the minister said.