Middle East’s first net-positive mosque launched in Dubai

Property developer Majid Al Futtaim says it has launched the Middle East’s first net-positive mosque, an eco-friendly structure that generates more energy than it consumes, in Dubai’s Tilal Al Ghaf community.

Equipped with 203 solar panels, the Majid Al Futtaim Mosque generates over 204,121 kWh of power annually, exceeding its energy needs by 115 per cent, with excess power channelled back into the local grid.

The design further incorporates a range of eco-efficient technologies, including solar-powered water heating, LED lighting, an advanced HVAC system, electric vehicle charging stations, and a Building Management System (BMS) to optimise energy use. The mosque also aims to achieve BREEAM certification, a globally recognised standard for sustainable building practices.

H.E. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, general manager of Dubai’s Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department, celebrated the opening as a landmark in the UAE’s journey towards sustainable development.

“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,” said Al Muhairi.

Al Muhairi highlighted how the mosque is aligned with the UAE’s Vision 2030, which seeks a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.

“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. It encourages all sectors to adopt innovative solutions that contribute to building a sustainable environment, ensuring safety and prosperity for future generations.”

Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, described the mosque as a “tribute to our founder’s legacy,” positioning it as a key element of the community and a symbol of Majid Al Futtaim’s values.

“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.”

The mosque’s construction involved using low-carbon, responsibly sourced materials to ensure minimal environmental impact, with a focus on water efficiency, air quality, and non-toxic elements for a healthy indoor environment.

Its advanced mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems are integral to achieving net-positive status, demonstrating what Majid Al Futtaim describes as a “cleaner tomorrow.”

The mosque is also part of Majid Al Futtaim’s broader commitment to becoming net-positive in water and carbon by 2040, aligning with the Group’s sustainability strategy, ‘Dare Today, Change Tomorrow.’

As the UAE continues to set ambitious environmental targets, the Majid Al Futtaim Mosque serves as a pioneering model, illustrating how community-focused projects can combine traditional values with future-forward design for impactful change.