Nakheel has revealed the design for the Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque, a new landmark intended to serve as the spiritual and cultural centre of the island. The mosque will accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers and blends traditional Islamic architectural elements with contemporary design.
Designed by global architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the mosque features a cascading textile-inspired canopy that extends from the roof to the courtyard, providing shade and continuity with the surrounding landscape. Natural light is softly diffused through the interiors, creating a tranquil environment for worshippers.
Standing at 40 metres, the mosque’s minaret is a prominent feature across Palm Jebel Ali, symbolising faith and unity. The geometric composition reflects harmony and order, integral to both Islamic art and SOM’s design philosophy.
Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: “The Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque reflects our commitment to building communities that enrich lives and foster belonging. Designed as an architectural icon and a place of worship and peace, it will serve the island’s residents and visitors while standing as a symbol of spiritual harmony and cultural dialogue. Working with SOM enables us to bring forward a design that is both contemporary and timeless, aligning with our broader vision for Dubai’s continued growth and prosperity.”
Chris Cooper, Partner at SOM, added: “SOM’s design for the Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque reinterprets Emirati vernacular architecture for a new generation. Inspired by the island’s coastal landscape, the design celebrates the interplay of geometry, light and material through a sweeping woven canopy that filters sunlight and draws the sea breeze into the heart of the mosque. The result is a serene yet striking sanctuary, deeply rooted in Emirati tradition while embracing the future – a spiritual anchor that unites faith, community and the natural rhythms of the sea.”
Palm Jebel Ali spans seven islands across 13.4 km, featuring 16 fronds and over 90 km of beachfront. The development is part of Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to create a world-class destination with community-focused living.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
