Dubai to see the opening of the world’s first floating mosque in 2024

The emirate’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) is developing the world’s first underwater floating mosque. Set to open in 2024, the AED 55M (USD 14.9M) project is central to a new religious tourism initiative which aims to increase the number of visitors to Dubai.

The one-of-a-kind mosque at Dubai Water Canal will span across 3 floors, with 2 floors floating above water and a prayer room submerged below. There will be a spacious hall for Islamic lectures and workshops. The development will be able to accommodate 50–75 worshippers at a time.

People of all faiths will be encouraged to visit the mosque, however, they will be asked to wear modest clothing and act respectively, following Islamic customs.

In January 2023, the IACAD revealed its plans to erect the world’s first fully functional 3D-printed mosque. Scheduled to open at the beginning of 2026, the exciting project in Bur Dubai will have the capacity to host 600 worshippers.

The construction of the mosque is set to take place in October. The 3D printing of the structure will take about 4 months, whilst over the following 12 months, the structure will be completed with the necessary facilities.