Mosque opening date to be announced during Saudi delegation visit
USD 24 million was spent for the construction
King Salman Mosque was funded by the Saudi Arabian Government
While a delegation from Saudi Arabia is to arrive in the Maldives soon, Ministry of Islamic Affairs said that the opening date of the King Salman Mosque will be announced during their visit.
Noting that the delegation's arrival has been delayed, the ministry said that while this is yet to be rescheduled, that it will be after Hajj season.
Built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Maldives, the mosque was funded by the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, costing approximately USD 24 million. The constructor is a Turkish contractor, Turmaks Group who also built Treetop Hospital in the capital's suburban district Hulhumalé. The company states that as well as the mosque, “the hospital project was also entirely planned and designed by Turkish engineers and architects".
The construction began in 2018, and was last set to open in time for Ramadan 1442, this year. However, the Islamic Ministry revealed in a statement that the required facilities have not been completed, adding that government is working with the Saudi Arabian government to finish the facilities and services of the mosque.
Consisting of seven stories, this mosque will accommodate around 6,000 worshippers. The outward structure comprises of a mezzanine level within a multipurpose hall. The ground floor is designated for ablution, the first and second floors for prayer congregations. The third floor includes four classrooms, five seminar rooms, an Islamic library and an administrative office. The fourth floor comprises of an auditorium for conferences and seminars. The fifth floor is being established as a multi-purpose hall that can be used for religious sermons and prayers.
Lacking a common dome, the tapered green-clad dome resembles a tent structure, similar to Maldivian vernacular roof structures. It is lined with five minarets that represent the five pillars of Islam.
This mosque represents many aspects of Islamic culture and heritage.
Once inaugurated, the King Salman mosque will be the largest mosque in the Maldives.
