King Salman Mosque opening still months away
The construction began in 2018, and was last set to open in time for Ramadan this year
Built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Maldives, the mosque was funded by Saudi Arabia
The long-awaited opening day of the King Salman Mosque is still months away.
While a Saudi Arabian delegation is in the Maldives to determine a date for the opening of what will be the capital’s new landmark, a government official told RaajjeMV that they still have to complete some work for the mosque to be opened to the public adding it could take up to six months.
As such, the official said this includes work that the previous government who built the mosque failed to complete such as providing the required furniture,
Monday’s meeting focused on ways the incumbent government can complete this task.
Members of the Saudi delegation, led by Under Secretary of Ministry of Islamic Affairs Awwad Sabty M Alenezi attended the meeting, along with officials from the Islamic, foreign and planning ministries.
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 construction began in 2018, and was last set to open in time for Ramadan 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 five 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, and can accommodate up to 300 people.
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.
Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir had previously stated that the mosque maintenance will be costly adding that the area where the mosque is located is prone to swell wave surges.
While the mosque is yet to open, the Islamic minister back in July confirmed that the state had been served a notice of intention to sue based on the allegation that the design of King Salman Mosque is a duplicate, by Malaysian company NRY Architects.
The company is yet to file a case, and the minister is seeking the Attorney General’s counsel on the matter.
