President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has inaugurated the ‘Masjid Al Birri’ mosque in Villingili Island of Kaafu atoll, otherwise known as Villimale'.

With a capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers at once, the mosque was opened on Wednesday afternoon in the capital city Malé’s suburban extension.

After the inauguration ceremony, Solih joined the afternoon prayer congregation, the first prayer performed at the mosque since it opened.

Solih was accompanied by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Ahmed Zahir, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof and Malé’ City Mayor Shifa Mohamed as well as some members of the City Council.

The Islamic Ministry had in late March announced that all mosques in the country will begin using solar energy to power their air conditioners within the next three years. This is one of President Solih’s first-100-day pledges.