Gulf Construction Online - First net-positive mosque opens

Environment

The mosque at Tilal Al Ghaf.

First net-positive mosque opens

01 December 2024

Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, last month opened the Middle East’s first net-positive mosque within its flagship Dubai community, Tilal Al Ghaf.

Named after the group’s late founder, Majid Al Futtaim, the mosque integrates sustainable and modern design practices in support of the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030, ensuring energy efficiency, resource optimisation, and minimal environmental impact.

The first-of-its-kind, sustainable mosque was opened in partnership with Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

The Majid Al Futtaim Mosque has been thoughtfully designed as a cornerstone of the community, blending sustainable design principles with Islamic values, according to Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding.

As a result of a series of key sustainable features, it is set to become the first bespoke mosque project to achieve BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification. Its construction incorporates advanced mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, renewable energy sources, and sustainable building practices designed to achieve a net-positive status. Key features include a robust renewable energy system with 203 solar photovoltaic panels, providing a total installed solar capacity of 116.73 kWp and generating over 204,121 kWh annually, providing more than 115 per cent of the mosque’s energy demand. The excess green energy is supplied back to the grid to be used across the communnity.

Additional energy-efficient systems include a solar-powered hot water system, LED lighting, an efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) set-up, EV charging stations and a building management system (BMS) to optimise energy consumption. Measures to ensure water efficiency and air quality, and non-toxic materials have been employed to ensure a healthy environment, with responsibly sourced, low-carbon materials prioritised to reduce its overall carbon footprint.

Tilal Al Ghaf is Majid Al Futtaim’s flagship mixed-use community in the heart of new Dubai, providing a contemporary and luxurious resort-like living experience, with a stunning lagoon and white sandy beaches. Staying true to Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to sustainable design and living, the community features walkable neighbourhoods connected by a meticulously crafted network of pathways, cycling tracks and jogging trails.