Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City Opens New ‘Green’ Mosque

Masdar City, which is one of the UAE’s world-renowned centers for sustainability and innovation, opened its first mosque in Abu Dhabi; Estidama Mosque. This green mosque situated in the Masdar Park is designed with community and sustainability as its key objectives. The dome-shaped building measuring precisely 500sqm is intended to consume a reduced amount of energy compared to common mosque buildings. In fact, the domed structure expects over 50% consumption decline. On the parking area of the building, there are solar photovoltaic panels to serve as another source of power.

The Estidama Mosque will be Abu Dhabi’s first LEED Platinum mosque, meeting the requirements of highest international standards for green buildings. It also complies with UAE flower Estidama 3-Preal rating that ensures conservation of water. Its conserves about about 48% water and the installed water treatment unit helps repurpose the grey water to be reused for irrigational purpose.

Designed to accommodate 335 attendees during each of the five daily prayers, the mosque is a religious structure and also testifies of commitment to community values as well as prudent environmental practices. It does not only offer a place of worship, but also serves as a venue for people to congregate focusing on environmental consciousness with spiritual significance.

Designed in collaboration with X-Architects, the mosque emphasizes passive design techniques, working with the local environment to minimize energy-intensive cooling. Skylights, traditional Arabic screens, a low surface-area-to-volume ratio, an airtight building envelope, and high-performance insulation contribute to its energy efficiency. Additionally, shaded pathways and intelligent sensors within the building enhance lighting and ventilation management based on occupancy, reducing the need for cooling.

Masdar City’s executives, including Eng. Mohamed Al Breiki and CEO Ahmed Baghoum, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside leaders from Masdar City’s shareholder, the Mubadala Investment Company. The event celebrated the mosque’s commitment to sustainability.

Masdar City has plans for a larger, net-zero energy mosque to accommodate 1,300 worshippers, announced during COP28 and expected to break ground this year. Multiple other net-zero energy projects are also in progress within Masdar City.