DIFC GRAND MOSQUE

Situated at Gate Avenue, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), this modern mosque is a fusion of traditional Islamic architecture and contemporary design. DIFC’s brief to architects RMJM was to design a new vernacular for mosque design in the UAE in the form of a beacon of modern Islamic design.

The mosque, which holds 500 worshippers, makes reference to tradition with a hanging Mashrabiya, a perforated metal screen that filters the light in the daytime and creates an urban lantern at night with light pouring from the building envelope. Traditional mashrabiya are a type of cantilevered balcony encased with a small latticed screen which allows the building occupants to control air flow and temperature while providing privacy.

Inhabit provided façade consulting for the project. RMJM is responsible for the overall architecture and masterplanning of DIFC Gate Avenue, a AED475 million development of some 61,400sq m. Inhabit also provided façade and Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) design services from Concept to Tender stages for this enclosed spine linking Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) buildings and hotels through a retail precinct.