The construction technology of ancient charge Earth and cutting-edge solar technology may seem like an unlikely pairing.
But it is the core of what is called the “world’s first net-zero energy mosque” in Abu Dhabi, which is scheduled to open in October and is designed to operate without carbon emissions.
Commissioned by the city of Masdar, a sustainable urban development about 30km (18.6 miles) from downtown Abu Dhabi, and designed by the British multinational engineering company Arup, the mosque will create 100% of its energy needs through solar panels and employ passive cooling and circular design techniques to reduce operational energy through third hydropower use.
One of the important challenges designers had to overcome was the fixed orientation of the mosque ordered to the Qibla wall, which is always facing Mecca.
“In many cases, you’ll want to optimize orientation to minimize the impact of solar and heat gain,” explained Paul Simmonite, associate director at Arup, in a video call.
Instead, the team had to explore other ways, such as canopies, angled windows and skylights, wall insulation, and external cooling materials.
It was inspired by the construction of the charge of the Al Vidya Mosque, the oldest known mosque in the United Arab Emirates. Although this was thought to be the 15th century, the project uses soil from a local quarry to build a height of 60 meters, 7 meters (197 feet, 23 feet), and builds a Qibla wall to keep the heat down.
“The whole western facade, which experiences the most sun benefits, is actually double-strengthened,” Alzaabi said, adding that the structure of this scale using this technique “has never been done here in the UAE.”
The mosque will be able to accommodate up to 1,300 worshippers, using smart sensors to monitor occupancy, temperature and humidity, turning on fans and air conditioning if necessary.
Al Zaabi hopes that the project will become a “blueprint” for future mosques, and perhaps a “blueprint” for other community structures in Abu Dhabi.
Minimalist and modern
When it comes to building a wider green mosque, Khaled Arawadi, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, is not involved in the Masdar project.
“But if we can think of a more passive design solution for a more passive design solution for a mosque (more natural light during the winter, cross ventilation, etc.), that’s something to think about,” he added.
The Net Zero Mosque is part of the UAE’s broader trend to rethink sacred spaces.
Opened last year, Masdar City’s first Estidama mosque integrates innovative and sustainable architecture and reduces energy use with solar panels, gray water recycling and sinking locations between the gardens. Reed Platinum certification has been achieved. This is the highest international standard for green buildings.
“We wanted to do a mosque inspired by Islamic architecture and principles, but at the same time it represents today’s society and culture, today’s technology and construction methods,” said Farid Esmaeil, co-founder of Estidama Mosque, co-founder of X Architects.
As a living lab for sustainable technology and design, Masdar City’s eco-friendly spirit has made the project easier to implement. It offers proof of concept that encourages more clients to seek green credentials, he added: “People are beginning to see profits, so over time it becomes easier and easier.”
Abrahamic Family House, an interfaith complex that opened in Saadiyat Cultural District in 2023, will rethink the aesthetics of the on-site mosque, synagogue and church, with minimalist, geometric designs that emphasize the similarities and individuality of each religion.
According to Arawadi, these contemporary and minimalist approaches are driven by the designer’s creativity and relaxed building standards.
“The language of mosque design has completely changed over the last decade,” he says, “The key to mosque design is that there are minarets, domes and mihrabs (the hollows in the walls of Qibla). These are the core elements that should be found in the mosque. Otherwise, the design itself is very adaptable.”
