World’s first 3D-printed mosque to be constructed in Dubai

Dubai announced that the construction of the world’s first 3D-printed mosque will start at the end of the year.

According to Ali Mohammad Alhalyan Alsuwaidi, who is the head of engineering at Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), the mosque will consist of two floors and cover a total of 2,000 square meters, while being able to accommodate 600 worshippers.

A large printer will be used to lay the materials, which will mostly consist of concrete mixtures. Three workers will be needed to operate the machinery.

The building is scheduled to be delivered in 2025. More specifically, 3D-printing will start in October this year and last about four months. Then, the structure will be fitted with the appropriate facilities during the following 12 months.

It was stated by IACAD that 3D-printing the structure will cost 30% more compared to conventional building techniques. However, Alhalyan Alsuwaidi also stated that "We elected to 3D-print the mosque because it's a new and innovative technology that can potentially save time and resources compared to traditional building methods”.

Dubai has been aiming at becoming the world’s capital of 3D-printed structures for some years now and has signed a decree, planning for 25% of the emirate’s new structures to be 3D-printed by 2030.

In 2019, Dubai set a world record for the largest 3D-printed structure with the Dubai Municipality Building.