Land for Maldives’ Largest Mosque Handed Over to Saudi Contractor

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments has officially handed land over to Saudi Arabian firm Al Rajhi Pvt Ltd to begin development of the Sultan Mohamed Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque and Islamic Civilisation Centre in Hulhumalé.

Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed signed the land transfer agreement alongside Al Rajhi Chief Executive Officer Bandar Abdullah Alrajhi during a formal ceremony. The signing follows an initial agreement between the Ministry and Saudi Arabia’s Al Rajhi company to finance the landmark project.

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The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) previously designated and transferred the site—situated in the zone connecting Hulhumalé Phase Two and Three—to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in June of this year. HDC Managing Director Ali Zuhair and Dr Shaheem signed that initial allocation agreement in line with the Hulhumalé Master Plan, reserving space for the mega-mosque, waqf-related initiatives, and surrounding green public spaces.

The complex will stand as the largest mosque built in the country. The government designed the project as a key pledge outlined by President Muizzu in his presidential address earlier this year. Authorities scheduled the foundation stone laying ceremony for today evening, having it coincide with national celebrations marking 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam.

Once complete, the sprawling complex will accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers simultaneously within its main prayer hall. Beyond serving as a place of worship, the site will function as a hub for educational, social, and cultural activities.

Photo: Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed

According to project specifications from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the multi-purpose complex will feature dedicated administrative offices for imams and operational staff, alongside an Islamic library and cultural centre focused on religious history and education. The site will also incorporate a Quran museum displaying historical manuscripts and artifacts, an exhibition hall for Islamic heritage displays, and a multipurpose community hall for public gatherings.

Additionally, developers plan to construct a dedicated visitor center for tourists and local visitors, complemented by an Islamic bookshop and gift shop.

Ministry officials highlighted that the complex aims to reflect the architectural heritage of the nation’s Islamic civilization while providing infrastructure to support religious education for residents of Hulhumalé and visitors across the archipelago.