Dubai & IACAD Partner to Upgrade Mosques and Prayer Spaces
Dubai is taking another big step to improve community life. The Dubai Municipality and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) have signed a strategic partnership to improve religious facilities, protect heritage mosques, and upgrade open-air Eid prayer areas across the city.
This agreement also focuses on keeping Dubai’s cultural identity alive while meeting the needs of the city’s growing population. It reflects the government’s vision to bring departments together, work as one team, and provide the best services for both citizens and residents.
Preserving Heritage Mosques
Restoration with care
Under the agreement, Dubai Municipality will take the lead in restoring and maintaining heritage mosques. These mosques are important not just for prayer but also as part of Dubai’s history and architecture. The restoration work will keep the traditional designs intact while making sure they meet modern safety and comfort standards.
Daily operations by IACAD
IACAD will manage the day-to-day operations of these mosques. This includes providing imams (prayer leaders), muezzins (those who call for prayer), and preachers, as well as organizing religious programs and ensuring daily cleaning.
Encouraging new mosque development
Dubai Municipality will also help speed up the process for building new mosques. Developers will get clear guidelines and faster approvals, and donors will be encouraged to support projects using advanced methods like 3D printing. This approach will make mosque construction quicker, more cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Upgrading Eid Prayer Spaces
Bigger, better, and ready all year
Eid prayer spaces are important for the community, especially during large gatherings. The new plan will improve the design, facilities, and readiness of these open areas so they can be used comfortably by large crowds.
Dubai Municipality will work on beautifying these sites—adding green spaces, improving lighting, and ensuring smooth access. They will also provide basic facilities like water points, shaded areas, and parking.
IACAD will take care of operating and managing these spaces, making sure they are always ready for prayer events.
Improving Funeral and Cemetery Services
Respect and dignity in every step
The agreement also covers upgrades to funeral and cemetery services. Dubai Municipality will improve funeral washing facilities, ensure smooth transport and burial processes, and provide administrative support.
IACAD will make sure everything follows Islamic guidelines. They will train and license staff, issue permits for volunteers, and ensure services like washing, shrouding, and burial are done with respect and care.
Why This Partnership Matters
One team, one goal
This partnership shows how Dubai’s government departments can work together to serve the community better. Instead of each department working alone, Dubai Municipality and IACAD will combine their resources, skills, and plans to get better results faster.
Balancing tradition and modern needs
Dubai is known for its rapid development, but it also values its traditions. This agreement is a good example of how the city can use modern technology like 3D printing while still preserving the architectural heritage of religious spaces.
Supporting a growing city
As Dubai’s population grows, the need for more and better facilities grows too. Upgraded mosques, Eid spaces, and cemetery services will help meet the needs of a diverse and expanding community.
Leadership Comments
Dubai Municipality’s vision
Marwan Ahmad Bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, called the agreement a “milestone” in community service. He said:
“This agreement strengthens our efforts to serve the people of Dubai while preserving the identity of our historic mosques and prayer sites.”
IACAD’s commitment
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of IACAD, said the partnership will create religious spaces that reflect Islamic values, preserve heritage, and serve all segments of society. He stressed that this cooperation is in line with Dubai’s vision for high-quality public services.
How It Will Be Done
- Restoring and preserving heritage mosques so they remain a part of Dubai’s cultural identity.
- Speeding up approvals for building new mosques and encouraging modern construction methods.
- Beautifying and upgrading Eid prayer spaces with better facilities.
- Enhancing funeral and cemetery services to provide respectful and smooth processes.
- Integrating services between Dubai Municipality and IACAD for better efficiency.
