President Dr Mohamed Muizzu officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sultan Mohamed Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque and Islamic Civilisation Centre, a project being constructed to mark the historic occasion of 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam. The ceremony was held this evening in Hulhumalé Phase II.
Upon arrival, the President was welcomed by the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.
The foundation stone was laid by the President, together with the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed; His Excellency Eng. Bandar Abdullah Alrajhi, Chief Executive Officer of Al Rajhi Company, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Yahya Hassan Alqahtani, and Managing Director of HDC Brigadier General (Retd) Ali Zuhair.
The project, comprising the largest mosque to be established in the Maldives to date and the Islamic Civilisation Centre, will be funded entirely by Al Rajhi Company of Saudi Arabia.
The mosque will have a capacity of ten thousand worshippers and will include dedicated offices for imams and administrative functions, as well as facilities for educational, cultural, and social activities.
The centre will also feature an Islamic library, a cultural centre, and a Quran museum showcasing historical information relating to the Holy Quran, aimed at disseminating religious knowledge and history.
In addition, the centre will include an exhibition hall for Islamic and historical exhibitions, a multi-purpose community hall, a dedicated visitor area for members of the public and tourists, an Islamic bookstore, and a gift shop.
The centre is set to become a landmark establishment, playing a significant role in providing Islamic education and culture to Maldivian citizens and visitors to the country for years to come.
