Abu Dhabi establishes Mosque Development Committee

Under Decree #61 2008, the newly formed committee will be managed by H.E Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC).

After conducting an analysis of all new land use plans, the Mosque Development Committee will formulate planning and development strategies for mosques in Abu Dhabi. The development of these mosques will comply with the guidelines prescribed by Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.

Commenting on the establishment of the Committee, H.E Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, said:

"The establishment of the Mosque Development Committee will ensure an adherence to Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 guidelines, as it is in sync with our underlying objective of preserving Abu Dhabi's national identity, culture, heritage and its stature as the national capital."

The newly formed Committee will be responsible for setting guidelines and standards in close liaison with concerned governmental agencies. Apart from this, the Committee would also be required to assess current conditions and make recommendations for mosque classification by conducting an Emirate wide survey for existing mosques.

The survey would eventually be followed by the designing of a tailored Mosque Development Support System (MDSS).

The key project objectives of the Planning and Design Guidelines and Standards are:

- Assist in the planning and distribution of new mosques
- Improve the role of mosques within the urban fabric while protecting the Emirati identity
- Implementation of the Estidama (Sustainable) principles in the planning and design of mosques to sustain water and energy consumption as well as other criteria
- Improving the quality of mosque design, engineering and construction
- Respecting the heritage of classical Islamic architecture

The Constitutional Management of Mosques will also be one of the key milestones to be achieved by the new committee. Empowering the General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments control over all mosques in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to ensure efficient management and operation will be one of the key objectives for the constitutional management of the Mosques. A public campaign in coordination with the Civil Defence, Environment Agency, Health Authority and the Department of Municipal Affairs for the development of Mosques in Abu Dhabi would also be launched.

Formulation of an effective strategy for the cleaning and maintenance of all mosques and the development of policies to support the General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments' new mandate to manage all mosques in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, are also some of the key responsibilities specified for the Mosque Development Committee, which is working in close liaison with the Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada).