President Muizzu Lays Foundation for Maldives' Largest Mosque in Hulhumalé Phase II

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has officially laid the foundation stone for the Jami' Al-Sultan Muhammad bin Abdullah, set to become the largest mosque in the Maldives. The ceremony, held in Hulhumalé Phase II, marks a significant milestone coinciding with the 900th anniversary of the Maldives' conversion to Islam. The project, developed in partnership with Saudi Arabia's renowned Al Rajhi Company, will serve as both a Grand Mosque and an Islamic Civilisation Centre. Strategically located to connect Hulhumalé Phases II and III, the development is designed to be a landmark of faith, knowledge, and unity for future generations. According to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, the mosque will feature a main prayer hall capable of accommodating approximately 10,000 worshippers simultaneously. Beyond its role as a place of prayer, the facility is envisioned as a hub for religious education and cultural preservation, reflecting the rich history of Islamic civilization in the archipelago. The comprehensive complex will house several specialized facilities, including an Islamic library, a cultural centre, and a Quran Darul Aasaar dedicated to displaying the history of the Holy Quran. Additionally, the site will include dedicated offices for imams, administrative spaces, and a multipurpose community hall for social gatherings. To engage both residents and international visitors, the development will incorporate an exhibition hall for historical displays, a dedicated visitor area, and an Islamic bookshop. The government emphasizes that the center will play a pivotal role in enhancing the spiritual and educational landscape for the residents of Hulhumalé and tourists visiting the country. The foundation ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the Maldives Yahya Hassan Alqahtani, and Al Rajhi Company CEO Bandar Abdullah Al Rajhi, underscoring the strong diplomatic and financial cooperation between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia in realizing this architectural legacy.