Construction of Maldives’ Largest Mosque to Begin in September

News

Construction of the Grand Mosque, set to become the largest mosque in the Maldives, will commence on 13 September 2026, Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced on Thursday. The project coincides with the 900th anniversary of the Maldives’ conversion to Islam.

The mosque will be built between Hulhumalé Phase II and Phase III and will accommodate around 10,000 worshippers at a time. The design includes a Qur’an Museum, dedicated parking, waqf buildings, and a commercial complex, with revenue from the endowment building supporting Islamic affairs in the Maldives.

Minister Shaheem confirmed that the foundation stone will be laid on 13 September, with foreign experts assisting in detailed design work. A foreign donor has provided full funding for the project, covering both design and construction, and representatives of the donor will attend the ceremony.

Currently, the Islamic Centre is the largest mosque in the Maldives, constructed during President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s administration, while the most recent major mosque project was the King Salman Mosque, built with assistance from Saudi Arabia under former President Abdulla Yameen.