The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)’s Grand Mosque is set to open in 2019. The mosque is being built within Gate Avenue and will have a gross floor area of 1,347sqm and will serve 500 worshippers.

According to a statement from DIFC, the mosque will offer ‘a modern, non-conformist facility with references to tradition’. The building is said to have a cube in cube design, which reflects the Gate Building.

DIFC describes the exterior of the building as minimal, noting however that the interior will be more elaborate and will feature an expansive main chandelier that is inspired by the traditional Muqarnas. Additionally, DIFC says the outer cube form uses a hanging mashrabiya screen that acts as a veil to provide shade and privacy to certain areas and opens at the public areas. The screen will be lifted to make the detailed interior visible to visitors.

“The DIFC masterplan continues to introduce state-of-the-art, urban architecture that is designed to enrich the experience of our growing community of professionals, residents and visitors alike,” said Arif Amiri, CEO of the DIFC Authority.

Spanning 61,316sqm of built up area and measuring 880m in length, Gate Avenue at DIFC will link the podium levels of all the buildings located in DIFC, from the Gate Building to Central Park Towers. DIFC says the development will enhance its position as a first-of-its kind destination with over 200 dining, boutique, retail and entertainment options, as well as a state of the art mosque.

“DIFC Grand Mosque, together with the broader world-class offering of Gate Avenue, mark an important addition to the interconnected ecosystem we have at DIFC, and bring a new dimension to the attractive infrastructure we have in place,” added Amiri.