Dubai Builds Dh40 Million Eco-Mall to Fund 50 Mosques

Dubai is taking a bold step toward sustainable philanthropy with the construction of a Dh40 million eco-friendly mall in Al Khawaneej — a project designed not only for commercial success, but also to financially support around 50 mosques across the emirate.

Currently 17% complete, this innovative development is being led by the Endowments and Minors’ Affairs Trust Foundation (AWQAF Dubai) as part of its broader Mosques Endowment initiative, which aims to fund places of worship that lack existing financial support.

🕌 A Shopping Mall with a Spiritual Purpose

Unlike traditional malls, this project is part of a long-term endowment plan. Once operational, the mall is expected to generate AED 8 million annually, all of which will go toward covering operational and maintenance expenses for dozens of mosques in Dubai.

The project is an extension of the Dubai Mosques Endowments Fund, reinforcing the city’s vision of integrating economic sustainability with social responsibility.

📍 Project Highlights:

• 📍 Location: Al Khawaneej, Dubai

• 📐 Total Area: 165,000 sq. ft.

• 🏗️ Construction Status: 17% complete

• 💸 Total Cost: AED 40 million

• 💰 Projected Annual Revenue: AED 8 million

🛍️ What Will the Mall Include?

The development is designed to be multi-purpose and community-centric, featuring:

• 29 retail shops

• A full-scale shopping center

• A medical facility

• Restaurants and cafés

• A modern fitness center

• Prayer rooms for both men and women

• Landscaped gardens, service roads, and ample parking

🌱 Green Building at Its Core

In line with Dubai’s focus on sustainable infrastructure, the mall is being built to international green building standards, incorporating:

• Environmentally friendly materials

• Energy-saving systems

• Smart recycling technologies

• Renewable energy sources, including solar power solutions

This ensures not just lower operational costs but also a reduced environmental footprint, aligning with Dubai’s 2030 sustainability vision.

👥 Leadership & Community Involvement

Ali Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of AWQAF Dubai, recently visited the construction site alongside Deputy Secretary-General Khalid Al Thani and a team of engineers and project managers. During the visit, Al Mutawa emphasized the importance of community and institutional participation in supporting this unique charitable model.

“We invite all government bodies, private companies, and individuals to support this sustainable endowment initiative. It stands as a pioneering model in how real estate can serve both the community and faith,” he stated.

🔑 Why This Matters

This development represents a new era of endowment-based funding in the UAE — one where strategic real estate assets are built to generate income for religious and charitable institutions, reducing their dependency on irregular donations and ensuring their long-term viability.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Dubai is building a Dh40M eco-mall to support 50 mosques

• The mall will generate AED 8M annually for religious upkeep

• Located in Al Khawaneej, the 165,000 sq. ft. project includes retail, medical, and fitness spaces

• Designed with sustainability and community benefit at its core

• A call has been made for wider public and private support of the initiative