Prayers between 3D-printed walls

3 March 2023

The world's first 3D-printed mosque is to be built in Dubai. Located in Bur Dubai, the approximately 2,000-square-meter mosque will have space for 600 worshippers. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2023, with completion in early 2025. 

According to the plans of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department of Dubai (IACAD), the printing will be controlled by just three workers. The entire 3D-printed structure is expected to be in place after only four months, and made functional another 12 months later. 

According to IACAD engineering department director Al Shaibani, the cost of 3D-printing the mosque exceeds conventional construction methods by 30 percent. He says this is also due to the experimental nature of the project. However, with more 3D printing experience, Al Shaibani expects the costs to level off in the future. Overall, 3D printing is a more sustainable construction technology because it generates significantly less waste. In addition to raw materials, a fast-hardening concrete mixed with minerals will be used.

The emirate has been pursuing its “Dubai 3D Printing Strategy" since 2016 and aims to develop into an important technology location by 2030. Its goal is to 3D-print a quarter of all its new buildings.