His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, affirmed that Dubai continues its journey of construction focused on the future, while empowering its people and community with values deeply rooted in its identity. This reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, for the city’s leading role in humanitarian work.
This came during the signing of a strategic agreement between the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and the Dubai Land Department, aimed at enhancing the sustainability of building and operating mosques in real estate development areas in Dubai, in cooperation with leading real estate developers. The agreement also expands the partnership between the public and private sectors to cement the role of mosques as centers of cultural and humanitarian influence that enhance values, reinforce identity, and empower families.
During the event, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed met with a group of donors, mosque patrons, and real estate developers to appreciate their efforts and significant role in serving the community by contributing to the building and care of mosques. His Highness praised the collaboration between the government, private sectors, and individuals in supporting projects with a profound social impact, emphasizing that such initiatives reflect the ingrained values of giving in Dubai’s society.
His Highness also highlighted the Mosque Sponsorship Initiative in real estate development areas as a successful model for strategic public-private sector partnerships, which Dubai has pioneered over the decades to implement ambitious future projects across Dubai.
The initiative has successfully garnered significant support and wide engagement, with strategic partnership memorandums signed with many real estate developers, resulting in total contributions of 560 million AED, distributed across various projects supporting the construction and care of mosques in different real estate development areas in Dubai.
The companies involved in the Mosque Sponsorship Initiative in real estate development areas include Emaar Properties, Damac Properties, Azizi Developments, Danube Properties, ORO 24 Developments, and HRE Developments.
Community Partnership In this context, His Excellency Ahmed Darwish Al-Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, emphasized that this initiative aligns with IACAD’s vision to enhance sustainability and community partnership in building and caring for mosques. He noted that cooperation with the private sector is a pivotal step towards achieving integration to ensure the continuity of religious services according to the highest standards. "This agreement reflects our commitment to promoting the concept of social responsibility and engaging all sectors in supporting humanitarian and religious projects, contributing to establishing mosques as integrated community centers that keep pace with modern society’s developments." His Excellency added.
Sustainable Communities For his part, His Excellency Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghuliata, Director-General of the Dubai Land Department, stated: "The partnership between the public and private sectors is one of the key drivers supporting Dubai's vision in building sustainable and developed communities. The role played by real estate developers in supporting this initiative reflects their commitment to actively contributing to community development. At the Dubai Land Department, we are committed to facilitating these initiatives and enhancing sustainability in real estate development projects to achieve Dubai's developmental goals."
Contributions The total contributions to the Mosque Sponsorship Initiative exceeded 560 million AED, distributed across projects supporting the construction and care of mosques in various real estate development areas, benefiting over 50,000 worshippers. The contributions from the participating companies are as follows: Emaar Properties contributed 280 million AED to support 42 mosques in 9 areas, with a capacity of up to 29,696 worshippers. Azizi Developments contributed 80 million AED to support 3 mosques in 3 areas, with a capacity of up to 7,000 worshippers. Damac Properties contributed 50 million AED to support 7 mosques in 4 areas, with a capacity of up to 3,600 worshippers. ORO 24 Developments contributed 50 million AED to support 6 mosques in 3 areas, with a capacity of up to 3,300 worshippers. Additionally, HRE Developments contributed 50 million AED to support 5 mosques in 3 areas, with a capacity of up to 3,000 worshippers. Danube Properties contributed 50 million AED to support 4 mosques in 2 areas, with a capacity of up to 3,200 worshippers.
The initiative strengthens corporate social responsibility and facilitates the community's involvement in charitable and community activities, ensuring the sustainability of mosques with high quality and efficiency.
It also contributes to achieving the goals of the Dubai 2033 plan, embodied in the Dubai Social Agenda (33), and establishes mosques as centers with positive and sustainable community influence, aligning with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department’s strategy under the slogan "Closer to the Community."
The initiative has successfully attracted significant support and wide engagement, with strategic partnership memorandums signed with several real estate developers, with total contributions exceeding 560 million AED, distributed across various projects supporting the construction and care of mosques in different real estate development areas in Dubai.
Both the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and the Dubai Land Department emphasized that this agreement represents a pivotal step in strengthening strategic partnerships, particularly with real estate developers, as well as with various segments of society eager to contribute effectively to the development and improvement of mosques. They stressed that these efforts are part of the broader goal of embedding a culture of sustainability and social responsibility, making mosques centers of religious and cultural radiance that serve all community segments. It is worth noting that this initiative is part of Dubai's government vision to enhance quality of life through providing integrated mosque infrastructure and ensuring their sustainability according to the highest standards.
Partner Statements For his part, Mr. Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Executive Director, Emaar Properties, said: "Emaar is honored to partner with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department to enrich the mosque landscape in Dubai. This agreement reflects our dedication to supporting the city's spiritual well-being. We are committed to ensuring that mosques remain welcoming spaces for worship and reflection, and we look forward to a successful collaboration that upholds the highest standards in mosque care, in line with the department’s vision."
His Excellency Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of Damac Properties, said: The signing of the cooperation memorandum with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department comes as part of our commitment to enhancing the concept of community cooperation and participating in charitable work. Our contribution to supporting efforts aimed at supporting and renewing mosques, as well as building more of them across Dubai, is a great honor in this blessed month. It also reaffirms the importance of the partnership between government institutions and private sector companies. Damac Properties has always been at the forefront in supporting charitable and community work, contributing to spreading a culture of goodness and giving in our local community."
His Excellency Mohamed Adeb Hegazy, Chairman of the Board, stated: "We take pride in our strategic partnership with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department. This partnership is an important step towards enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors in serving the community, where the commitment to social responsibility meets the vision of sustainable development. This collaboration represents our shared commitment to supporting humanitarian initiatives, both religious and charitable, which strengthens the community environment in Dubai and reflects the values of effective cooperation in building a better future for the members of society. We value the great efforts made by IACAD on this occasion and look forward to further joint cooperation in achieving our distinguished goals."
Mr. Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Developments, stated: "During this blessed month of Ramadan, I am pleased to announce the construction of five mosques, in addition to making a special donation to the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department to contribute to the maintenance of ten mosques in Dubai. We believe in the importance of giving back to the communities we operate in, and Dubai remains our top priority, a place that has supported us throughout our journey."
Speaking on this initiative, Adel Sajan, Group Managing Director of Danube Group, said: "Faith, unity, and giving back to society are core values that define Danube. We are honored to support this noble cause, which will create sacred spaces for prayer and spiritual growth in Dubai. Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan and the guidance of His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghulaita, along with the efforts of the Dubai Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department, this initiative will enhance the religious infrastructure of the city and strengthen the bonds of the community.
Businesses have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of society, and this donation is a testament to our dedication to that mission.” Mr. Atef Rahman, ORO 24 Developments, stated: " Dubai is an inspiration for the world and people from across the globe find their home in this beautiful city. Our leader HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has taught us the importance of building community which we are always reminded of. We are honored to be part of this initiative which helps us expand our service to the community. Through the Masjid endowment, our endeavor has been to achieve design excellence along with technology inclusion and sustainability, while remaining focused on community service. The Masjid is the house of the Creator and building this real estate has been the most inspiring journey for us. We take our contribution to humanity seriously and we promise to do our best in achieving excellence with sustainability."