Mosques of the UAE: Modern interpretation of classic Islamic design in DIFC

Clean lines meet traditional patterns in this structure, which stands out among the sleek urban landscape of Dubai's financial hub

The Dubai International Financial Centre Grand Mosque reframes traditional religious architecture. Chris Whiteoak / The National

In the heart of Dubai’s financial hub, one structure stands out as a statement of architectural work. Seamlessly blending tradition and modernity, the Dubai International Financial Centre Grand Mosque does away with traditional notions of mosque designs – there are no ornate minarets framing a grand dome, no arched doors or hallways with floral reliefs and none of the traditional colours that often adorn the exterior of mosques.

Instead, this mosque is a cube within a cube with its exterior form focusing on the concept of simplicity. Here, clean lines meet a reinterpretation of recognisable Islamic patterns, in a neighbourhood known for its sleek urban sensibilities.

Designed by RMJM Architecture, the mosque, which opened in 2020, spans 1,300 square metres and can accommodate up to 500 inside, with an additional 600 in its outdoor area. It is by no means a small mosque however, the structure and composition of its design elements are streamlined to appear contained as opposed to overly expansive. Its minimalist design, not its grandeur, is what makes it both unique and endearing.

The design of the mosque is cohesive with the financial hub's sleek urban landscape. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The mosque’s outer or top cube is sharply tilted toward the qibla, the direction Muslims face when performing their prayers (salah). It points towards the Kaaba, the sacred structure in Makkah. This is a clever way to use architecture and design to be functional and informative.

The cube has also been designed with a hanging screen inspired by the mashrabiya, a traditionally Islamic architectural element of many structures in the region. It is a type of enclosed window that projects out of a structure and is traditionally made of carved wood that often includes latticework. Not only does the mashrabiya create a distinct aesthetic impression, but it also provides shade and catches wind in the summer months. They also afford occupants privacy in their homes as well as the freedom to observe what's going on outside.

The minaret follows the same style as the mosque but with a more geometrical form. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The mashrabiya has been reimagined at this mosque where, instead of wood or even stained glass, the upper cube is made of a perforated metal screen. This design gives the structure’s surface more depth and dynamism while at the same time creating a powerful contrast to the base, the second cube, which is made with strong angular geometric lines and glass that opens to the public areas.

Aside from having an appealing aesthetic effect, the perforated design on the upper cube also has a functional use. It filters daylight into the interior of the mosque and at night creates a luminescent lattice effect as light is shone out of the perforated design. This effect, particularly at night, transforms the mosque into an urban lantern which feels warm and welcoming.

The perforated design on the exterior of the mosque filters light in. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The minaret similarly breaks away from traditional design expectations and stands as a separate element to the mosque. This contemporary geometric and angular reimagining of the minaret also has a perforated design as well as the same white-grey monochromatic colour scheme.

The tilt of the upper cube faces the most public part of the area, allowing the interiors to be visible to people passing by. However, a reflective pool in front of the structure creates a clear separation between the mosque and the main circulation at the promenade level.

The concept of a modern interpretation of traditional Islamic design elements is one that many regional architectural structures explore. However, what elevates the mosque is how it delves into this by taking the simple form of the cube, offering a nonconformist fusion of religious architecture and contemporary urban aesthetics.