World’s first net-zero mosque to break ground in Abu Dhabi

UAE – Masdar City in Abu Dhabi will be home to the world’s first net-zero energy mosque, blending sustainable design with cultural heritage. It will be developed by Aldar and designed by Arup, and the 1,595-square-metre building will accommodate more than 1,300 worshippers while generating 100% of its annual energy needs. 

The design draws from traditional UAE earth mosques, using rammed earth walls to cool and stabilise internal temperatures. ‘Formed from local materials, the walls cool air and regulate internal temperatures by leveraging thermal mass,’ Arup notes. The structure will integrate passive airflow and a roof with tiered windows to harness prevailing breezes, cutting energy use by 35% compared to typical benchmarks. 

Aiming for LEED Zero Carbon certification standards, the project includes solar panels, grey water recycling and sustainable materials such as low-emission concrete and energy-efficient lighting. In a regional first, hydrogen-based steel rebar, provided by Emsteel, will reduce structural emissions by up to 95%. 

The Masdar City Mosque offers a glimpse into the future of architecture, where sustainable innovation is seamlessly integrated with cultural heritage. Explore our Future Spaces topic to discover how these principles are reshaping the built environment.