Nakheel partners with SOM to design Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque
Located along the island’s central spine, the mosque aligns with Nakheel’s vision of creating community-centric destinations that foster connection, well-being, and a sense of belonging
Nakheel has unveiled the design for the Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque, a landmark project that will serve as the spiritual and cultural heart of the island. With a capacity of up to 1,000 worshippers, the mosque aims to harmonise Islamic tradition with modern architectural expression.
Located along the island’s central spine, the mosque aligns with Nakheel’s vision of creating community-centric destinations that foster connection, well-being, and a sense of belonging, said a statement.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque reinterprets classic Islamic forms through a contemporary lens. The structure’s cascading textile inspired canopy, extending from the roof to the courtyard, provides shade and visual continuity with the surrounding landscape.
Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate said, “The Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque reflects our commitment to building communities that enrich lives and foster belonging. Designed as an architectural icon and a place of worship and peace, it will serve the island’s residents and visitors, while standing as a symbol of spiritual harmony and cultural dialogue. Working with SOM enables us to bring forward a design that is both contemporary and timeless, aligning with our broader vision for Dubai’s continued growth and prosperity.”
Chris Cooper, Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) added, “SOM’s design for the Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque reinterprets Emirati vernacular architecture for a new generation. Inspired by the island’s coastal landscape, the design celebrates the interplay of geometry, light and material through a sweeping woven canopy that filters sunlight and draws the sea breeze into the heart of the mosque. The result is a serene yet striking sanctuary, deeply rooted in Emirati tradition while embracing the future – a spiritual anchor that unites faith, community and the natural rhythms of the sea.”
SOM’s design embodies calmness and inclusivity, featuring clear pathways, landscaped walkways, and generous ablution spaces. These elements encourage a reflective and welcoming experience, while natural light softly diffuses throughout the interiors, creating tranquil spaces that elevate the spiritual experience and provide comfort and serenity, the firm said.
Standing at 40m tall, the mosque’s minaret will serve as a feature across Palm Jebel Ali, symbolising faith and unity. Its refined geometric composition mirrors the harmony and order inherent in both Islamic art and SOM’s design philosophy.
