Dubai developer Nakheel has unveiled the design of the Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque, a landmark project set to become the spiritual and cultural centre of the Palm Jebel Ali development. The mosque will be located along the island’s central spine and is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers.
The mosque has been designed by global architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and blends traditional Islamic architectural principles with a contemporary aesthetic. A key feature of the design is a cascading, textile-inspired canopy that extends from the roof into the courtyard, offering shade while creating a strong visual connection with the surrounding landscape.
Rising 40 metres, the mosque’s minaret will serve as a prominent landmark visible across Palm Jebel Ali. Its geometric form reflects the harmony and order associated with Islamic art, while aligning with SOM’s modern architectural approach.
The layout has been planned to promote calmness and inclusivity, with landscaped walkways, clear circulation routes and spacious ablution areas. Inside the prayer halls, natural light is carefully filtered to create soft, tranquil interiors that enhance comfort and elevate the spiritual experience.
Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said the mosque is intended to function not only as a place of worship, but also as an architectural icon that supports community life on the island. He noted that the project reflects a broader vision of building destinations that foster connection, well-being and a sense of belonging.
Chris Cooper, Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, said the design reinterprets Emirati vernacular architecture for a new generation. Drawing inspiration from Palm Jebel Ali’s coastal setting, the mosque uses geometry, light and materials to create a serene sanctuary that is rooted in tradition while embracing a forward-looking design philosophy.
Palm Jebel Ali spans seven islands over 13.4 kilometres and features 16 fronds with more than 90 kilometres of beachfront. The development is being positioned as a world-class destination aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, supporting Dubai’s long-term growth and urban development goals.
