Nakheel has unveiled the design for the Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque, a landmark development set to become the spiritual and cultural heart of the island.
Designed to accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers, the mosque is positioned as a key community anchor within the master-planned destination.
Located along the island’s central spine, the mosque reinforces Nakheel’s vision of creating community-centred destinations that foster connection, well-being and a sense of belonging.
Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque
Designed by global architecture practice Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque reinterprets classic Islamic architectural forms through a contemporary lens.
A cascading, textile-inspired canopy extends from the roof into the courtyard, providing shade while creating visual continuity with the surrounding landscape.
The design emphasises calmness and inclusivity, incorporating clear pathways, landscaped walkways and generous ablution spaces to support a reflective and welcoming worship experience.
Soft natural light diffuses throughout the interiors, enhancing tranquillity while offering comfort and serenity.
Island landmark
Rising to 40 metres, the mosque’s minaret will serve as a prominent visual feature across Palm Jebel Ali.
Its refined geometric composition reflects the harmony and order central to Islamic art, while aligning with SOM’s architectural design philosophy.
Khalid Al Malik, CEO 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), said: “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.”
Palm Jebel Ali spans seven islands across 13.4 km, featuring 16 fronds and more than 90 km of beachfront.
The development aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reflecting Dubai’s long-term growth and urban development strategy.
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