One of the remaining lakes in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) will be partially filled in to make way for a mosque and car park, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the authority overseeing the community has announced.
The mosque will accommodate more than 1,000 worshippers and include an upper-level prayer area for at least 300 women.
It will be the first mosque in JLT, which also has a dedicated pray hall in Tiffany Tower. Around 65,000 people currently live and work in the area.
The mosque is yet to be designed but will be inspired by Umayyad/Andalusian architecture and will be named in honour of Uthman Ibn ‘Affan, one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Construction will involve filling in part of ‘Lake A’ in the south of JLT, between clusters A, M and L.
A “large scale” car park also will be built on the site.
DMCC executive chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem last week said he would like to fill in the remaining three manmade lakes in JLT and replace them with other amenities such as a mini gold souk or sporting facilities.
‘Lake C’ already has been filled in and a 55,000 square metre park including an amphitheatre and basketball court are due to be completed there by the end of the year.
“It’s no secret, I hate lakes. I love more efficiency,” Bin Sulayem said.
“The only lake that I think will be untouchable is the one facing the Dubai Diamond Exchange [because of] the view.”
However, he said he would consult the community before changing more lakes. DMCC did not reveal what consultation it did prior to announcing the mosque.
DMCC also announced this week it was re-assessing the technology it uses to keep the remaining waterways clean. The lakes are often green and known to be difficult to maintain.
No date has been set for when the lake will be partially filled in or when construction of the mosque and car park will start and finish.
“The Uthman Ibn ‘Affan Mosque will compliment several existing prayer halls by providing a much needed opportunity for men and women to pray within their community and is an essential natural next step in improving quality of life and sense of belonging,” Bin Sulayem said.
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