Dubai moves to fast-track mosque development with Manaber initiative

Dubai has launched a new initiative aimed at accelerating mosque construction and sponsorship by bringing donors, government bodies and project partners together under a single, streamlined system.

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) announced the rollout of Manaber, a unified platform designed to simplify every stage of mosque development, from initial donation to construction and completion. The initiative supports Dubai’s wider push for innovative governance under the Dubai Plan 2033.

Manaber integrates all parties involved in mosque projects, including donors, charities, consultancy offices and relevant government authorities, into one coordinated framework. The goal is to reduce duplication, clarify procedures and ensure faster execution, while giving donors greater transparency and control over how their contributions are used.

Through the platform, donors can choose to build new mosques, contribute to ongoing developments or sponsor existing ones. Users are able to view available mosque plots, access up-to-date project information and track progress digitally, without the need for direct interaction with staff.

Manaber streamlines mosque development

A key feature of the initiative is Manaber for Design, which allows donors to select from ready-made mosque designs aligned with approved land plots. The design stream also invites consultancy offices and university students to submit innovative mosque concepts that reflect Dubai’s evolving architectural identity. Approved designs are then made available on the platform, enabling donors to select both land and design in one step, helping to speed up delivery.

The initiative also offers donors the option of having mosque construction supervised by charitable organisations, working in coordination with the relevant authorities. A comprehensive guide within Manaber sets out approved standards and requirements, supporting consistent quality, unified design specifications and architectural harmony across mosques in the emirate.

Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of IACAD, said the initiative translates leadership’s vision into faster, more transparent and higher-quality services, while strengthening community engagement in mosque development.

Engineer Ali Al Halyan Al Suwaidi, leader of the Mosque Construction Services Team, said Manaber responds to growing demand. He noted that 24 mosques were completed in 2024 at a cost of AED172 million, with work currently underway on 56 mosques valued at AED465 million. More than 350 plots have also been allocated for mosques within Dubai’s urban master plan.

Officials said Manaber represents a step change in how mosque projects are delivered, combining digital innovation with Dubai’s long-standing traditions of charitable giving.