Mosque with 99 domes taking shape

The State Mosque, an ambitious project launched by Qatar in Al Khuwayr, will be one of the largest in the world upon completion, Gulf Times has learnt.

The “Mosque of Domes” as it is commonly called because of the 99 domes it contains, is large enough to accommodate up to 12,000 worshippers in the main prayer hall, in addition to 8,000 more in the open courtyard, a source associated with the project told Gulf Times.

“The mosque is strictly based on local roots and heritage”

“It is set to be one of the biggest (mosques) in the world; fifth biggest, I believe,” the source said.

The closely-guarded project is being built under the supervision of the Private Engineering Office at the Emiri Diwan, the source said, adding that the mosque would have traditional Qatari features incorporated into its design, “as opposed to a modern look”.

“It is strictly based on local roots and heritage. There was a Qabab mosque (Mosque of Domes) in Qatar. This project is essentially a larger version of that ancient structure,” the source said.

The State Mosque has 28 large domes, in addition to 71 smaller ones surrounding the open courtyard, totalling 99 in all. Although those involved in the project said they were not given the reason for those many domes, an Islamic scholar yesterday said the relationship could be to the 99 names of Allah.

“The sole minaret, which will also have an observatory overlooking the Gulf, is expected to be 65.35m tall including the crescent,” the source said.

Officials contacted by Gulf Times could not give a timeframe for the opening of the mosque.

Different people gave dates ranging from this November to one year from now.

[Sidebar] Cost put at $77mn The total built-up area of the “Mosque of Domes” will be 20,000sqm spread on three levels (basement, ground floor and first floor) with a total site area of 175,000sqm according to information posted on the website of the post-construction consultant, Australia-based SBCC. The development includes infrastructure works (roads, water, electricity etc). It will be the first state-funded project in Doha to utilise an underground electrical substation, according to the same source. It lists the project’s cost at $77mn.