Ministry of Islamic Affairs has stated the opening of King Salman Mosque in Male’ City has been delayed due to incomplete facilities.
The government had previously announced the King Salman Mosque will be opened to the public ahead of this Ramadan. However, the Islamic Ministry later revealed the mosque is not yet ready to be opened.
In a press statement, the Islamic Ministry stated the mosque has been constructed to provide many different services, which require certain facilities to be installed. However, the ministry said the required facilities have not been completed, adding the government is working with the Government of Saudi Arabia to complete the facilities and services of the mosque.
Speaking at a programme aired on PSM News, Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali stated the mosque cannot be opened this Ramadan, although efforts are ongoing to open the mosque as soon as possible. He noted there is also a copyright issue raised by a Malaysian company regarding the design of the mosque, with threats of legal action.
The King Salman Mosque is a donation for Maldives by King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud. The mosque, which is designed to accommodate 4,000 worshippers at once, is being constructed by Turkish contractor Alke-Turmaks.
The mosque is being built to six-stories, with the ground floor dedicated for ablution and the first and second floors dedicated for prayer congregations. The third floor includes 4 classrooms, 5 seminar rooms, an Islamic library and an administrative office, while the fourth floor includes an auditorium for seminars and conferences. The fifth floor is being developed as a multi-purpose hall that can be utilised for religious sermons as well as prayers. The design of the mosque showcases Islamic culture and heritage.