In a significant boost to community infrastructure, two new mosques were officially opened on Friday, with a major government initiative to complete 15 new mosques before the upcoming holy month of Ramadan well underway.
In Maradhoo, Addu City, the newly constructed Masjid-ul-Rayyan was inaugurated in a ceremony led by the Minister of State for Islamic Affairs, Abdul Azeez Jamal Aboobakr, prior to Friday prayers.
The government-funded mosque, capable of accommodating 500 worshippers, marks a key addition to the Addu City’s religious facilities.
Simultaneously, a privately built mosque named Masjid-ul-Imaan was opened in the second phase of Hulhumale'. This spacious three-storey mosque can host up to 1,200 worshippers and is equipped with modern amenities including a dedicated women's prayer area, a courtyard parking zone, and eight toilets—two of which are disability-accessible. The design also incorporates natural lighting and a special ablution section.
These openings are part of a broader national project. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs confirmed that 15 mosques are currently under construction across the country and are all scheduled for completion before Ramadan. The project includes mosques in Malé and Hulhumale', with plans to begin constructing additional permanent mosques in Hulhumale' Phase 2 to address the existing shortage.