The administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has intensified efforts to expand Islamic infrastructure across the country, placing mosque construction and restoration at the centre of its strategy to strengthen religious unity.
In preparation for Ramadan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs accelerated inaugurations of new facilities. Last year, development progressed on 90 projects, including 74 mosques, seven Islamic centres, three Quran centres, and six Waqf buildings. Officials reported that 15 mosques were opened ahead of Ramadan, with four more scheduled during the holy month, bringing the total to 19. Six of these projects are already complete, financed through both state and private contributions. Among the most prominent additions is Masjid al-Yusuf al-Barbary in Malé, inaugurated on 18 February in a ceremony led by President Muizzu.
Private benefactors have played a decisive role in extending mosque development to the outer atolls, enabling the opening of more than seven mosques across different regions before Ramadan.
In his address to Parliament on 5 February, President Muizzu announced plans to install air-conditioning in the main halls and women’s prayer sections of large mosques accommodating more than 800 worshippers. Four mosques in Malé were prioritised for upgrades before Ramadan, a pledge now fulfilled with climate-control systems installed at the Jalaluddin Mosque, the Furqan Mosque, the Masjid al-Sultan Mohamed Bin Abdulla (Viyafaariveringe Mosque), and the Umar bin Khattab Mosque in Hulhumalé.
The administration has pledged to continue mosque construction and restoration throughout the year in both Malé and the outer atolls. In 2024, USD 1.26 million was spent on mosque renovations across multiple islands, with an additional USD 972,766 allocated for 2025. The state budget will also support the construction of new Islamic centres in ten islands before year’s end.