World’s First 3D-Printed Mosque in Saudi Arabia

March 12, 2024

In a groundbreaking achievement, Jeddah recently celebrated the inauguration of the world’s first mosque built using 3D printing technology. The mosque, located in the Al-Jawhara suburb of Jeddah, is named after the late Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly and was commissioned by his wife, Saudi businesswoman Wajnat Abdulwahed, as a tribute to her late husband.

National Housing Co.’s Portfolio and Fursan Real Estate

The innovative mosque is part of the National Housing Co.’s portfolio and was unveiled in the presence of senior government officials and business leaders. Abdulwahed, leading Fursan Real Estate, spearheaded the construction of the 5,600-square-meter mosque, employing state-of-the-art 3D printers from Guanli, a renowned Chinese manufacturer in the field of three-dimensional printing technology.

Mosque Design and Architectural Details

In an interview with Arab News, Abdulwahed elaborated on the aesthetic beauty of the mosque’s interior and exterior. The design concept aimed to foster a sense of tranquility among worshippers through the principle of gracious hospitality. The mosque’s design was centered within a circle that can be easily oriented towards the qibla, with careful attention paid to the building’s mass, its relationship with natural light, the design of entrances and gates, and the exterior facades to reflect the architectural identity.

Distinctive Minarets and Inspired Outdoor Area

The minarets of the mosque were designed to make it a distinctive landmark within the neighborhood. The open outdoor area’s design drew inspiration from Hijr Ismail beside the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque, serving as an extension for worshippers outside the mosque during Friday prayers, Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan, and Eid. These unique details make the Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly mosque a truly iconic structure and the first of its kind in the world.

Challenges and Considerations

Abdulwahed noted that the foremost challenge faced during the construction was the use of 3D printing technology, as it is a new, complex, and highly precise technique that creates a real building from a computer file. The work and execution had to be carried out in a completely different manner than traditional methods, which required careful consideration during the building design.

It was essential to maintain the essence that mosques must embody while adhering to general conditions such as emphasizing the values of the King Salman Urban Charter, incorporating architectural details from the cultural heritage of Hejazi architecture, and presenting them in a contemporary format.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Implications

The successful completion of the world’s first 3D-printed mosque highlights the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and technologists. The use of 3D printing technology in construction holds immense potential for the future of architecture and design, as it minimizes material wastage and increases efficiency in the construction industry.

The implementation of this technology in building the world’s first 3D-printed mosque sets a precedent for future innovations and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a hub for technological advancements.

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