Dubai Municipality and IACAD Sign Agreement to Modernize Religious Facilities and Protect Heritage
Dubai Municipality and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at improving the emirate’s religious infrastructure, preserving historic mosques, enhancing Eid prayer grounds, and upgrading cemetery and funeral services.
This collaboration supports Dubai’s vision of integrated public services, heritage conservation, and improved quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Preserving Heritage and Enhancing Mosque Services
Under the agreement, Dubai Municipality will take charge of restoring and maintaining heritage mosques, ensuring they retain their traditional architecture and authentic design features. IACAD will manage daily operations, including appointing imams and muezzins, running religious programs, and ensuring cleanliness and upkeep.
The partnership also aims to streamline mosque construction procedures by speeding up permits, aligning building designs with IACAD’s approved standards, and integrating them into the Dubai Building Code. Advanced construction methods, including 3D printing technology, will be promoted for mosque projects.
Upgrading Cemetery and Funeral Services
Dubai Municipality will improve mortuary washing facilities and provide logistical and administrative support. IACAD will oversee Shariah-compliant procedures, including appointing trained staff for washing, shrouding, and burial, licensing mortuary workers, and approving volunteers.
Better Eid Prayer Grounds
The agreement also focuses on enhancing Eid prayer grounds to match Dubai’s urban growth. Dubai Municipality will handle landscaping, permits, and development, adding facilities for commercial outlets where needed. IACAD will operate these grounds and ensure they are always ready for public use.
Leaders’ Statements
H.E. Marwan Ahmad Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said this partnership will help deliver high-quality services, preserve Dubai’s religious identity, and balance modern development with heritage conservation.
H.E. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of IACAD, emphasized that the collaboration will create world-class religious spaces that reflect Islamic values and serve all community members.
Commitment to Cultural and Religious Excellence
The joint efforts will result in sustainable, high-quality religious facilities, ensure heritage mosques remain authentic, and provide streamlined, modern services for funeral and cemetery management – all while upholding Dubai’s cultural and Islamic values.
