Sharjah Public Works Completes Al Nahwa Mosque in Khorfakkan

The mosque has a capacity for 240 worshippers, accommodating both men and women, as part of the department's annual plan for 2024. This plan is designed to align with the emirate's urban growth and expansion, fulfill the needs of local residents, and facilitate the smooth and peaceful conduct of religious practices.

Built in a blend of Islamic architectural style and modern design, the mosque is adorned with various architectural motifs and engravings. It features two main circular domes at its centre and a 20-meter high minaret. The mosque spans a total area of 1,870 square meters and includes facilities such as ablution areas and a residence for the imam, which comprises three rooms, a living room, and amenities. The construction adheres to the standards and requirements of the World Federation of the Disabled.

Engineer Abdullah Al Tunaiji, Director of the Branches Administration, highlighted that the department maintains constant communication and coordination with the emirate's municipal councils to assess the project needs of different areas based on population density and urban development. There is a strong focus on "passive design," an architectural technique that integrates with the local environment and the building's physical elements to minimise the need for electrical heating or cooling systems.

Regarding sustainability practices in the project, Al Tunaiji noted that the building's simplistic design achieves climate neutrality. The mosque is equipped with radiant cooling systems that save energy consumption and enhance indoor environmental quality. Radiant cooling is an innovative, high-efficiency method that circulates chilled water through pipes embedded within the building structure. This system uses a network of specialized pipes, pumps, and control valves installed within the floors, walls, or ceilings to cool the circulating water by evenly absorbing heat from the rest of the room, thus eliminating air currents and hot spots. This method reduces energy consumption by about 40% annually.

To further reduce energy consumption, the thermal insulation thickness of the roof was increased to 75 mm, achieving a better thermal transfer coefficient. The specifications of the external glass were also improved to achieve better thermal transfer and shading coefficients. Energy-efficient lamps were used for both indoor and outdoor lighting, offering a longer lifespan and higher efficiency compared to traditional lamps, resulting in up to 80% energy savings. Additionally, water-saving ablution faucets and dual-flush toilets were installed to control water usage, leading to annual water consumption savings.