The agreement was signed in the presence of Shaikh Khalid bin Ali bin Abdullah, Minister of Justice with Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Awqaf, Abdul Hakim Al Khayyat, Chairman of Diyar Al Muharraq and Aaref Ahmed Hejres, CEO of Diyar Al Muharraq in attendance, along with a number of religious and business leaders, and persons in upright and ethical corporate governance.
The Grand Mosque, scheduled for completion in August 2013, is distinguished by its unique architecture and rich Arabian Islamic design, and will be a prominent architectural highlight, as well as a unifying core of the community of the Diyar Al Muharrq development when completed. It will feature a central dome made of a special acrylic with calligraphy and light elements and a 45-meter Minaret, highlighted brilliantly with the brightest lights in the area. The Grand Mosque is envisioned as a focal point of the community, strategically located in a 19,238 square meter area, adjacent to Diyar Entry Park in the Sarat area across the beach. It will be a Friday Grand Mosque, with a capacity to serve large congregations of around 800, with separate areas for men and women. Roadways and walkways will increase access to the Grand Mosque and ample car parking will make it convenient for residents of Diyar and the surrounding areas of Muharraq to attend.
The Grand Mosque will help the community to achieve greater accord and harmony, and will be a peaceful place of prayer and worship for all. The combined features of a landmark Islamic design, with the urgent need for commitment towards religious obligations have served as a springboard for the mission. The facility is seen as a necessary and vital addition to the need of the people of Bahrain and as a symbol of their adherence to religious doctrine and ancient traditions.
Abdul Hakim Al Khayyat, Chairman of Diyar Al Muharraq spoke about the significance of the project calling it a wonderful milestone in the development’s progress and towards greater Shari’a compliance that the company practices. “The building of the Grand Mosque is a very important part of our masterplan. The Grand Mosque will be a focal point where all residents will converge in a spirit of brotherhood and oneness. As a Shari’a compliant organization, we see our emerging role as an industry regulator as a very important one. The Grand Mosque is a fulfilment of this vision and moral code. ”
Aaref Hejres, CEO of Diyar Al Muharraq expressed his satisfaction at the signing ceremony.
“Diyar Al Muharraq’s mission has been to preserve the spirit of the community that is so central to Muharraq. The Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Jamea will unify residents and community members, creating a wonderful atmosphere of peace and brotherhood. Our partners in the project, Middle East Contracting and Trade Center and Gulf House Engineering are well qualified to translate our vision into a reality. We are very proud today to start this special project which I am certain will be a great blessing for the community.”