Habish Mosque Restoration In Al-Hofuf Highlights Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Project's 19th-Century Heritage Revival

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques has completed the restoration of Al-Habish Mosque in Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Governorate. The work preserved the building’s original style while improving its role as a religious and cultural landmark, supporting national efforts under Vision 2030 to protect old mosques and highlight Saudi Arabia’s heritage.

Through this project, Al-Habish Mosque regained its historical character and continued role in community life. The initiative aims to safeguard traditional architecture, maintain historic prayer sites across the Kingdom, and emphasise Al-Ahsa’s long-standing religious and intellectual traditions within Saudi Arabia.

Located in the centre of Al-Hofuf, Al-Habish Mosque is regarded as one of the oldest mosques in Al-Ahsa. The mosque’s name is closely linked to the neighbourhood’s history, reflecting the memories and daily lives of residents over many generations, and reinforcing its position as a key landmark in the governorate.

Historical sources indicate that Al-Habish Mosque dates to the 13th century AH, corresponding to the 19th century CE. It functioned as both a place for prayer and a centre of learning, where lessons in Islamic sciences were held. Among the most notable scholars who taught there was Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Alaji, a leading scholar in Al-Ahsa.

The restored Al-Habish Mosque covers about 318 square metres and accommodates nearly 90 worshippers. The main prayer hall measures roughly 13.56 by 3.18 metres, while a private retreat room measures 13.73 by 2.68 metres. The complex also includes an 84-square-metre open courtyard, an imam’s room with an attached restroom, and a distinctive square minaret about 5.48 metres high.

Development and rehabilitation work on Al-Habish Mosque took place in 2020 under the same project. The restoration expanded and upgraded the main prayer hall, the retreat room, the courtyard, and the minaret. Additional facilities were introduced, including a storage room, a separate women’s prayer area, and modern restrooms, while the mosque’s traditional architectural features were carefully kept intact.

The renewal of Al-Habish Mosque under the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques strengthened its religious, educational, and cultural role in Al-Hofuf. The project retained the building’s historic identity, ensured it serves current worshippers, and supported broader national plans to value and protect historic mosques across Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from SPA