Manaber: Dubai's Unified Platform To Streamline Mosque Construction And Sponsorship

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai has introduced the Manaber initiative, a unified digital route for donors who support mosque construction and sponsorship. The system links donors with key government entities and charities, shortens procedures from donation to delivery, and aligns with Dubai Plan 2033 and the emirate’s wider approach to efficient, technology-led governance.

Through Manaber, donors can fund new mosques, assist ongoing builds, or sponsor existing facilities across Dubai, including free zones. Users can choose plots, see real-time project data, and monitor progress without visiting service centres. The platform aims to provide a clear, traceable journey for contributions while keeping all parties within one coordinated framework.

The Manaber initiative is designed by the Mosque Construction Services Improvement Team under the City Makers (Bunat Al Madinah) programme, working with six strategic entities. These are the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Development Authority, and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, forming a shared ecosystem for mosque projects.

Officials state that this joint model improves coordination between planning, infrastructure, security, and religious authorities, which reduces delays and duplication. It also brings mosque projects within Dubai’s broader urban planning framework. Through this network, approvals, utility connections, and road access can move in parallel, helping donors see faster results from their funding commitments.

Within Manaber, a dedicated stream called "Manaber for Design" invites consultancy offices and university students to submit mosque designs that match available plots. Approved designs become part of a ready-made catalogue. Donors can then select both land and design together, which reduces design time, supports architectural consistency, and helps accelerate construction schedules for different neighbourhoods.

The initiative also lets donors request that mosque construction be managed and supervised by charitable organisations in coordination with relevant charities. This option can be helpful for donors who prefer recognised charitable experience to handle implementation, quality checks, and community engagement, while Manaber maintains oversight of standards and alignment with official requirements in Dubai.

Manaber includes a detailed guide for donors and consultancy offices that explains all service steps and technical criteria. The guide clarifies construction standards, documentation, and approvals needed in Dubai, contributing to unified design specifications and architectural harmony. It aims to improve the final quality of mosques, ensure compliance with regulations, and support an ordered visual identity across the emirate’s growing number of worship spaces.

Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, said: "Manaber translates leadership’s vision into faster, more transparent, and higher-quality services, strengthening community engagement and enabling donors to participate actively in mosque development through a modern experience." Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, added: "Manaber exemplifies government integration and digital innovation, delivering efficient services while upholding the UAE’s traditions of generosity and charitable work."

Engineer Ali Al Halyan Al Suwaidi, Leader of the Mosque Construction Services Team under City Makers, said Manaber supports rising demand for mosques. According to Al Suwaidi, 24 mosques were finished in 2024 at a cost of AED172 million, while 56 mosques worth AED465 million are under construction. More than 350 land plots have also been set aside within Dubai’s urban master plan.

Taken together, the Manaber initiative, its design stream, and its guidance framework aim to offer donors in Dubai a clear, digital experience for mosque construction and sponsorship. With multiple authorities connected on one platform and strong charitable participation, the system is intended to keep projects aligned with Dubai Plan 2033 while supporting community needs across the emirate.

With inputs from WAM