Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s Project Restores Al-Duwaid Mosque To Preserve Cultural Heritage

Al-Duwaid Mosque, situated in the Northern Borders Region, is part of Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Historic Mosques Development Project. This mosque is historically significant due to its location in Al-Duwaid village. About 60 years ago, this village was a hub for traders from Najd and Iraq. The mosque's restoration aims to preserve its original Najdi architectural style.

The restoration project will expand the mosque's area from 137.5 square meters to 156.01 square meters. High-quality materials will be used, adhering to traditional standards that distinguish it from modern buildings. The mosque will accommodate 54 worshippers, as prayer activities had been suspended there in recent years.

Built six decades ago, Al-Duwaid Mosque exemplifies the Najdi architectural style with mud construction techniques and natural materials. This design is well-suited to the local environment and hot desert climate. The project will maintain features like small square openings on the southern side, allowing sunlight while minimizing cold air intake.

The second phase of the project includes 30 mosques across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. This phase follows the first phase's completion, which restored 30 historical mosques in 10 regions. The project's goals are to rehabilitate mosques for worship and restore their architectural authenticity.

The initiative also aims to highlight Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage and enhance these sites' religious and cultural status. By preserving original architectural features, the project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, promoting the Kingdom's cultural and civilizational aspects.

Design Features and Environmental Adaptation

The mosque's design incorporates a low ceiling to retain warmth during winter months. This feature is part of its adaptation to the local climate. The continuous strip of openings along the walls ensures adequate sunlight while reducing cold air intake.

Al-Duwaid Mosque is one of several mosques being restored in various regions, including Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Aseer, and others. Each region has a specific number of mosques involved in this phase of restoration.

The remains of Souq Al-Mushahada still exist in Al-Duwaid village today, approximately 20 kilometers from Rafha Governorate. This historical site adds to the cultural significance of the area and complements the mosque's restoration efforts.

With inputs from SPA