Abu Dhabi is making global headlines once again — this time by combining innovation with sustainability and spiritual architecture. Property developer Aldar has announced plans to construct the world’s first net-zero mosque, located in Sustainable City Yas Island.
The project is a regional first on multiple fronts. Not only will it be the first mosque in the Middle East and North Africa to use hydrogen-based steel rebar, but it’s also aiming for LEED Zero Carbon certification, reflecting a commitment to environmentally responsible construction from the ground up.
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The standout innovation lies in the material choice. The mosque will be built using hydrogen steel, supplied by EMSTEEL Group — a type of rebar that can cut carbon emissions by up to 95% compared to conventional steel. Considering that steel is one of the most carbon-intensive materials used in construction, this is a game-changing step toward more sustainable building practices.
Spanning 1,595 square metres and accommodating over 850 worshippers, the mosque will incorporate a range of eco-conscious materials and systems. From energy-efficient lighting and low-emission concrete to sustainable cooling methods and eco-friendly prayer carpets, every detail has been selected to reduce environmental impact.
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Salwa Al Maflahi, executive director of sustainability and community outreach at Aldar, stated: “The low emissions hydrogen-based rebar is more than a material innovation – it’s a catalyst for reshaping our industry. As we transition to low-carbon construction, green steel enables us to reduce embodied carbon at scale, without compromising structural integrity or design ambition.”
Abu Dhabi’s net-zero mosque is more than a place of worship — it’s a blueprint for how tradition and technology can work together to build a more sustainable future.
