Source : Middle East Online | 28 Aug 2012

A contemporary eco-friendly mosque designed by Suhail Mohammed Suleiman, a graduating architecture student from ALHOSN University, and approved for construction by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Abu Dhabi, will be actually built, according to officials.

The proposal has received the prestigious ‘Five Pearl Rating’ under ‘Estidama’ – the sustainability framework aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 development plan – from the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council.

Suhail is dedicating the mosque design – his Graduation Project at ALHOSN University – to H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

The project involves the building of a mosque and Islamic center on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, with the mosque to be made of eco-friendly building materials and partly illuminated by natural lighting.

Suhail combines sustainable elements with modern design to differentiate from the architecture and design of typical mosques. His project aims to make the UAE renowned for its modern Islamic spirit and embodies ALHOSN’s philosophy of ‘global knowledge with local vision.’

“Suhail was inspired by the Islamic doctrines of ‘Shahada,’ the declaration of belief, and ‘Tawheed,’ monotheism to come up with a unique design that reflects the bright future of Islamic architecture in the UAE,” said Prof. Abdul Rahim Sabouni, Vice Chancellor and CEO, ALHOSN University.

ALHOSN University is very proud of him and extends its full support for the transformation of his project from the drawing board to reality. We would also like to thank H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for appreciating Suhail’s visionary work,” he added.

Named after Abu Dhabi's historic ALHOSN Palace, ALHOSN University was founded in 2005 by the Abu Dhabi Holding Company in response to growing local demand for high-quality, value-based educational institutions.

It currently offers 12 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs under the Faculties of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Business, and Arts and Social Sciences.

ALHOSN accepts students of all nationalities and also accommodates youths with special needs. All its programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.