In a world-first milestone for sustainable architecture, Al Rayyan Mosque in Hatta has been awarded the LEED Zero Carbon certification by the US Green Building Council, making it the first place of worship globally to achieve this honour.

Awarded by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the mosque offsets an impressive 175 per cent of its annual carbon emissions, turning it from an energy-efficient structure into a carbon-positive building that gives more back to the planet than it takes.

This isn’t its first record. In 2021, Al Rayyan Mosque became the first mosque in the world to earn LEED Platinum certification, scoring 83 points for its green design. In 2024, it went a step further, achieving LEED Zero Energy status by generating 150% of its energy needs through solar panels, sending the surplus power back to the grid.

The latest recognition is a testament to DEWA’s vision for a greener, climate-resilient UAE, in line with the country’s Net Zero 2050 goals and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Spanning 1,050 square metres and accommodating over 600 worshippers, the mosque features solar-powered water heaters, heatproof glass, a water recycling system, and even EV charging stations, proving that faith and sustainability can truly go hand in hand.