Prominent on the corner of Um Yifeenah Street on Reem Island, Al Aziz mosque is impossible to miss.
Its unique architectural style combines modern – even futuristic – design elements while staying true to age-old Islamic architectural concepts. Striking by day, it is even more impressive by night, as an integrated LED system lights up the script running across its exterior.
Al Aziz mosque opened in 2015, once construction by Architecture firm APG (which also worked on the design) was complete. Spread across 5,100 square metres, with the space to accommodate 2,500 worshippers, the structure comprises three main prayer rooms – a large and small one for males and another for females.
Its clean lines and geometric facets create sharp, sleek shapes, which aren't unfamiliar in a modern, metropolis city. While notable within the landscape of mosque architecture, it seamlessly forms a cohesive part of the urban surroundings.
Al Aziz's minaret stands beside the main structure. The National
At first glance, the use of shape for the mosque's most prominent features stands out. The entrance, dome and minaret have a geometric feel, with each design element embracing angular lines and facets. Aesthetically appealing and functional, they blend traditional Islamic architectural styles with modern materials and techniques. The overall results do not honour just one style of Islamic architecture such as Umayyad, Moorish or Ottoman, but instead bring elements across the culture's visual history into the modern design.
Standing 30 metres high, Al Aziz mosque's minaret – the tall tower beside the main building from which daily calls to prayer can be heard – sits apart from the primary structure. The conscious decision allows the tower to embody a distinct design, while also serving its functional use. Angular panes meet at different points moving up the tower, making for a unique visual texture.
Perhaps the most innovative part of the mosque’s design is the use oftranslucent concrete. Also known as light-transmitting concrete, it does so by embedding optical fibres, the result is an arresting visual experience across the facade of Al Aziz mosque – particularly at night.
The 99 names of God are written in an elaborate Arabic script and protrude from the surface of the mosque. The National
The facade consists of 207 panels, each measuring around 1.8 metres by 1.4 metres weighing 300kg. Every panel features different shapes and Arabic calligraphy, specifically the 99 names of God from the Quran, which protrude from the surface by 3cm, adding depth to the exterior.
The script, written in what is most likely ijazah script (also known as tawqi Arabic script) is large and intertwined, turning each of the names of God into rich visual ornamentations while honouring the many attributes of God. This is even more impactful at night, as the calligraphy changes dramatically due to the integrated LED system through the translucent concrete.
Light passes through the different facets, and the text is illuminated from within giving them the appearance that it's floating against the structure.
The use of translucent concrete in Al Aziz mosque creates a powerful effect with lighting on the mosque's facade at night. The National
When viewed by day or at night, the cursive Arabic script on the walls against the modern geometric shape and lines of the structure’s exterior, especially on the dome and minaret, creates a visually appealing contrast and harmony. They all link back to the architectural value of Al Aziz mosque where modernity and traditional Islamic design meet.
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
