President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has officially launched construction of the Sultan Mohamed Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque and Islamic Civilization Center in Hulhumalé Phase II.

The project is being developed to commemorate 900 years since the Maldives embraced Islam.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday evening, with the foundation stone laid by President Dr. Muizzu alongside senior officials and representatives from Saudi Arabia.

Those present included Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Al Rajhi Company CEO Eng. Bandar Abdullah Alrajhi, Saudi Ambassador Yahya Hassan Alqahtani and HDC Managing Director Brigadier General (Retd) Ali Zuhair.

The entire project will be financed by Saudi Arabia's Al Rajhi Company and will include the largest mosque constructed in the Maldives to date.

The mosque will accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers and feature offices for imams and administrative operations, along with spaces for educational, cultural and community activities.

The accompanying Islamic Civilization Center will include an Islamic library, cultural center and Quran museum dedicated to preserving and presenting religious knowledge and historical information related to the Holy Quran.

The facility will also feature exhibition spaces for Islamic and historical displays, a multipurpose community hall, a designated visitor area for both residents and tourists, an Islamic bookstore and a gift shop.

The government expects the complex to become a prominent national landmark and a long-term center for Islamic education, culture and community engagement.

The development is part of efforts to commemorate a significant milestone in the Maldives' Islamic history while creating a major religious and cultural destination for future generations.