Al-Duwaid: Al-Duwaid Mosque, located in the Northern Borders Region and part of the second phase of Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Historic Mosques Development Project, holds historical significance due to its position in Al-Duwaid village, which served as a meeting point for traders from Najd and Iraq about 60 years ago.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the village of Al-Duwaid, approximately 20 kilometers from the Rafha Governorate, is home to the remains of Souq Al-Mushahada, which still exist today. The restoration of Al-Duwaid Mosque will preserve its original Najdi architectural style, expanding its area from 137.5 square meters to 156.01 square meters, using high-quality materials built according to traditional standards, setting it apart from modern structures. It will have a capacity of 54 worshippers, after prayer was suspended there in previous years.
Built 60 years ago, Al-Duwaid Mosque showcases the Najdi architectural style, using mud construction techniques and natural materials, and is renowned for its adaptation to the local environment and the hot desert climate. The project will preserve techniques like small square openings, strategically placed on the southern side to face the sunlight, forming a continuous strip along the mosque’s walls to allow sufficient sunlight while reducing the intake of cold air. The mosque’s design also features a low ceiling to retain warmth during the winter.
Al-Duwaid Mosque is part of the second phase of the project encompassing 30 mosques across all 13 regions of the Kingdom, including six mosques in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Aseer, two in the Eastern Region, and one each in Al-Jouf, Jazan, Northern Borders, Tabuk, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail, and Al-Qassim.
The second phase of the project follows the completion of the first phase, which involved the rehabilitation and restoration of 30 historical mosques in 10 regions. The project’s strategic objectives include rehabilitating mosques for worship, restoring architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural status of these historical sites. The project contributes to promoting the cultural and civilizational aspects of the Kingdom, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 by preserving original architectural features and shaping the design of modern mosques.
