World’s First 3D Printed Mosque Completed in Saudi Arabia

Ramadan, one of the most well-known and important Muslim holidays, started this week. And what better way to celebrate it than with 3D printing? Or at least that is what one Saudi businesswoman, Wajnat Abdulwahed, seemed to believe as she unveiled the world’s first completed 3D printed mosque this week, just in time for the holy month.

You might remember that we told you about construction of a 3D printed mosque last year. Believe it or not, but this project is actually a different one as Saudi Arabia has beat out Dubai in having this first building of this kind, as the other mosque has been planned for 2025. This completed mosque is located in Jeddah and was made in tribute to Abdulwahed’s husband, Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly, with the building carrying his name.

Saudi officials and Mrs. Wajnat Abdulwahed were present at the unveiling of the 3D printed mosque (photo credits: Fursan Real Estate)

A 3D Printed Mosque in Saudi Arabia

The 5,600-square-meter (~60,277 square foot) mosque was made in a collaboration between Fursan Real Estate Company and Guanli, a Chinese company specializing in construction 3D printing. A part of the National Housing Co’s portfolio, the mosque was conceived not just as a way to memorialize Abdulwahed’s late husband, but also to align with Saudi Vision 2030 as the use of 3D printing allowed for a reduction of construction-related waste generation.