Salman mosque opening delayed as Saudi yet to give date: Ministry
It has been nearly a year since prayers began at the mosque, but it is yet to be officially opened.
Islamic ministry Ahmed Zahir said on Monday that the official opening of King Salman Mosque, which has been developed with a grant from Saudi Arabia at Male Artificial Beach, has been delayed as the Saudi government is to provide a date.
The Salman Mosque was opened to the public in April 2022. It has been nearly a year since prayers began at the mosque, but it is yet to be officially opened.
Replying to a question during Monday's parliament sitting, Zahir acknowledged the prolonged delay in officially opening the mosque. He noted:
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Held discussions with the foreign ministry, The President's Office and the Islamic ministry before the borders were closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic
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A few days later, when members of the Islamic ministry of Saudi Arabia visited the Maldives, they discussed the matter and prepared to open the mosque
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But at that time, it was delayed as the Saudi government did not set a specific date
The six-storey mosque:
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was built by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's government with the help of the King of Saudi Arabia
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$25 million spent on the mosque
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It is the most expensive and biggest mosque built in the country
