Dubai’s Dabbagh Architects Redefine Sacred Space With Mosque of Light

Sacred architecture has long transcended the tangible, serving as a bridge between the physical and the divine. It is a typology that not only fosters spiritual connection but also reshapes our perception, lifting the soul beyond the confines of the material world. In these spaces, the boundaries of reality soften, ushering us into a state of serenity—one where the mind quiets, the body surrenders, and the spirit ascends.

In the UAE, Dubai-based Dabbagh Architects, led by Sumaya Dabbagh, crafted the Mosque of Mohamed Abdulkhaliq Gargash—also known as the Mosque of Light—as a modern, poetic expression of devotion. Located in Al Quoz’s industrial zone, the mosque stands as a serene counterpoint to the busy utilitarianism of its surroundings.

“The design of this mosque is centered on elevating the act of worship, guiding visitors from the rhythms of daily life into a state of tranquility and reflection,” Sumaya Dabbagh, founder of Dabbagh Architects, tells SceneHome. 

“This transition is carefully orchestrated through a controlled interplay of natural light, materiality and form, each element working in harmony to cultivate a serene and contemplative atmosphere.” 

Unlike the ornate grandeur of traditional mosques, this one is stripped down to its essence—a sanctuary where simplicity and minimalism reign. The design unfolds as a rectangular volume, rotated to face Makkah, and split into two unequal parts: one housing the prayer area for both men and women, the other dedicated to services, including ablution facilities and the residence of the Imam and Mu’adhin.

Stepping onto the mosque’s grounds, you are welcomed by a serene courtyard nestled between the building’s two volumes. Suspended above, a sculptural canopy bridges both sides, its surface intricately carved with a deconstructed parametric pattern that echoes the triangular geometries of Islamic design—a symbolic reflection of mind, body and soul. As sunlight filters through, the pattern casts shifting shadows, enveloping the space in a tranquil interplay of light and shade. This gentle transition prepares you, grounding and quieting the mind before stepping into a deeper, more transcendental state.

The mosque’s facade, pure and white like a reverie, is adorned with the same intricate pattern. Some elements are delicately carved in relief, while others are hollowed out, allowing daylight to seep through, casting flickering contrasts that lend the elevation both depth and precision. 

Wrapping around the prayer hall, a continuous calligraphy belt weaves across the surface—a metaphoric protective band, subtly marking the sacred nature of the space upon arrival.

A cylindrical minaret on the west side ascends gracefully, reaching toward the sky—a pure and refined expression of tradition. This timeless structure, where the Mu’adhin rises to summon the faithful to prayer, stands apart yet remains intrinsically connected to the mosque, its presence amplifying the sense of spiritual elevation and divine calling.

“Internally these perforations bring in natural light into the areas of worship, illuminating the key spaces and creating a calm atmosphere enhancing the sense of spirituality and connection to the divine,” Dabbagh explains. 

Inside the main prayer hall, where worship reaches its most profound state, a perforated dome reveals itself at the center. Once again, light filters through, casting intricate patterns that shift with time, gently illuminating the space and deepening the sense of introspection during prayer.

Photography Credit: Gerry O’leary