Air conditioning has been installed at the main prayer halls and women’s prayer halls of four major mosques in the Greater Malé Region ahead of Ramadan, in line with a pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

According to President’s Office Spokesperson Heena Waleed, the air-conditioning systems became operational since last night at Furqan Mosque, Jalaluddeen Mosque, Viyafaariveringe Mosque and Umar bin Khattab Mosque in Hulhumalé. The initiative covers mosques with large congregational capacity of more than 800 worshippers.

In his Presidential Address 2026, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said mosques hold central importance in Islam and are among the most significant institutions in society. He said the Government has prioritized religious infrastructure nationwide, including upgrading existing structures and replacing older mosques with modern facilities where needed. As part of this policy direction, the President announced that the main halls and women’s prayer halls of mosques capable of accommodating more than 800 worshippers in Malé City would be air-conditioned before the start of Ramadan.

The Government has previously stated that mosque development and renovation remain a key focus area under its religious infrastructure programme. According to official figures, 90 projects were carried out nationwide in 2025, including the construction of 74 mosques, seven Islamic centres, three Quran centres and six Waqf buildings.

Last year, the Government spent MVR 19.4 million on religious infrastructure projects across different islands, with MVR 15 million allocated for mosque renovations this year. In addition, construction of Islamic centres is set to begin in 10 more islands this year, while preparations are also underway to commence mosque construction projects in 17 additional islands.