Kuwaiti businessman funds mosque in Manadhoo

A mosque funded by a Kuwaiti businessman has opened in Noonu atoll Manadhoo.

The Khalifa Talal Al Jeri Mosque, located near the island’s harbour, was inaugurated yesterday by businessman Khalifa Talal Al Jeri at a special ceremony.

The mosque can accommodate 114 people at one time. After the opening, residents hosted a banquet in his honour.

Manadhoo council member Moomina Solih told Mihaaru News the community had long wanted a mosque near the harbor, as the existing mosque is located far from where most arrivals and departures take place.

“When the current council took office, a private party had agreed with the Islamic Ministry to build a mosque at the harbour,” she said.

“The land was cleared and handed over to the contractor, but at some point the work stopped altogether.”

Seeking a way forward, Moomina said she met then state minister of education Dr Abdulla Rasheed during the 2023 Noonu Atoll School Awards Ceremony.

“After the ceremony, he told me about the Talal Al Jeri Humanitarian Foundation,” she said.

“He said if it was something for the community, generous help would be given. Then I was determined to prioritize finding a way to build this mosque.”

The foundation agreed to take on the project, and construction began last year, carried out by Afami Maldives Pvt Ltd, which is also building another mosque on the island.

“Yesterday was a very happy day. The people were very satisfied and grateful,” Moomina said.

“I would like to thank the person who built the mosque and Dr Abdulla Rasheed, who facilitated it.”