Renovation Underway for Riyadh‘s Historic Al-Qibli Mosque

Saudi craftsmen revive a centuries-old landmark using traditional techniques in crown prince’s nationwide initiative

RIYADH: Al-Qibli Mosque, a key component of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques, is undergoing restoration in Riyadh’s historic Manfuha neighborhood, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Originally built in 1689 AD and later reconstructed by King Abdulaziz in 1945, the mosque’s proximity to the old principality palace made it a significant prayer hall for princes and senior state officials.

The mosque’s Najdi architectural style, characterized by clay construction and natural materials, is being preserved and enhanced. Its area will expand from 642 sq. meters to 804 sq. meters, increasing its capacity to 440 worshippers.

A major challenge is sourcing and preparing the necessary wood, which requires traditional techniques such as straightening, upturning, and pest treatment, the SPA reported.

Craftsmen are meticulously measuring and preparing components onsite, employing traditional decorative techniques to revive the mosque’s original architectural character.

The project also aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving these historical landmarks, according to the SPA.

Al-Qibli Mosque is one of 30 mosques being restored across the Kingdom in the second phase of the project, led by Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage buildings.

This initiative balances historical preservation with modern construction standards, ensuring sustainability while retaining the mosque’s authentic architectural identity.

Phase two follows the successful completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions across the Kingdom.

The project’s strategic objectives include rehabilitating mosques for worship, restoring architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural significance of these historical sites.

The project aligns with Vision 2030 by preserving architectural heritage and influencing the design of modern mosques.