King Abdulaziz University Secures Three of the Top Five Places in Sharbatly Mosque Architecture Competition

Featuring 63 projects from 20 Saudi universities, the competition showcased innovative architectural designs that promote mosque identity and sustainability

King Abdulaziz University (KAU), represented by the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, hosted the closing ceremony of the third edition of the Hassan Sharbatly Mosque Architecture Competition, held under the patronage of HRH Prince Eng. Amr bin Mohammed Al-Faisal. The ceremony was attended by KAU President Dr. Tareef bin Yousuf Alaama; Dr. Mohsen bin Farhan Al-Qarni, Chairman of the Mosque Architecture Division of the Saudi Umran Society; and Eng. Anas bin Saleh Sairafi, Vice President of the Saudi Umran Society.

Held under the theme “Designing a Model Neighbourhood Mosque in Jeddah”, the competition was organised by the Mosque Architecture Division of the Saudi Umran Society, with the sponsorship and participation of the Hassan Abbas Sharbatly Foundation for Community Service.

The competition attracted broad participation from students across Saudi universities, with 63 architectural projects submitted by 20 institutions. The designs presented innovative approaches that combined the authenticity of local architectural traditions with modern sustainability requirements, while reinforcing the mosque’s role as a religious, social and architectural focal point within residential neighbourhoods.

KAU secured three of the five winning places, with its students claiming first, second and fifth place. Jazan University ranked third, while Umm Al-Qura University took fourth place. The results highlighted the quality of architectural education at KAU’s Faculty of Architecture and Planning and its students’ ability to develop creative design solutions that respond to community needs.

Hamza Ahmed Al-Shammari of KAU won first place for his project, “Design of a Neighbourhood Mosque in Jeddah”, while fellow KAU student Ibrahim Abdulhamid Rajhan secured second place for a project bearing the same title.

Abdullatif Mohammed Al-Harbi of Jazan University took third place for his project, “Al-Arkan Mosque”. Salma Omar Al-Sulami of Umm Al-Qura University placed fourth with “Design of a Neighbourhood Mosque in Jeddah”, while KAU student Sulaf Al-Salmi secured fifth place for her project, “Stages of Project Development”.

The competition challenged participants to design a model mosque in Jeddah’s Red Sea residential development, on a 2,763-square-metre site with a capacity of 300 worshippers, comprising 250 men and 50 women. Designs were required to integrate essential facilities and services, complement the surrounding urban fabric, and provide a welcoming and functional environment for worshippers and other mosque users.

Submitted projects featured a range of architectural solutions, including innovative facades, minarets and courtyards, alongside the use of natural lighting, shaded walkways and green spaces. Participants also incorporated elements of traditional local architecture into contemporary designs and connected mosque facilities with pedestrian routes and public spaces, reinforcing the mosque’s role as an architectural landmark and a centre for community interaction.

The organising committee awarded cash prizes to the five highest-ranked projects, ranging from SAR 15,000 for first place to SAR 5,000 for fifth place. The prizes aimed to recognise emerging architectural talent and encourage young designers to develop innovative concepts that advance mosque architecture.

Dr. Mohsen bin Farhan Al-Qarni, Chairman of the Mosque Architecture Division of the Saudi Umran Society, praised the facilities and support provided by KAU and its Faculty of Architecture and Planning, which contributed to the success of the closing ceremony. He also commended the University’s efforts to support architectural initiatives and nurture student talent.

The competition seeks to embed sustainability principles in mosque design, improve energy efficiency and preserve local architectural identity. It also aims to encourage research and innovation in Islamic architecture while highlighting the mosque’s contribution to community development and quality of life.

By hosting the event, KAU reaffirmed its commitment to connecting architectural education with community needs, supporting emerging talent and providing students with opportunities to develop design solutions that preserve the mosque’s architectural identity while meeting the evolving requirements of contemporary residential neighbourhoods.