Al-Duwaid village in the Northern Borders Region is the site of the Al-Duwaid Mosque restoration, which is part of the second phase of Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Historic Mosques Development Project. The village is located approximately 20 kilometers from the Rafha Governorate and contains the remains of Souq Al-Mushahada.
According to SPA, the mosque was built 60 years ago and served as a meeting point for traders from Iraq and Najd. The restoration expands the mosque’s area from 137.5 square meters to 156.01 square meters, providing a capacity for 54 worshippers after prayer had been suspended in previous years.
The project utilizes mud construction and natural materials to maintain the original Najdi architectural style. Design features include a low ceiling to retain winter warmth and small square openings on the southern side to allow sunlight while reducing cold air intake.
This second phase encompasses 30 mosques across 13 regions, including six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Aseer, two in the Eastern Region, and one each in Al-Jouf, Jazan, Northern Borders, Tabuk, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail, and Al-Qassim. This follows a first phase that rehabilitated 30 historical mosques in 10 regions.
What are the architectural features of Al-Duwaid Mosque? The mosque uses the Najdi architectural style, featuring mud construction and natural materials adapted for the hot desert climate. Specific design elements include a low ceiling to keep warmth during winter and small square openings on the southern walls that allow sunlight while blocking cold air.
How has the size and capacity of Al-Duwaid Mosque changed? The restoration project is expanding the mosque’s total area from 137.5 square meters to 156.01 square meters. Following these updates, the mosque will be able to accommodate 54 worshippers, resuming services after prayer had been suspended in previous years.
What is the historical context of Al-Duwaid village? Located about 20 kilometers from the Rafha Governorate, Al-Duwaid village served as a meeting point for traders from Iraq and Najd approximately 60 years ago. The village also contains the remaining structures of Souq Al-Mushahada.