Abu Dhabi, Oct 11th, 2012 (WAM) -- The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, in cooperation with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, has embarked on a project for irrigating and landscaping the surroundings and external patios of mosques in the Mainland of Abu Dhabi Island.

The first batch of mosques covered by the Project includes the landscaping of five mosques in each of Al Wathba South, Bani Yas, Khalifa City (A), Bahya, and Al Samha in areas ranging from 2,450 to 3,680 m2 per mosque, in a total area of 15,000m2.

Commenting on the Project, Rashid Al Falasi, Director of Parks & Recreational Facilities, Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, said that the initial phase of the Project, which was initiated with five mosques, was part of a program covering more than 50 mosques across Abu Dhabi city.

"These landscaping projects are designed as a model for soft landscaping and improving of irrigation networks around mosques. Certain sorts of trees, shrubs and succulents as well as ground-cover plants have been selected to suit the local habitat and add an aesthetic appearance to mosques in line with the spiritual, human civilized role of mosques, and the Municipality has also carefully selected hard landscaping items, such as benches, to serve worshipers.

"Due consideration has been given to addressing the natural functions of mosques in terms of the number of prayers, and the provision of paved pathways in the patio of mosques; forming a picturesque setting featuring different sorts of tiles painted in consistent colours. Works also included the decoration of some areas with desert habitat containing cactus trees, rocks and stylish decorative lighting fixtures.

"The Municipality is installing new irrigation networks to irrigate plants using world-class standards with the aim of saving water consumption. Plantations, entrances and floors have also been fitted with decorative lighting systems; reflecting a fascinating, charming & soothing night lighting," elaborated Al Falasi.

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has already prepared a comprehensive plan aimed at improving the greens around mosques in Abu Dhabi and the plan concluded to divide mosques that need maintenance & improvements in Abu Dhabi city according to geographical zones into 3 contracts. The first contract covers 96 mosques located inside Abu Dhabi Island and the two other contracts cover mosques located outside Abu Dhabi Island; one covers mosques in the direction of Al Ain city, and the other covers mosques in the direction of Dubai city. The Plan showed that 212 mosques need maintenance works which include installation of networks, pumps, and irrigation tanks in addition to growing of date trees, greens and flowers. The Project scope also covers carrying out natural plantations & hard landscaping, expanding the main irrigation line with subsidiary lines, constructing children playground, allocating an area for artificial palm trees, extending rain drainage lines & soil drainage systems as well as construction of pumping stations and the installation of control panels.

Upgrading the surroundings of mosques project conforms to the symbolic religious, human and civilized representation of mosques in Abu Dhabi city; which will also boost the profile of the city as a top cosmopolitan city worldwide, and fit with the governmental drive to place Abu Dhabi Government among the best governments in the world. Plantation and greens works around Abu Dhabi mosques attracts huge attention of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City and ranks the project at par with other sweeping agricultural achievements seen by the Emirate.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2012.