Riyadh: The Umm Zureniq Mosque, a highlight of the second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques, is renowned for its distinctive cylindrical minarets, a hallmark of Eastern Region architecture. Nestled in Al-Hofuf’s historic Al-Uwaimriya neighborhood, the century-old Umm Zureniq Mosque is undergoing restoration to preserve its regional design, featuring ample windows, openings, balconies, and spacious courtyards to adapt to the hot coastal climate and ensure effective ventilation. The project will significantly expand the mosque’s area from 30 square meters to 213.96 square meters, accommodating 94 worshippers.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the mosque is renowned for its intricate architectural decorations and interior engravings on the walls, windows, doors, and arches, with its cylindrical minarets, some featuring a summit and wooden balcony, serving as a key architectural element. Traditional building materials such as clay, plaster, palm trunks, and their components are being used in the restoration to preserve the mosque’s historical authenticity.
The Umm Zureniq Mosque is one of 30 mosques across all 13 regions of the Kingdom in the project’s second phase, including six mosques in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Aseer, two each in the Eastern Region, Al-Jouf, and Jazan, and one each in the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Al-Baha, Najran, Hail, and Qassim.
The second phase follows the successful completion of the first, which restored 30 historic mosques across 10 regions. The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving heritage and historical characteristics. Saudi companies specializing in heritage restoration are carrying out the development.
The project’s four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving their architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing their religious and cultural significance. It also aligns with Vision 2030 by preserving architectural heritage and integrating it into modern mosque designs.