The historic Al-Qalaah Mosque, located in Hotat Bani Tamim, Riyadh, is undergoing restoration as part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques.

This initiative aims to safeguard Islamic heritage and promote traditional architectural styles within the Kingdom.

Established in 1835, Al-Qalaah Mosque derives its name from the castle of Imam Turki bin Abdullah that once occupied the same site, underscoring its historical significance.

Upon completion, the Al-Qalaah Mosque will cover an area of 625 square meters and accommodate up to 180 worshipers.

The structure is being constructed in the traditional Najdi architectural style, characterized by the use of locally sourced clay, employing a construction method that combines clay with hay, which is then molded into brick-like shapes.

This approach is noted for its economic efficiency, as it offers positive thermal resistance properties, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor climate.

Al-Qalaah Mosque is one of 30 mosques slated for restoration in the second phase of the project, which encompasses 13 regions across Saudi Arabia.

This phase includes six mosques in Riyadh, five in Makkah, and four in Madinah, with additional sites in Asir, the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan, among others.

The restoration initiative follows the first phase, which was completed in 2018 and successfully restored 30 mosques across 10 regions.

The project aims to balance the preservation of heritage with modern construction standards, ensuring sustainability in the materials and methods used.

A focus on preserving architectural authenticity while enhancing the cultural significance of these religious sites is central to the project's objectives.

Development efforts are being led by Saudi companies and engineers who specialize in heritage restoration, reflecting a commitment to maintaining the Kingdom’s cultural legacy.