Malaysian Company to File Lawsuit, Claims Salman Mosque Design Copied

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali has revealed that the Islamic Ministry has received a letter claiming that the design for the King Salman Mosque constructed in Male’ with the Saudi government’s aid was copied.

Speaking on the matter, the Islamic Minister stated that the mosque’s design underwent slight modifications. He claimed that the design was from a Malaysian company, and that the company is preparing to file a lawsuit against the Maldivian state.

Malaysian company NRY Architects has been claiming that it owns the design for the King Salman Mosque built by Turkish firm Alke-Turmaks. Dr. Zahir disclosed he was informed of the company’s decision to file via a letter, and that meetings have been held with NRY Architects officials at the President’s Office.

“They addressed a letter to me that claimed their design has been copied and used. With minor modifications. They have said that they are going to court to attempt to obtain their rights”, said the minister.

The King Salman Mosque appears extremely similar to the diagram on NRY Architects’ website. The mosque was handed over to the government last year after construction concluded. Despite announcing several dates, King Salman Mosque has yet to be officially opened.