Ooredoo Maldives has launched a nationwide initiative to renovate and maintain mosques across the country ahead of Ramadan, with plans to carry out improvement works at five mosques every year.
The initiative, named Ooredoo Masjiduna, was announced at a press conference with the endorsement of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments.
Under the programme, the telecommunications company will fund and coordinate repairs at selected mosques in different regions of the Maldives, with all work scheduled to be completed before the beginning of Ramadan each year.
The initiative aims to improve the condition of mosques and ensure that worshippers have safe, accessible and comfortable facilities during the holy month, when mosques experience increased attendance for daily prayers, Taraweeh prayers and other religious activities.
Rather than implementing a uniform renovation programme, Ooredoo will assess the requirements of individual mosques and carry out maintenance and improvement works based on their specific needs.
Mosques will be selected according to the needs of local communities, with island councils playing a central role in identifying facilities requiring attention and coordinating the necessary work.
The company said it would work directly with councils to determine the scope of repairs and ensure that projects address priorities identified at the community level.
The endorsement of the Islamic Ministry is intended to ensure that the initiative operates in accordance with relevant national standards and supports the government’s wider efforts to maintain and develop religious infrastructure.
Speaking at the launch, Ooredoo Maldives Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Shadi Qawasmi highlighted the importance of mosques in Maldivian communities, noting that they serve as places of worship and gathering for people of different generations.
He said the company’s responsibilities extend beyond providing telecommunications services, with the new initiative reflecting its commitment to supporting essential community facilities.
Through Ooredoo Masjiduna, the company intends to help maintain mosques in a condition that allows worshippers to use them comfortably during Ramadan and throughout the year.
Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed also welcomed the programme, describing it as a contribution towards maintaining places of worship and supporting communities across the country.
The minister acknowledged Ooredoo’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its efforts to support both current and future generations.
The initiative also aligns with the ministry’s broader efforts to encourage partnerships between government institutions and private companies in the development and maintenance of Islamic infrastructure.
Mosques hold a central place in island life throughout the Maldives, serving not only as places for congregational prayers but also as important community institutions.
Their upkeep becomes particularly significant ahead of Ramadan, when worshippers gather in greater numbers for evening prayers and other religious observances.
In smaller island communities, maintaining mosque facilities can require coordination between local councils, government institutions and other supporting organisations.
Private-sector contributions can therefore provide additional assistance in addressing repair and maintenance needs, particularly where facilities require improvements before periods of increased use.
By committing to five mosques annually, Ooredoo Masjiduna establishes a recurring programme rather than a one-off renovation effort, allowing the company to support different communities over successive years.
The company has not yet announced the names of the first five mosques selected for renovation or the financial allocation for the programme.
Ooredoo said the initiative forms part of its wider corporate social responsibility activities, which seek to support communities beyond the company’s core telecommunications operations.
The programme will continue annually, with the objective of completing repairs at the selected mosques before each Ramadan.
