As part of the comprehensive development plan for the renowned attractions surrounding Qasr Al Hosn Fort in central Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) has collaborated with CEBRA Architects to complete the new Al Musallah Chapel.
Historical Background
At the heart of Abu Dhabi’s modern metropolis stands its oldest and most significant structure: Qasr Al Hosn Fort. Constructed in the 18th century, this cultural and historical landmark originally served to protect the city’s only freshwater well. Over time, it evolved into a royal residence and government seat. Before Abu Dhabi’s urban expansion, this fortress was the first point of arrival for desert travelers heading towards the coast. Rising majestically from the desert, it remains a symbolic monument marking the birthplace of Abu Dhabi.
The restoration of Qasr Al Hosn encompasses a 140,000 square meter cultural park surrounding the fort, along with the revitalization of a cultural foundation that was a prominent cultural hub in the 1980s. Together, these two structures represent the fusion of Abu Dhabi’s historical heritage with its modern identity.
▲ Overall site layout plan
Restoring the Coastal Desert Landscape
The master plan highlights the dual nature of the site by dividing it diagonally into two contrasting landscapes. On one side, the plains encircling the fortress feature a soft, open desert environment, allowing the buildings to stand independently as landmarks—reminiscent of the landscape before the rapid urban growth. On the other side, the area surrounding the cultural foundation is designed with paved surfaces and functional planning that blend desert elements with modern urban grid patterns.
These two landscapes are connected through diverse public urban spaces, characterized by irregular geometric forms inspired by the unique mud crack patterns found in Abu Dhabi’s coastal desert and salt flats. These forms act as transitional design elements between natural beaches and sidewalks, creating a cohesive and scalable visual narrative deeply rooted in the original terrain.
▲ Conceptual sketch inspired by mud crack patterns
▲ Final conceptual sketch
The geometric forms intentionally bridge the divide between architecture and landscape. Along this transitional zone, the terrain shifts from flat to sloped, gradually transforming into built structures that culminate in the Al Musallah Chapel. From its pillars to the overall volume, the chapel integrates seamlessly with the park, becoming a natural extension of the landscape, framed visually by the fortress and cultural foundation.
▲ Concept sketch
Al Musallah Chapel
Located at the northeast corner of the cultural park, the chapel is composed of a series of interconnected small buildings forming a cave-like structure, set within a vast water feature. Positioned at the center of this water element, the Al Musallah Chapel creates a subtle sense of privacy without the need for walls, offering a tranquil and secluded environment for worship, free from visual distractions.
Water, symbolizing spiritual purification, flows through the chapel’s interior. The various spaces are linked by glass structures over the water, and as visitors move through these well-lit passageways, the experience metaphorically represents the purification of the soul.
Each building volume serves a distinct purpose, with the floor plan designed around two mirrored circulation paths for female and male worshippers. These paths guide visitors through a sequence of spaces that follow traditional worship rituals, creating a spiritual journey from the surrounding environment inward.
As visitors stroll through narrow passages between the “rock” structures in the open park area, the noise and bustle of the city gradually fade away. They then arrive at the cave-like entrance hall where they can pause and socialize before worship. The chapel’s design draws inspiration from the cave of Hilah, where Prophet Muhammad experienced his first epiphany. From this starting point, visitors proceed to the ablution area to cleanse themselves physically and spiritually before entering the spacious main chapel.
The chapel is oriented towards the Qibla, and through a concealed window, worshippers can see a concrete relief engraved on one of the rocks.
▲ Floor plan view
The geometric mud crack pattern seen in the landscape and building exterior is mirrored inside, where a suspended ceiling mimics this design. This ceiling functions as a skylight, featuring small circular openings that reveal additional enclosed ceilings above. These round apertures allow sunlight to penetrate the space and are accompanied by hanging pendants, collectively evoking abstract star forms. This celestial imagery reflects spiritual beliefs and the traditional navigation stars of the Bedouin people.
The entrance hall and ablution area feature concrete skylights, while the chapel’s interior is clad in copper. This creates an infinite play of light reflections symbolizing the universe, with ceiling details resembling fractals that connect to the overall project design. This artistic approach reflects humanity’s contemplation of the sky and existence.
Project Drawings
▲ Sectional view
▲ Sketch
▲ Sketch
▲ Sketch
Project Information
Project Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Architect: CEBRA
Area: 1,100 m²
Completion Year: 2019
Photographer: Mikkel Frost
Client: Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT)
Landscape Design: CEBRA Architecture
Engineering: GHD
Historic Preservation Plan: ProDenkmal
Vegetation Consultant: SLA Architects
Logo Design: Kossmann.dejong
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