Dubai to build mosque in memory of Ukranian woman

In a heartening display of solidarity and community spirit, Dubai plans to build a mosque in memory of Ukrainian woman Daria Kotsarenko, who recently passed away few hours after embracing Islam, while she was fasting.

Dar Al Ber Society, which runs the Islamic Information Centre where Daria converted to Islam and received the conversion certificate on March 25, is handling the project to build the mosque bearing her name. Her sudden demise is believed to have been caused by a heart attack.

A special link (https://contribute.daralber.ae/mosahmats/View/27033) was created to collect donations for constructing Daria Kotsarenko Mosque, which will be built on an 812 square metre plot in Dubai.

The mosque will have a floor area of 613 square metres with a prayer hall for men on the ground floor that can hold 208 worshippers. The prayer hall for women will be on the first floor, in addition to ablution rooms for women. A 170-square metre imam's residence and a men's ablution room will also be there. The minaret will have a height of 33 metres.

As of Thursday evening, April 4, about 13 per cent or Dh515,000 has been collected from the required Dh4 million construction budget.

Twenty-nine-year-old Daria, visited Dubai three years ago, sparking curiosity about local culture and religion. She conducted extensive research and delved deeper into her research.

Daria embarked on a journey to various countries after her initial visit, before returning to Dubai where she fully embraced Islam on March 25 this year.

Daria, without family or relatives in Dubai, was laid to rest in Al Qusais Cemetery on March 29, attended by hundreds of Emiratis and expatriates.