“Why is the prayer hall hidden away like a forgotten secret?” a visitor once wondered aloud at Brunei Darussalam International Airport. It’s a valid question. The Brunei Darussalam International Airport Surau, a sanctuary for prayer and reflection, hasn’t always held a prominent position at the airport. In the early 2010s during airport expansions, plans placed the surau in the basement, tucked away from view. This decision didn’t sit well with His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei. A devout leader, he believed that the surau should embody “Islamic eminence,” a visible symbol of faith welcoming travelers. His Majesty’s decree changed the course of the Brunei Darussalam International Airport Surau’s fate. No longer relegated to the basement, it was shifted to a more prominent location near the arrivals hall. Completed in November 2014, the surau, designed by P.A.Y Architects, can accommodate around 300 worshippers. The building itself reflects a blend of Islamic and Bruneian architectural elements, standing as a testament to the nation’s cultural identity. So, the next time you find yourself at Brunei Darussalam International Airport, seek out the surau. It stands as a symbol of faith, a beacon of welcome, and a testament to the fusion of tradition and modernity.
Labour Department
“Perintah Pekerjaan 2009 – ever heard of it?” a man in a blue uniform whispered to his companion. They stood