Retired Police General Damian Arias Matos says there are 30 mosques in Haiti. For years, a Muslim mosque of considerable size is under construction off the Autovia del Este leading to Punta Cana. This would be the largest in the Dominican Republic. In an interview, General Damian Arias told Jose Peguero talk show that the intention is that the temple become a regional center for Muslim community in the Caribbean.
The Dominican Republic constitution authorizes freedom of religion. As reported, the construction was authorized in 2013.
Sectors have express concern the operation of the mosque would be opening a door to radical Muslims and an increase in the role of the Muslim leaders in the Dominican Republic.
Dominican culture is radically contrary to the cultural practices of the Muslims regarding women, such as the imposition of the hijab for women. Dominican women flaunt their bodies, for all to see. Dominican women share the same rights here as men, and while machismo is an issue, Dominican women defend their right to wear what they please.
Mikeles TV reported that once the construction was ordered to stop, but now it has continued.
The temple can be seen from the Autovia del Este, the highway that connects La Romana and Higuey and the Punta Cana area.
Ivan Ruiz of El Show del Mediodia has covered the construction, sharing with his viewers the concern what the immersion of the radical practice of this religion could bring, especially to a touristic area such as Punta Cana.
A 2022 US State Department Report says there are around 3,000 to 4,000 Muslims living in the Dominican Republic.
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Jose Peguero
Diario Libre
El Mikeles TV
3 Veces Kadosh
El Show del Mediodia
US State Department
8 December 2025