Services of the Two Holy Mosques: Global technologies for a unique spiritual experience
A journey of continuous development to serve the guests of God
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques continues its tireless efforts to provide the highest quality services to pilgrims, utilizing the latest global technologies to ensure a comfortable and safe worship environment. This commitment is part of a long history of caring for the Two Holy Mosques, which has witnessed the largest and most advanced expansions in history during the reign of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since its founding, the Saudi leadership has given great attention to developing the infrastructure and services of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque to accommodate the increasing numbers of pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors, and to facilitate the performance of their rituals with ease and tranquility.
Integrated operating systems with global standards
The authority relies on integrated operational systems that operate with high efficiency around the clock to accommodate the large number of visitors and enhance their spiritual experience. These systems encompass vital areas such as cooling, facilitating movement, lighting, and smart maintenance, all managed through advanced central control systems.
The world's largest cooling systems
To cope with the hot climate, the Two Holy Mosques are equipped with some of the largest and most advanced air conditioning and cooling systems in the world. At the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), the total cooling capacity reaches 155,000 tons, supplied by two main stations (al-Shamiyah and Ajyad). These systems efficiently cool the air while purifying it by up to 95%, and the internal temperature (between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius) is precisely controlled by 77 thermal sensors that automatically respond to crowd density. At the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi), a massive central cooling station located 7 kilometers away pumps chilled water through an insulated network to ensure an ideal environment inside the mosque and its courtyards.
Facilitating the smooth and safe movement of crowds
Managing the movement of millions of worshippers and visitors is a significant challenge, which is why the Two Holy Mosques are equipped with an extensive network of escalators and elevators. The Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) has over 220 escalators and 29 elevators strategically located to facilitate movement between different levels, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities. At the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi), visitors are served by 180 escalators and 25 elevators, all of which undergo continuous preventative maintenance to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.
Smart lighting enhances spirituality and saves energy
The lighting systems in the Two Holy Mosques have undergone a significant transformation with the complete conversion to modern, highly efficient, and energy-saving LED units. The Grand Mosque in Mecca boasts over 120,000 lighting units and 6,900 chandeliers, while the Prophet's Mosque in Medina features more than 137,000 color-coded LED units. These systems are managed through a Building Management System (BMS) that automatically adjusts lighting intensity according to prayer times and visitor density, achieving a perfect balance between architectural aesthetics and energy efficiency, and creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.
Importance and impact within the framework of Vision 2030
These massive technological projects align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes serving pilgrims. Providing these advanced services not only enhances the spiritual experience for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims but also reflects the Kingdom's civilized image and its ability to efficiently and effectively manage the world's largest religious gatherings. Internationally, these efforts solidify the Kingdom's position as a leader of the Islamic world and underscore its commitment to dedicating all its resources to serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, thus reinforcing its reputation as a safe and advanced religious destination.
