Energy system efficiency in the Prophet's Mosque to serve pilgrims
operates The energy system at the Prophet's Mosque with high operational and technical efficiency around the clock, contributing effectively to providing a spiritual and comfortable atmosphere for worshippers and visitors. This integrated system aims to enhance the flow of movement within the mosque's corridors and outer courtyards, and is managed according to the highest engineering, technical, and operational standards to ensure the sustainability of services and the comfort of those visiting the Two Holy Mosques.
Historical development of services at the Two Holy Mosques
These massive facilities were not a recent development, but rather the culmination of a long history of care and attention that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given to the Two Holy Mosques since its founding. Historically, the Prophet's Mosque has undergone successive expansions, witnessing a qualitative shift from traditional lighting and ventilation methods of past decades to the latest global technologies of the modern era. These expansions constituted a major civilizational leap, integrating Islamic architectural heritage with the latest advancements in energy and cooling technology, making the Prophet's Mosque a global model to be emulated in the management of large facilities.
Central cooling plant with standard specifications
Visitors' comfort depends primarily on a massive central cooling plant located outside the Prophet's Mosque, spanning a vast area of approximately 70,000 square meters. This plant comprises six giant cooling units, each with a capacity of 3,400 tons of refrigeration. The plant pumps chilled water through a complex network of enormous pipes that reach various facilities and courtyards within the mosque. The plant produces over 19,000 tons of cooling, distributed through hundreds of air conditioning units operating in perfect harmony within a unified system. This system is controlled by an intelligent central control system that monitors performance and operational efficiency in real time.
Giant umbrellas support the energy system in the Prophet's Mosque
In the outer courtyards, the Prophet's Mosque features 244 giant umbrellas that open and close automatically to protect worshippers from direct sunlight. Each umbrella is 14 meters high and weighs up to 40 tons. In addition to these umbrellas, 428 misting fans help reduce the perceived temperature and create a more pleasant atmosphere, resulting in a healthy and comfortable environment for millions of visitors, who remain unaware of the complexities of the operational details that work silently behind the scenes.
Advanced sound system and smooth movement
On the acoustics front, the Prophet's Mosque boasts one of the most advanced sound systems in the world, managed by a central control room located in the basement. This room oversees over 6,500 speakers strategically placed throughout the mosque and its courtyards, operating on three systems (primary, backup, and an emergency system ready for immediate activation). The microphones also undergo daily testing before prayer times. To ensure smooth horizontal and vertical movement, the mosque features 180 escalators and 17 elevators, specially designed for the elderly and people with disabilities, and subject to meticulous and continuous maintenance, including vibration and energy consumption monitoring.
The regional and international impact of the Kingdom's efforts
The profound significance of developing these facilities extends far beyond the local level, creating a wide-ranging regional and international impact. Internationally, these monumental efforts reflect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to serving Muslims worldwide and providing a pioneering model in crowd management and the development of smart city infrastructure and religious facilities. This operational excellence aligns directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aspires to host millions of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims annually, offering an exceptional spiritual and cultural experience that will remain etched in the memory of every visitor to the city of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
