The largest cooling systems in the Two Holy Mosques to serve the pilgrims
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques continues its tireless efforts to enhance its operational and technological systems by employing the latest global solutions to provide a comfortable and safe environment for pilgrims. In this context, the cooling systems in the Two Holy Mosques as one of the most important pillars for managing the high density of pilgrims during the Hajj season and elevating the quality of the religious experience for millions of Muslims.
A historic development reflecting the utmost care for the guests of God
Throughout history, Mecca and Medina have received immense attention from the Saudi leadership, leading to a radical transformation in the air conditioning and ventilation systems of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. In past decades, cooling relied on simple, traditional methods, but with the increasing numbers of pilgrims and Umrah performers arriving from all corners of the globe, the urgent need arose for innovative, large-scale engineering solutions. This historic development was not merely a response to weather demands, but rather the embodiment of a strategic vision aimed at making the performance of religious rites more accessible and convenient. The Kingdom's success in managing these millions of pilgrims in harsh climatic conditions reflects a significant regional and international impact, as Saudi Arabia presents a global model for crowd management and the application of modern technology to serve humanity, thus reinforcing its leading position in the Islamic world.
Record numbers are being recorded by the cooling systems in the Two Holy Mosques
The Grand Mosque in Mecca is equipped with one of the largest cooling systems in the Two Holy Mosques and globally, boasting a total cooling capacity of 155,000 tons. This massive capacity is distributed between two stations: Al-Shamiyah (120,000 tons) and Ajyad (35,000 tons). This advanced system cools water to temperatures between 4 and 5 degrees Celsius before pumping it through an integrated network to the air handling units in the mechanical rooms. There, heat exchange takes place, distributing the cooled, purified air throughout the Grand Mosque. The air handling units have undergone comprehensive renovation and upgrades, including the replacement of all heat exchangers and the regular replacement of air filters to maintain stable temperatures between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius.
Smart technologies to ensure air purity and sustainability
This complex process is managed by 77 precisely distributed thermal sensors that respond instantly to changes in human density, especially during peak times. In addition, advanced air purification systems operate with an efficiency of up to 95%, supported by continuous preventative maintenance programs to ensure operational sustainability. At the Prophet's Mosque, a central cooling plant, one of the largest in the world, is located 7 kilometers west of the mosque and comprises six cooling units with a capacity of 3,400 tons each. Added to this are seven main pumps that circulate chilled water through an insulated pipe network. This system covers 2,357 columns and 550 air conditioning units, ensuring a balanced and efficient distribution of chilled air while increasing operational capacity during the Ramadan and Hajj seasons.
Managing crowd movement smoothly and efficiently
To facilitate movement, the Grand Mosque relies on a sophisticated system comprising 224 escalators and 22 elevators, capable of serving more than 200,000 pilgrims per hour, thus contributing to smooth flow between the different levels. The Prophet's Mosque also provides 180 escalators and 25 elevators, all of which are subject to precise operation and maintenance programs adhering to the highest safety standards. Maintenance work is carried out during off-peak periods to ensure uninterrupted service without disrupting the movement of worshippers.
Smart lighting and centralized control enhance spirituality and security
The lighting systems in the Two Holy Mosques have undergone a significant transformation. The Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) boasts over 120,000 lighting units and 6,900 chandeliers, while the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) features more than 137,000 uniformly colored LED units. These systems are managed through a Building Management System (BMS), which allows for intelligent control of lighting intensity according to prayer times and occupancy levels. Indirect lighting is used internally to enhance the spiritual atmosphere, while high-intensity lighting is employed in the circumambulation area (Mataf) and the area between Safa and Marwa (Mas'a) to ensure clear visibility and safe movement. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques (Grand Mosque) relies on central command and control rooms to monitor all systems in real time, including temperature, power supply, and operational reports. Data analytics technologies are also used to predict malfunctions before they occur, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing energy and water consumption in line with environmental sustainability principles, thus ensuring comfort and safety throughout the Hajj season.
