The world's largest cooling system to serve the Two Holy Mosques, with a capacity of 155,000 tons
As part of its ongoing efforts to serve pilgrims, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announced the launch of one of the world's largest and most advanced operational systems to ensure a safe and comfortable worship environment for millions of visitors to the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. This system utilizes artificial intelligence technologies to operate smart cooling and lighting systems, representing a significant leap forward in the management of such massive facilities.
Historical background and importance of the project
Throughout history, serving the Two Holy Mosques has been a top priority for the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With the increasing number of pilgrims and Umrah performers each year, the need for massive expansion and development projects has become paramount. Given the hot desert climate of Mecca and Medina, climate control systems are no longer a luxury, but an essential necessity to ensure the health and comfort of worshippers and visitors, especially the elderly and children. These projects are an integral part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the experience of pilgrims and provide them with the highest quality services.
Details of the cooling system in the Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque in Mecca is equipped with one of the world's largest cooling systems, boasting a total cooling capacity of 155,000 tons . This immense power is distributed through two main stations, Al-Shamiyah and Ajyad, ensuring a stable temperature within the mosque's courtyards between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius around the clock. To achieve this precision, 77 thermal sensors are deployed, automatically responding to visitor density and adjusting cooling power accordingly, thus guaranteeing energy efficiency. Beyond cooling, the system also incorporates advanced air purification units with an efficiency of up to 95%, ensuring clean and healthy air for worshippers.
Technological excellence in the Prophet's Mosque
In Medina, a massive central cooling plant is responsible for cooling the atmosphere of the Prophet's Mosque. This plant, covering an area of 70,000 square meters, comprises six central units, each with a capacity of 3,400 tons. This advanced system covers 2,357 columns in the various expansions and operates 550 air conditioning units to ensure the most efficient distribution of cool air and to accommodate the millions of visitors during peak seasons.
A quantum leap in lighting and movement systems
The lighting of the Two Holy Mosques has undergone a radical transformation with the transition to modern, energy-efficient LED systems. The Grand Mosque in Mecca is illuminated by 120,000 lighting units, while the Prophet's Mosque in Medina is illuminated by 137,000. This vast network is managed by an intelligent system that automatically adjusts the lighting intensity according to prayer times and the sun's movement, employing indirect lighting technologies that prevent glare and promote tranquility and devotion. To facilitate the smooth flow of crowds, the Two Holy Mosques are equipped with a sophisticated transportation network comprising 400 escalators and 54 elevators, all of which undergo rigorous preventative maintenance programs to ensure their continuous operation.
Local and international impact
The importance of these projects extends beyond the local level to encompass the entire Muslim world. They highlight the Kingdom's ability to harness cutting-edge technologies to serve pilgrims, reinforcing its position as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Furthermore, they set a new global standard in crowd management and the operation of major religious facilities, underscoring that serving the guests of God is a mission that combines profound faith with advanced technological innovation.
