Saudi Arabia has put into operation the largest cooling system on the planet, delivering a total cooling capacity of 155,000 tonnes to maintain a comfortable and spiritually uplifting environment for the millions of pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
Managed by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, this extensive system is key to regulating indoor temperatures at Al Haram, ensuring that worshippers can perform their religious duties in a cool and serene setting.
The system is powered by two primary stations: the Shamiya Station, which accounts for 120,000 tonnes of refrigeration capacity, and the Ajyad Station, supplying an additional 35,000 tonnes. Together, these stations serve the mosque’s vast prayer halls and various structural expansions.
Running continuously throughout the day and night, the system maintains internal temperatures between 22°C and 24°C, even during the intense heat of summer. It also incorporates cutting-edge air purification systems that remove up to 95% of airborne pollutants, delivering clean and healthy air to those inside the mosque.
To ensure uninterrupted efficiency, the authority carries out regular and preventive maintenance, including timely replacement of critical components, site safety checks, and efficient resource allocation. These measures are especially crucial during the Hajj season, when the number of visitors significantly increases.
This massive cooling infrastructure forms part of a wider initiative to improve the overall pilgrimage experience. The primary aim is to guarantee worshippers’ comfort, safety, and peace of mind while performing their sacred rites, even under extreme weather conditions.
