Medina: The energy and operations system at the Prophet's Mosque operates with high efficiency around the clock, helping to provide a comfortable environment for pilgrims, worshippers, and visitors, and to enhance the smooth flow of movement within the mosque and its courtyards, through an integrated system managed in accordance with the highest technical and operational standards.
According to Saudi Press Agency, mist fans and umbrellas deployed in the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque help reduce the perceived temperature through an integrated central cooling system that operates silently and precisely to serve millions of visitors without drawing attention to its operational details.
The system relies on a central cooling plant located outside the Prophet's Mosque area, covering approximately 70,000 square metres and comprising six large cooling units, each with a capacity of 3,400 refrigeration tons, with chilled water pumped through a vast pipeline network reaching various facilities and courtyards of the mosque.
The plant produces more than 19,000 refrigeration tons, distributed through hundreds of air-conditioning units operating in harmony within a unified system, overseen by a central control system that monitors performance and operational efficiency in real time.
On the audio side, the Prophet's Mosque is equipped with an advanced sound system managed by a central control room in the mosque's basement, overseeing more than 6,500 speakers distributed throughout the mosque and its courtyards.
The system operates through three main operational configurations, including backup systems, in addition to an emergency system ready for immediate activation when needed. Daily inspections of microphones and audio systems are also conducted before prayer times.
In terms of horizontal and vertical mobility, the Prophet's Mosque is equipped with 180 escalators and 17 elevators designed to serve pilgrims, worshippers, and visitors, particularly the older people and persons with disabilities. These systems are continuously maintained through precise monitoring, including vibration measurements, performance speed, and energy consumption.
The courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque also feature 244 giant umbrellas that open and close automatically, each reaching a height of 14 metres and weighing up to 40 tonnes, in addition to 428 mist fans that help moderate conditions and reduce temperatures in outdoor areas.
All these systems are operated under the supervision of the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, within a 24/7 operational, maintenance, and monitoring framework aimed at ensuring the comfort of pilgrims and visitors and delivering high-efficiency services inside the mosque and its courtyards.