Mecca: The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque continues to harness the latest global technologies. The aim is to provide a comfortable and safe environment inside the Two Holy Mosques and their courtyards.
According to Saudi Press Agency, integrated operational systems include cooling, crowd management, lighting, and smart maintenance. These systems operate around the clock. They accommodate large numbers of worshippers and enhance the quality of their spiritual experience.
At the Grand Mosque, the authority operates one of the largest cooling systems in the world. Its total refrigeration capacity reaches 155,000 tons. The system operates through two main plants. The Shamiya plant has a capacity of 120,000 tons. The Ajyad plant has 35,000 tons. Water is cooled to between 4°C and 5°C. It is then pumped through a network of pipes to air handling units inside the Grand Mosque. Indoor temperatures are maintained between 22°C and 24°C.
Temperature control relies on 77 precisely distributed sensors inside the Grand Mosque. These sensors respond to actual loads and changing densities, especially during peak seasons. The system uses advanced air purification technologies with efficiency reaching 95%. Continuous preventive maintenance ensures sustainability and prevents unexpected malfunctions.
At the Prophet's Mosque, the authority operates a central cooling plant considered among the largest in the world. It is located 7 kilometers west of the mosque on a 70,000-square-meter site outside its perimeter. The plant includes six central cooling units. Each unit has a capacity of 3,400 tons. Seven main pumps deliver chilled water at 4-5°C through insulated pipelines to air handling units inside the mosque.
The system covers 2,357 columns across the various expansions. It includes 550 air conditioning units operating in an integrated system. Centralized management ensures continuous monitoring around the clock. Operational capacity increases during Ramadan and Hajj seasons to maintain stable temperatures and air quality.
In facilitating movement and mobility, the Grand Mosque serves more than 200,000 worshippers per hour. The operational system includes 220 escalators and 29 elevators. These are strategically distributed to ensure smooth movement between different levels and support efficient crowd management. At the Prophet's Mosque, 180 escalators and 25 elevators are available. They undergo continuous operation and maintenance in accordance with the highest safety and quality standards. This ensures a safe, smooth flow for visitors and worshippers.
Preventive maintenance is conducted according to a precise schedule during lower-density periods. This guarantees full readiness without affecting worshippers' movement. Safety standards and crowd flow efficiency are maintained at all times.
Lighting systems in the Two Holy Mosques have transitioned from traditional oil lanterns to modern high-efficiency LED systems. The Grand Mosque contains more than 120,000 lighting units and 6,900 chandeliers. The Prophet's Mosque features over 137,000 uniform-colored LED units. The system is managed through a Building Management System (BMS). It links lighting to smart control systems. Lighting intensity is adjusted according to prayer times and crowd density. This achieves a balance between architectural aesthetics, energy efficiency, and safe movement. Indirect interior lighting enhances tranquility and prevents glare. High-intensity lighting in the Mataf (circumambulation area) and Masa (Sa'i area) ensures clear visibility.
Maintenance and operations rely on central control rooms that display real-time data on temperature, electrical supply, and reports. Advanced asset management and scheduled maintenance programs are implemented. Field data is analyzed to predict faults before they occur. This enhances environmental sustainability by rationalizing energy and water consumption. It ensures the highest safety standards and provides worshippers with a constant sense of reassurance.