Advanced cooling system ensures year-round comfort at the Two Holy Mosques

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques oversees a sophisticated cooling system designed to maintain a comfortable temperature for visitors at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque throughout the year, despite soaring temperatures in the Kingdom. This integrated system, comprising engineering solutions and cutting-edge technologies, begins at the outer courtyards.

Here, mist fans are employed to soothe the air, mitigating the oppressive heat and providing pilgrims with a more comfortable environment as they navigate the grounds. The mosque design is carefully planned, incorporating continuous movement and multiple pathways between entrances, courtyards, and prayer areas, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Moreover, the white courtyards are paved with Thassos marble, an ideal surface that significantly reduces heat absorption. The marble's intricate design features fine pores that absorb moisture at night and slowly release it as temperatures rise during the day, effectively combating the sun's intensity and facilitating smoother pilgrim navigation, especially during midday hours.

When visitors enter the Grand Mosque, the cooling system transitions to a centralized air conditioning system, boasting a capacity of approximately 155,000 refrigeration tons. This powerful system distributes chilled air uniformly across the mosque, ensuring a consistent temperature range of 22 to 24 degrees Celsius around the clock. This guarantees a consistently comfortable atmosphere for worshippers and pilgrims.

In contrast, the Prophet's Mosque relies on a central cooling station situated about 7 kilometers west of the mosque. This station operates six cooling units, each with a capacity of 3,400 tons, ensuring a balanced and efficient distribution of chilled air throughout the mosque. This centralized approach optimizes cooling performance, providing pilgrims with a consistent and enjoyable experience.