Advanced Operational Services At The Two Holy Mosques Facilitate Worshippers In Performing Rituals

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque continues to run integrated smart systems that manage cooling, lighting, maintenance, and movement. These technologies operate all day and night. They aim to keep worshippers safe and comfortable. They also support stable crowd flows and a calm spiritual atmosphere across the Two Holy Mosques and surrounding courtyards.

According to the authority, control rooms track real-time information on temperatures, electricity, water use, and equipment status. Data from field sensors is analysed to spot early signs of faults. Scheduled preventive maintenance then takes place before any disruption occurs. This approach supports environmental sustainability and reduces energy and water consumption while maintaining high safety levels.

At the Grand Mosque, one of the world’s largest air conditioning networks operates through two main plants. The Shamiya plant provides 120,000 tons of refrigeration capacity, while the Ajyad plant adds 35,000 tons. Together they supply a total of 155,000 tons, which supports the large numbers of worshippers during peak and regular periods.

Water in the Grand Mosque system is cooled to between 4°C and 5°C before circulation. It is pumped through a closed network of pipes to many air handling units inside the mosque. These units help keep indoor temperatures between 22°C and 24°C. The system uses advanced air purification technology, with filtration efficiency reaching 95%.

Temperature control inside the Grand Mosque depends on 77 carefully located sensors. These devices measure actual thermal loads and changing crowd densities. Readings are especially important during Hajj and Ramadan, when numbers increase sharply. The sensors send continuous data to central controllers, which then adjust cooling output to keep the climate stable and comfortable.

The Prophet’s Mosque is served by a central cooling plant that is also among the largest worldwide. The plant is built on a 70,000-square-metre site, located 7 kilometres west of the mosque. It remains outside the mosque perimeter for operational reasons. Within the complex are six central cooling units, and each unit has a capacity of 3,400 tons.

Seven main pumps at the Prophet’s Mosque plant push chilled water at 4–5°C through insulated pipelines. The water reaches air handling units that serve 2,357 columns across old and new expansions. The system includes 550 air conditioning units that run as one integrated network. Central management monitors the system around the clock and raises capacity during Ramadan and Hajj.

The Grand Mosque is designed to support movement for more than 200,000 worshippers per hour. For vertical transport, 220 escalators and 29 elevators are distributed across different levels. Their locations are chosen to support crowd management plans. They help maintain smooth movement for visitors entering, exiting, or circulating within various prayer areas and service zones.

At the Prophet’s Mosque, 180 escalators and 25 elevators provide similar support for movement. These facilities undergo continuous operation and maintenance under strict safety and quality standards. Preventive maintenance is usually scheduled during lower-density periods. This timing keeps equipment in full readiness without disturbing worshippers. Authorities work to ensure safe, orderly flow at all times.

Lighting in the Two Holy Mosques has shifted from traditional oil lanterns to modern LED systems. The Grand Mosque now contains more than 120,000 lighting units and 6,900 chandeliers. The Prophet’s Mosque includes over 137,000 LED units with uniform colour. A Building Management System links these units to smart controls, which adjust lighting levels according to prayer times and crowd density.

Indirect interior lighting is used across many areas to support a peaceful atmosphere and reduce glare. In contrast, high-intensity lighting is installed in the Mataf, the circumambulation area, and the Masa, the Sa’i area, to secure clear visibility. Through these combined cooling, mobility, lighting, and maintenance systems, the authority continues to provide a stable, safe environment that supports worshippers’ comfort and spiritual focus.

With inputs from SPA