Grand Mosque Activates World's Largest Cooling System

In a historic move to enhance the comfort and safety of millions of pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has activated the world’s largest air-cooling system at the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Makkah ahead of the 2025 Hajj season.

With temperatures expected to soar above 45°C (113°F) during the Hajj, the launch of this advanced cooling network ensures that pilgrims can perform their religious duties with greater ease, comfort, and peace of mind.

• World’s largest integrated cooling system activated at Masjid al-Haram

• Designed to control extreme temperatures during peak Hajj season

• Ensures comfort for over 2 million pilgrims expected this year

• Uses eco-friendly technology and advanced air filtration

• Infrastructure is located underground and off-site for seamless operations

• Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is to improve the pilgrimage experience

Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Makkah to perform Hajj — a spiritual journey of a lifetime. However, harsh desert heat often poses a serious challenge for pilgrims, especially the elderly and those with health conditions.

With climate change intensifying and Hajj occurring in the summer months for the next few years, Saudi authorities decided to take proactive steps to protect pilgrims’ health by:

• Installing powerful air-cooling systems across the Grand Mosque

• Enhancing air filtration to improve air quality

• Deploying modern tech to monitor and manage indoor climate

Saudi Arabia didn’t just install a few air conditioners — it built an entire underground cooling city. This system is the largest of its kind in the world.

• Uses giant chillers and an extensive network of pipelines

• Chilled water travels from massive off-site cooling stations

• Air is filtered, cooled, and purified from dust and bacteria

• Operates 24/7 with smart automation systems

• Ensures constant air circulation in all indoor and shaded areas

Ajyad Cooling Station – One of the main suppliers

Shamiya Station – Supports the northern areas of the mosque

Tunnels and basements – Designed to distribute air across multiple floors

With over 2 million pilgrims expected to attend Hajj this year, the activation of this mega cooling system is already being praised by international delegations and Hajj authorities.

• Lower indoor temperatures, even during peak noon hours

• Improved comfort during long hours of prayer and rituals

• Cleaner air, especially helpful for those with asthma or allergies

• Special relief for elderly pilgrims and those with health issues

Saudi Arabia is also focusing on sustainability as part of Vision 2030. The cooling system is not only powerful — it’s also eco-friendly.

• Uses environmentally safe refrigerants

• Powered partly by renewable energy

• High-efficiency systems to reduce electricity consumption

• Air filtration units remove dust, bacteria, and harmful particles

Officials say the system is designed to support millions of pilgrims without harming the environment.

With any large-scale operation, especially one serving millions of people, backup systems and emergency protocols are crucial.

Saudi authorities have:

• Backup generators in case of power failures

• 24/7 monitoring by climate control experts

• Smart sensors to adjust temperature in real-time

• Maintenance teams are on standby across all critical zones

The goal is to ensure zero disruption in the cooling system throughout the Hajj.

The launch of the cooling system has been praised by:

• Pilgrims from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas

• Hajj delegations from countries like Pakistan, Indonesia, India, Turkey, and Egypt

• International media and health organizations

A pilgrim from Malaysia told local reporters:

“We never expected to feel so cool and comfortable inside the mosque. It feels like a miracle in the desert.”

This cooling system is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider goal under Vision 2030 — a plan to modernize infrastructure, improve pilgrim services, and enhance religious tourism.

• Serve 30 million Umrah and Hajj visitors annually by 2030

• Digitize services for a smoother pilgrimage journey

• Build smarter, more resilient infrastructure in holy sites

• Promote Saudi Arabia as a global hub of Islamic hospitality

The cooling system is one of many projects underway to achieve this long-term vision.

The activation of the world’s largest cooling system at the Grand Mosque is not just an engineering achievement — it's a symbol of care, hospitality, and foresight.

As millions prepare to perform Hajj in 2025, this innovation will ensure that they can do so in comfort, dignity, and safety.

This initiative is a remarkable example of how modern technology and Islamic values can come together to enhance the spiritual experience for all.