World's Largest Cooling System Deployed for Hajj Pilgrimage in Makkah
Saudi Arabia ensures safety and comfort for over 1.3 million pilgrims during the annual Hajj pilgrimage amid extreme temperatures.
As more than 1.3 million pilgrims gather in Makkah for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia has introduced the world's largest cooling system at the Grand Mosque.
This system, constructed with a capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tonnes, aims to maintain temperatures within the mosque between 22°C and 24°C, facilitating a more comfortable environment for worshippers.
The system comprises two main cooling stations: the Shamiya station, which has a capacity of 120,000 tonnes, and the Ajyad station at 35,000 tonnes, as reported by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque.
The Hajj pilgrimage is set to commence on Wednesday, coinciding with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C this week.
Last year, Hajj witnessed the unfortunate deaths of 1,300 pilgrims, primarily unregistered individuals, as extreme heat hit the region, prompting heightened measures this year to ensure safety.
Saudi officials announced that over 250,000 personnel from 40 government agencies are deployed to oversee the safety and security of the pilgrims.
A strict regulatory framework has been implemented to manage crowd control and ensure compliance with Hajj regulations, with penalties including fines, deportation, and bans for violations.
Anyone attempting to perform Hajj without a permit faces fines of up to 20,000 riyals ($5,300), with additional penalties for those facilitating illegal pilgrimages.
The Interior Ministry reported recent arrests related to unauthorized transport of pilgrims.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called for the observation of the crescent moon, which will determine the start of the month of Dhu Al Hijja, crucial for Hajj.
This year’s pilgrimage is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9.
To manage the influx of worshippers, Saudi Arabia has instituted a quota system since 1987, capping the number of pilgrims from each country at 0.1% of its population.
Preparations for this year's pilgrimage include significant infrastructure advancements, with the Mataf area—designated for circumambulation—now accommodating 107,000 worshippers per hour across multiple levels.
The total capacity across these levels is reported to reach 203,000.
In preparation for crowd management, artificial intelligence and drones will be utilized to monitor and manage the large gatherings expected during the Hajj.
The Saudi health authorities have assured that no public health threats have emerged among the arriving pilgrims as the event approaches.
This system, constructed with a capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tonnes, aims to maintain temperatures within the mosque between 22°C and 24°C, facilitating a more comfortable environment for worshippers.
The system comprises two main cooling stations: the Shamiya station, which has a capacity of 120,000 tonnes, and the Ajyad station at 35,000 tonnes, as reported by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque.
The Hajj pilgrimage is set to commence on Wednesday, coinciding with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C this week.
Last year, Hajj witnessed the unfortunate deaths of 1,300 pilgrims, primarily unregistered individuals, as extreme heat hit the region, prompting heightened measures this year to ensure safety.
Saudi officials announced that over 250,000 personnel from 40 government agencies are deployed to oversee the safety and security of the pilgrims.
A strict regulatory framework has been implemented to manage crowd control and ensure compliance with Hajj regulations, with penalties including fines, deportation, and bans for violations.
Anyone attempting to perform Hajj without a permit faces fines of up to 20,000 riyals ($5,300), with additional penalties for those facilitating illegal pilgrimages.
The Interior Ministry reported recent arrests related to unauthorized transport of pilgrims.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called for the observation of the crescent moon, which will determine the start of the month of Dhu Al Hijja, crucial for Hajj.
This year’s pilgrimage is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9.
To manage the influx of worshippers, Saudi Arabia has instituted a quota system since 1987, capping the number of pilgrims from each country at 0.1% of its population.
Preparations for this year's pilgrimage include significant infrastructure advancements, with the Mataf area—designated for circumambulation—now accommodating 107,000 worshippers per hour across multiple levels.
The total capacity across these levels is reported to reach 203,000.
In preparation for crowd management, artificial intelligence and drones will be utilized to monitor and manage the large gatherings expected during the Hajj.
The Saudi health authorities have assured that no public health threats have emerged among the arriving pilgrims as the event approaches.