Saudi Arabia introduces Worlds largest cooling system to facilitate pilgrims

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has commissioned the world’s largest cooling system, providing a combined cooling capacity of 155,000 tonnes to keep a comfortable and spiritually invigorating condition for the millions of pilgrims who visit the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Operated by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, this comprehensive system is central to maintaining indoor temperatures at Al Haram so that religious devotees can conduct their acts of devotion in a cool and peaceful environment.

The system is fueled by two main stations: the Shamiya Station, which provides 120,000 tonnes of refrigeration capacity, and the Ajyad Station, which provides 35,000 tonnes. The combined capacity of these stations feeds the mosque‘s massive prayer halls and different structural additions.

Operating day and night, the system ensures internal temperatures ranging from 22 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius during even the hottest summer heat. It also includes advanced air–purification systems that eliminate as much as 95% of airborne contaminants, providing clean and fresh air to residents of the mosque.

For maintaining smooth efficiency, the authority performs regular and preventive maintenance in the form of timely replacement of key parts, site safety inspections, and effective resource distribution. It is particularly important during the Hajj period, when visitor numbers are substantially large.

This colossal cooling network is part of an even broader project to enhance the general pilgrimage experience. The main objective is to ensure worshippers‘ comfort, safety, and sound mind while conducting their sacred rituals, even in harsh weather conditions.