Saudi Arabia has launched the world’s largest cooling system, capable of delivering 155,000 tonnes of refrigeration, to ensure the comfort and well-being of millions of Hajj pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Managed by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, this state-of-the-art system operates around the clock, maintaining indoor temperatures between 22 to 24 degrees Celsius. In addition to temperature control, it purifies the air by eliminating up to 95% of airborne pollutants, significantly improving the overall air quality within the mosque.
The massive cooling operation is powered by two key stations: the Shamiya station, which provides 120,000 tonnes of cooling capacity, and the Ajyad station, contributing 35,000 tonnes. Together, these stations cover the entire Grand Mosque and its numerous expansions. This initiative, which includes ongoing maintenance and monitoring, reflects a larger vision aimed at enhancing the safety, health, and spiritual experience of pilgrims, particularly during the intense heat of the summer season.