Umbrellas of the Prophet's Mosque: Advanced technologies for the comfort of visitors to the Holy Mosque

The umbrellas in the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque stand proudly as one of the most prominent architectural and aesthetic landmarks, serving millions of visitors and worshippers annually. As part of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques' meticulous care, the latest technological and engineering capabilities have been employed to provide a comfortable and safe environment for worshippers, especially given the climatic conditions of Medina.

Historical background: In response to an urgent need

With the successive historical expansions of the Prophet's Mosque, particularly the major Saudi expansion during the reign of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, and later the expansion by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, vast outdoor courtyards emerged to accommodate the increasing number of worshippers. Given the high temperatures for most of the year, the urgent need arose to find innovative solutions to shade these courtyards and protect worshippers from direct sunlight. This led to the creation of the giant umbrella project, which is now an integral part of the mosque's visual identity.

Unique design and advanced technologies

Two hundred and fifty retractable umbrellas, designed and constructed to the highest international standards, are spread throughout the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque, creating a complete work of art. These umbrellas feature precise specifications that ensure efficient performance and sustainability. Each umbrella, when open, reaches a height of approximately 15 meters, while their total area is 25.5 square meters, collectively covering an area of ​​143,000 square meters, providing shade for thousands of worshippers. These umbrellas open and close automatically, synchronized with sunrise and sunset, in a process that takes only a few minutes, thus providing dynamic protection throughout the day.

An integrated cooling system for the comfort of visitors

The efforts to provide comfort were not limited to shade alone; the canopy columns were equipped with an advanced cooling system consisting of 436 misting fans. These fans pump a fine mist of cool water into the air, significantly lowering temperatures in the outdoor areas and creating a healthy and safe environment that helps worshippers perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind, especially the elderly and children.

Importance and impact on visitor experience

The significance of the umbrellas at the Prophet's Mosque transcends their functional role, becoming a global symbol reflecting the care and attention the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bestows upon the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. Domestically, these projects showcase the Kingdom's engineering and organizational capabilities. Internationally, they convey a clear message about harnessing cutting-edge technology to serve Islam and Muslims, enhancing the religious experience for millions of pilgrims and visitors from around the world, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to serve the guests of God.