
Grand Mosque's Electricity Bill Reaches SAR 15 Million Per Month
Mar 25, 2025
The electricity bill for the Grand Mosque in Makkah reaches approximately SAR 15 million per month, depending on the season. The figure, which tends to rise during Ramadan and Hajj due to increased activity, was shared by the state-owned Al Ekhbariya channel in a recent televised segment.
The report highlights the immense energy demands required to operate the mosque's advanced infrastructure, which includes 100 megavolt-amperes of daily consumption distributed across several major systems. Among these are over 120,000 lighting units, 883 air conditioning systems, and 4,323 ventilation and misting fans. The cooling system alone operates with a capacity of 155,000 tonnes.
Additional facilities supported by this electrical load include 8,000 speakers powering a world-class sound system, more than 8,000 surveillance cameras, 519 escalators, and 100 multilingual interactive screens serving worshippers and visitors.

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Grand Mosque's Electricity Bill Reaches SAR 15 Million Per Month
A recent report highlights the immense energy demands required to operate the mosque's advanced infrastructure. Mar 25, 2025 The electricity bill for the Grand Mosque in Makkah reaches approximately SAR 15 million per month, depending on the season. The figure, which tends to rise during Ramadan and Hajj due to increased activity, was shared by the state-owned Al Ekhbariya channel in a recent televised segment. The report highlights the immense energy demands required to operate the mosque's advanced infrastructure, which includes 100 megavolt-amperes of daily consumption distributed across several major systems. Among these are over 120,000 lighting units, 883 air conditioning systems, and 4,323 ventilation and misting fans. The cooling system alone operates with a capacity of 155,000 tonnes. Additional facilities supported by this electrical load include 8,000 speakers powering a world-class sound system, more than 8,000 surveillance cameras, 519 escalators, and 100 multilingual interactive screens serving worshippers and visitors.


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Al-Futtaim brings not only significant capital but also deep retail expertise, operational capabilities, and a strong track record of building successful consumer platforms across the region. The company believes this strategic collaboration will accelerate its ability to seize new opportunities and deliver long-term value to its shareholders. Al-Futtaim is one of the region's most established private business groups, with operations spanning automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and healthcare across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The group brings a proven track record in retail, including exclusive operations of leading Inditex brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Bershka across key markets such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, as well as other retail operations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. Their global expertise and operational excellence will further enhance Cenomi Retail's platform and future growth trajectory. Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair, in his capacity as one of the selling shareholders of Cenomi Retail in the private transaction: 'This transaction marks a transformative milestone for Cenomi Retail and our shareholders. By deleveraging our balance sheet and establishing a stronger financial foundation, we are reinforcing long-term partnerships with stakeholders and positioning the company to deliver sustainable growth and enhanced shareholder value. The entry of Al-Futtaim as a strategic investor in the company will provide it with the investor's deep sector expertise, operational scale, and a shared long-term vision. Al-Futtaim's global retail footprint, financial strength, and presence in the Kingdom make them an ideal strategic investor. This strategic investment unlocks significant value for all stakeholders and aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment.' 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Salim Fakhouri, Chief Executive Officer at Cenomi Retail: 'Today's announcement demonstrates that Cenomi Retail is firmly on the right strategic path towards our next phase of growth, focused on scalable, high-performing global brands that drive long-term value to our shareholders. Having Al-Futtaim as a strategic investor enables us to capitalize on their proven capabilities and further solidify our leadership in the retail sector and position us for sustainable growth and compelling shareholder returns.' Upon completion of the transaction, Al-Futtaim will work closely with Cenomi Retail's management and board to drive operational efficiencies, enhance customer offerings, and unlock significant value for all shareholders. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, including clearance from the General Authority for Competition in Saudi Arabia, and other contractual conditions. Further updates will be provided as the transaction progresses. 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