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Gulf Business
12 hours ago
- Health
- Gulf Business
Hajj 2025 goes hi-tech: 6 innovations transforming the pilgrimage
Image credit: Getty Images In preparation for the Hajj season of 1446 AH, Saudi authorities have rolled out a series of innovative services and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving safety, comfort, and convenience for millions of pilgrims expected to perform the annual pilgrimage. Read- From advanced cooling technologies at the Grand Mosque to AI-powered smart tents and streamlined logistics, Saudi is combining tradition with innovation to ensure a spiritually enriching and smooth experience for all. World's largest cooling system activated at Grand Mosque To maintain a comfortable environment amid high summer temperatures, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has activated the world's largest cooling system, boasting a total capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tons. The system will serve the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al Haram), ensuring optimal conditions for pilgrims during the physically demanding rituals of Hajj. The cooling infrastructure is supported by two main stations: the Shamiya Station with a capacity of 120,000 tons, and the Ajyad Station with 35,000 tons. These stations regulate indoor temperatures to a pleasant range between 22°C and 24°C, aided by air purification systems that eliminate 95 per cent of airborne impurities. Smart tents and IoT solutions enhance safety and service delivery In a significant technological leap, stc Group has deployed Internet of Things (IoT) systems and Smart Tents to enhance safety, monitoring, and response times during Hajj. The Smart Tents are fitted with sensors and cameras that track environmental metrics such as temperature, humidity, and smoke, offering real-time insight into internal and external conditions. These systems can detect emerging issues and automatically relay alerts to relevant authorities. With access to live data, authorities can respond rapidly to medical, security, or logistical needs, ensuring both safety and efficient crowd management. 'Hajj Without Luggage' service simplifies pilgrimage travel To reduce the physical burden on pilgrims, Saudi Post (SPL) has introduced the 'Hajj Without Luggage' service. This initiative allows for the seamless transfer of luggage from a pilgrim's home or local SPL branch directly to their accommodation at the holy sites—or even to destinations outside Saudi Arabia. The service enhances convenience by removing the need for pilgrims to carry their belongings between sites. After Hajj, luggage can be collected from a pilgrim's residence and delivered to their registered National Address, with tracking available via the SPL app or website. Haramain high-speed railway boosts transport efficiency To meet the high demand for transportation during the pilgrimage season, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) is operating hourly trips on the Haramain High Speed Railway between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Makkah. These fast, electric trains reach speeds up to 300 km/h, enabling rapid and efficient transit for arriving pilgrims. SAR has scheduled more than 4,700 trips for the Hajj period, marking one of the largest operations in the railway's history and significantly reducing travel time and logistical strain. Water cooling project in Arafat to serve 140,000 pilgrims per hour The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has launched a large-scale water supply project at Namirah Mosque in Arafat, aimed at reducing heat stress and ensuring easy access to drinking water. The initiative includes the deployment of 70 cooling units, each capable of producing 1,000 liters of cool water per hour. These units are integrated with a new water distribution and sewage network, ensuring hygienic and continuous operation. Collectively, they can serve up to 140,000 pilgrims per hour, making it one of the largest hydration efforts undertaken at a single Hajj site. Interactive map helps pilgrims navigate Grand Mosque services In another digital upgrade, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has introduced a multi-language interactive map designed to help pilgrims navigate the sprawling Grand Mosque complex. The map helps locate key services such as Zamzam water stations, lost and found offices, medical facilities, cart distribution points, and centers for assisting lost individuals. It's part of a wider push to streamline access to resources and simplify rituals for pilgrims of all backgrounds.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Over 3,360 tonnes of Zamzam water bring comfort to Haj pilgrims in 15 days at Prophet's Mosque, say officials
MADINAH, June 1 — A staggering 3,360 tonnes of Zamzam water has been consumed at the Prophet's Mosque in 15 days during this year's Haj season, according to the General Authority for Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported from Dhul-Qi'dah 15 to Dhul-Hijjah 1, some 218,336 bottles of Zamzam water were distributed to worshippers and visitors in both the men's and women's sections of the Prophet's Mosque. It said the authority has significantly intensified its services to accommodate the growing number of worshippers at the Prophet's Mosque. This includes ensuring a continuously accessible supply of Zamzam water in containers and bottles inside the mosque, on its rooftop, and at chilled water drinking points in the courtyards. Furthermore, 301,802 iftar meals were provided to fasting individuals within the Prophet's Mosque, distributed in designated iftar areas. — Bernama-SPA
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
World's largest cooling system powers up for Haj pilgrims at Mecca's Grand Mosque
MECCA, June 2 — The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has activated the world's largest cooling system, with a total capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tonnes. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the cooling system aims to provide a comfortable and spiritually uplifting environment for millions of pilgrims arriving from around the world as part of its intensive preparations for the 1446 AH Haj season. The Grand Mosque is served by two main cooling stations: the Shamiya station, with a capacity of 120,000 tonnes, and the Ajyad station, with 35,000 tonnes, both covering the extensive expansions and vast areas within the Grand Mosque. These systems maintain moderate temperatures ranging from 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, utilising advanced air purification technologies that remove 95 per cent of impurities to ensure ideal air quality for pilgrims. The authority also conducts proactive and continuous maintenance operations, including spare parts replacement, worksite safety assurance, and efficient resource management to meet the high operational demands during the Haj season and support the sustainability of services within the Grand Mosque. The authority emphasises that these efforts are part of a comprehensive vision aimed at elevating the pilgrim experience and providing the highest levels of comfort and tranquillity during ritual performance, especially given the potentially harsh weather conditions at certain times of the season. — Bernama-SPA
Leaders
3 days ago
- Leaders
Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia Unveils Comprehensive Plan for Seamless Experience
Saudi Arabia's General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has revealed an expansive operational strategy to ensure seamless experience for Hajj 2025. Millions of pilgrims are preparing to converge on the holy sites for this year's significant Hajj season. Consequently, the Kingdom aims to deliver a safe, spiritually fulfilling experience for all worshippers. This comprehensive field plan ensures maximum comfort and accessibility. Enhancing Pilgrim Experience, Accessibility The authority, in a detailed briefing, outlined a wide-ranging suite of services and enhancements. Furthermore, they introduced these across the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. This initiative aligns with their mission to meet the highest standards of organization, accessibility, and hospitality. Importantly, they are dedicated to elevating every aspect of the pilgrimage. Thirteen dedicated prayer areas have been set aside for people with disabilities. This ensures equal access to worship for all pilgrims. Moreover, to ease movement throughout the expansive mosque complexes, the authority activated 22 elevators and 224 escalators. Recognizing the linguistic diversity of the global Muslim community, religious and educational materials will also be available in 27 languages. This truly helps international pilgrims engage more fully with the spiritual experience. Streamlined Operations and Comfort Provisions Nineteen gates have been activated to improve the flow of pilgrims. This enables better crowd management during peak times. Subsequently, this significantly enhances pilgrim movement in and out of the mosques. To ensure comfort amid the desert heat, more than 883 air conditioning units, 244 mist fans, and 3,139 ventilation fans have been installed. These are strategically positioned throughout the holy sites. Additionally, 432 fragrance diffusers will infuse the air with calming aromas, enhancing the overall atmosphere of tranquility and reverence. Mobility has also been addressed with the deployment of 400 electric carts. These provide essential support for elderly and physically limited pilgrims in completing their sacred rites. Furthermore, the authority ensures robust safety measures are in place. Safety and Cultural Preservation On the safety front, the authority strategically positioned 1,229 emergency response tools. These are located across high-traffic areas. Additionally, they integrated a high-quality audio network of 8,000 speakers. This delivers clear guidance and religious messages throughout the pilgrimage during Hajj 2025. The mosques' libraries continue to play a central role in Islamic scholarship and cultural preservation. They offer access to 8,503 rare manuscripts as part of an ongoing digitization initiative. To support visual clarity and safety, more than 120,000 lighting units have been activated. These illuminate both holy sites and their surrounding facilities, ensuring clear visibility for all. Short link : Post Views: 5
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Khaleej Times
UAE summer: Dubai to provide shaded areas at mosques, public spaces
With another sweltering summer on the horizon, the UAE has taken steps to provide relief to residents with the launch of an initiative to help them cope with the intense heat and humidity. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments & Zakat on Friday, May 23 said that it will provide dedicated shaded areas in Mosques and public squares, offering much-needed protection from the intense heat and the high temperatures. The initiative will witness the installation of canopies and other shaded structures, aimed at providing cooler and more comfortable environments for worshippers and the general public. The intiative is already underway at several locations and will be expanded in the coming months.
