Saudi Unveils Record-Breaking Cooling System Ahead of Hajj
Saudi Arabia has flipped the switch on the planet’s biggest air-conditioning setup, 155,000 refrigeration tonnes of chilling power, to protect worshippers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, where the annual Hajj pilgrimage begins this Wednesday. The system is designed to keep indoor temperatures between 22 °C and 24 °C even as the outdoor mercury heads north of 40 °C.
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How the Mega-Cooling Network Works
Two massive plants do the heavy lifting:
- Shamiya Station - 120,000 RT
- Ajyad Station - 35,000 RT
Both push chilled, filtered air through miles of ducts so pilgrims can circle the Kaaba in relative comfort. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque oversees constant monitoring to keep humidity and airflow in the sweet spot.
Why Extra Cooling Matters This Year
Last year’s Hajj saw more than 1,300 heat-related deaths when temperatures peaked at 51 °C. Most victims were unregistered pilgrims without access to air-conditioned tents or buses, a tragedy officials are determined not to repeat.
Forecasts for the 2025 season show daytime highs topping 41 °C and heat-index values pushing past 50 °C during key rituals at Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa.
High-Tech Heat and Crowd Control
More than 250,000 staff from 40+ agencies will be on duty. New additions this year include:
- AI-powered cameras and drones to flag congestion in real time and reroute foot traffic
- Expanded misting fans, shade canopies and “white roads” that reflect heat
- 400 extra water-cooler stations dotted around the holy sites
Tough Penalties for Gate-Crashers
To curb overcrowding, anyone caught attempting Hajj without an official permit faces fines of up to 20,000 Saudi riyals (≈ US $5,300), deportation for residents, and a 10-year entry ban for foreigners. Transporters and facilitators get hit with steeper penalties.
Early Arrivals and Big Numbers
By Friday, 1.3 million pilgrims had already landed in the Kingdom, and officials expect the total to climb well past the two-million mark.
What Pilgrims Can Do
- Stay shaded: Carry an umbrella and avoid direct sun when possible.
- Hydrate often: Don’t wait to feel thirsty.
- Use cooling zones: Step inside shaded, air-conditioned areas during peak heat.
- Follow official guidance: Stick to your group’s schedule and heed security instructions.