Saudi Arabia spends $133m on maintaining more than 6,000 mosques

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These comprehensive efforts demonstrate the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that worshippers have clean, comfortable, and well-maintained mosques throughout the Kingdom. (SPA)
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These comprehensive efforts demonstrate the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that worshippers have clean, comfortable, and well-maintained mosques throughout the Kingdom. (SPA)
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Updated 19 August 2024
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Saudi Arabia spends $133m on maintaining more than 6,000 mosques

  • In the first half of 2024, the ministry carried out maintenance, cleaning, restoration, and furnishing projects at 6,153 mosques
  • The majority of these efforts were aimed at maintenance efforts at more than 5,300 mosques

RIYADH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has completed work on more than 6,000 mosques across the Kingdom so far this year.

In the first half of 2024, the ministry carried out maintenance, cleaning, restoration, and furnishing projects at 6,153 mosques, with a combined investment of nearly SR500 million ($133 million), the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The majority of these efforts were aimed at maintenance efforts at more than 5,300 mosques, costing SR362 million ($96 million).

Modernization of air conditioning systems at major pilgrimage sites, including the mosques of Miqat Al-Juhfah, Al-Taneem, and Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram, was undertaken as part of refurbishment works, at a cost of SR15 million ($3.9 million).

Three mosques were fully restored, and an administrative building was constructed, for SR13.5 million ($3.5 million), according to SPA.

To improve energy efficiency, the ministry implemented glass partition projects at 683 mosques, resulting in a 60 percent reduction in electricity consumption.

Furthermore, 66 mosques were furnished, covering a total area of 56,761 square meters, at a cost of SR6.8 million ($1.8 million).

The ministry also allocated over SR30 million ($7.9 million) for the maintenance of four affiliated buildings.

These comprehensive efforts demonstrate the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that worshippers have clean, comfortable, and well-maintained mosques throughout the Kingdom.


Diriyah in 2025 — A year of exceptional achievement

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Diriyah in 2025 — A year of exceptional achievement

  • Jerry Inzerillo: In 2025, the project reached a pivotal stage, transitioning from laying foundations to large-scale delivery, marking a clear shift from vision to execution
  • Partnerships with The Helicopter Co. and Kakao Mobility advanced smart aerial and ground transportation solutions

JEDDAH: Under the theme “Vision to Reality,” Diriyah has moved beyond aspiration in 2025, translating long-held plans into a tangible, lived experience, according to Jerry Inzerillo, group chief executive officer of Diriyah Co.

Throughout the year, Diriyah Company, the Saudi Public Investment Fund entity developing the Diriyah giga-project, advanced from planning and preparation into delivery. Contracts and agreements exceeding SR24 billion ($6.4 billion) marked a pivotal transition from the establishment phase to early operations. 

Inzerillo told Arab News: “At Diriyah, progress is measured by what is delivered on the ground against the plans we set. In 2025, the project reached a pivotal stage, transitioning from laying foundations to large-scale delivery, marking a clear shift from vision to execution. 

“Together, these achievements reinforce Diriyah’s role as one of the Kingdom’s most important national transformation projects, with growing impact locally and internationally. We remain committed to advancing with responsibility and purpose, transforming ambition into reality and creating a destination that honors history while shaping the future.”

In 2025, Diriyah Co. signed eight major contracts, alongside 16 agreements, reinforcing delivery momentum across multiple development streams. International recognition also continued to grow, with Diriyah earning prestigious global awards and securing positions in influential international rankings, Inzerillo said.

Infrastructure development played a central role in shaping the visitor experience. New road networks were delivered to ensure smooth connectivity between historic districts and contemporary developments.

The company also inaugurated two high-capacity electricity transmission substations, securing the power required to support residents, visitors and a growing portfolio of residential, hospitality, educational and cultural assets. 

Collaboration with Majid Al-Futtaim Group introduced a portfolio of global brands, positioning Diriyah Square as a distinctive shopping and entertainment destination, Inzerillo said. At the same time, Diriyah’s partnerships with the Saudi Contractors Authority and the Saudi Tennis Federation embedded sports, events and professional initiatives into the fabric of urban life. 

Diriyah’s vision extended into the future of mobility and design, Inzerillo said. Partnerships with The Helicopter Co. and Kakao Mobility advanced smart aerial and ground transportation solutions, designed to make movement across the city faster, more efficient and integrated.

Diriyah Company, in collaboration with Pantone, unveiled “Diriyah Tan,” a custom color inspired by the city’s historic mud architecture. More than a visual signature, the color captures Diriyah’s identity, bridging its origins with its contemporary expression.

Diriyah’s excellence was also recognized at the highest international level, Inzerillo said. In 2025, TIME magazine named Diriyah Company among the World’s 100 Most Influential Companies, acknowledging the project’s cultural, economic and urban impact.