MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs inspected holy sites on Thursday to ensure preparations were complete to receive pilgrims for the Hajj season.
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh inaugurated eight development projects worth more than $9 million (SR33.7 million) as part of the tour.
The development projects include upgrades at Namira Mosque in Arafat.
These feature the installation of 19 structural umbrellas, similar to those at the Prophet’s Mosque, and heat-reflective coatings applied to floor surfaces in the mosque’s courtyard, reducing temperatures by up to 10 C in shaded areas.
The tour also marked the second phase of the courtyard cooling project, including the installation of 98 misting fans in and around Namira Mosque.
In Mina, 57 misting fans were installed as part of improvements at Al-Khaif Mosque and public restrooms.
A total of 70 cold water production units, each with a capacity of 1,000 liters, were installed to supply as many as 140,000 pilgrims per hour.
Other upgrades include the installation of an integrated audio, surveillance and lighting control system managed via a centralized electronic unit.
Carbon dioxide monitoring devices have also been installed for the first time to ensure indoor air quality for worshippers.
Additional upgrades included the modernization of air conditioning and ventilation systems at Namira and Al-Khaif mosques; restoration of Namira Mosque, including improved insulation and operational efficiency; and the renovation of Hajjaj Al-Barr Mosque in Mina. The total value of these projects exceeds $9 million.
Following the tour and projects inauguration, Al-Sheikh praised the generous support of the country’s leadership for pilgrims attending Hajj.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring that pilgrims can perform their rituals in comfort and tranquility.
The minister said that continuous support has empowered the ministry to fulfill its responsibilities in preparing the sites of worship, developing infrastructure and delivering services.
