250 Automatically Payung Naungi 228,000 Congregants At The Prophet's Mosque In Medina

Automated umbrella at the Prophet's Mosque. (Source: SPA)

JAKARTA - Pilgrims at the Prophet's Mosque, Medina, Saudi Arabia now feel better comfort during worship time, along with the installation of 250 advanced automated umbrellas in all courtyards of the mosque, providing shade and coolness.

The towering umbrellas, which are open and closed automatically, aim to improve the experience of visitors in one of the holiest places for Muslims.

Designed to consider alignment of utilities and architecture, its structure reflects the traditional aesthetics of the mosque while offering modern engineering solutions to contain weather conditions throughout the year, quoted from Gulf News March 17.

Collectively, the new installation can oversee more than 228,000 worshipers in the mosque's outdoor prayer zone.

Each umbrella has a height of 22 meters and a span of 25.5 x 25.5 meters, combining two overlapping parts that can be folded simultaneously when not used.

The structure has a carbon fibered arm reinforced by glass decorated with mosaic-style details, which is a tribute to the arts and design of Islam.

Despite its elegant appearance, each unit weighs about 40 tons and accommodates 436 fog fans to flow cold air throughout the crowded yard.

At night, more than 1,000 units of integrated lighting ensure the room remains bright for prayers and night activities.

With the space below each umbrella hosting more than 900 worshipers, the project is designed to significantly expand the shady area for outdoor prayers, which is very useful during Ramadan and summer months.

It is known that the Government of Saudi Arabia has stepped up preparations at the Prophet's Mosque by launching a comprehensive service plan to accommodate the entry of pilgrims and visitors during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The General Presidential Decree for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has announced extensive operational plans that include prayer arrangements, cleaning schedules and visitor services.

Special preparations have been made for the congregation at Al Rawdah Al Sharifa and those who visited the graves of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and his two friends, Abu Bakar and Umar bin Khattab.

To maintain cleanliness, 161 cleaning vehicles were deployed to wash the floor continuously, while the mosque would be cleaned and sanitized five times a day.

The facility will also be fragranced four times a day. More than 27,000 carpets have been placed in all mosques for worshipers.

Improved lighting and sound systems have been installed, with 138,560 lights illuminating mosques and 6,060 loudspeakers ensuring clear audio coverage.

Not only that, the congregation will have access to 114 electronic screens that display the latest information in all mosques and their courtyards.

Accessibility measures have also been expanded, with 2,782 toilets, 180 escalators, 25 lifts and 300 wheelchairs available to visitors. Authorities have allocated 30,000 seats to support the elderly.

Additional facilities include public toilets newly installed in the west yard and an improved sound system inside the mosque.

Not to forget, children's hospitality centers have been established in the north yard, and service centers have been fully equipped to manage the anticipated surge in visitors.