Rabat – Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of the world’s largest cooling system at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, where pilgrims are gathering to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
More than 1.4 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, which kicked off today.
Saudi authorities promised to take all necessary measures to ensure the success of the Hajj season amid scorching temperatures.
The newly launched cooling system has a capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tonnes, The National reported on Tuesday.
According to the report, the system is set to ensure that temperatures at the mosque remain between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius.
These efforts are part of Saudi Arabia’s “comprehensive vision aimed at elevating the pilgrim experience and providing the highest levels of comfort and tranquility during ritual performance, especially given the potentially harsh weather conditions,” argued The National report.
Last year, Saudi authorities announced the death of 1,3000 pilgrims due to temperatures that reached 50 degrees. The number included 20 Moroccans who died during the 2024 Hajj season.
Morocco has a pilgrim quota of 34,000, with 22,400 pilgrims being monitored through official government channels and 11,600 through travel agencies.
Moroccans paid at least $65,000 to perform the Hajj this season.
King Mohammed VI last month addressed a message to Moroccan pilgrims, asking them to honor and represent Morocco’s values.
“I therefore expect you to be ambassadors for your country and preserve this bright cultural image. Keep in mind that it is these incontrovertible values which have enabled our country to continue to enjoy security and stability, and to press ahead,” the King said.
