Grand Mosque of Makkah Utilizes Advanced Systems for Year-Round Climate Control

The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque in Saudi Arabia employs sophisticated technology to regulate temperatures within the Grand Mosque in Makkah throughout the year. (SPA)
The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque in Saudi Arabia employs sophisticated technology to regulate temperatures within the Grand Mosque in Makkah throughout the year. (SPA)
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Grand Mosque of Makkah Utilizes Advanced Systems for Year-Round Climate Control

The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque in Saudi Arabia employs sophisticated technology to regulate temperatures within the Grand Mosque in Makkah throughout the year. (SPA)
The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque in Saudi Arabia employs sophisticated technology to regulate temperatures within the Grand Mosque in Makkah throughout the year. (SPA)

The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque in Saudi Arabia employs sophisticated technology to regulate temperatures within the Grand Mosque in Makkah throughout the year, ensuring a comfortable and healthy environment for worshippers regardless of the scorching summer heat or cool winter temperatures.
The internal temperature is meticulously adjusted based on external conditions, targeting a comfortable range between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius. During the summer months, all air handling units (AHUs) operate at peak efficiency to maintain this ideal range. Conversely, winter sees a significant reduction in AHU usage due to the naturally cooler climate.
Fresh air is drawn from the Grand Mosque's rooftop and undergoes a multi-stage purification process. High-performance filters effectively eliminate dust particles and other microscopic contaminants. Additionally, ultraviolet sterilization effectively combats bacteria and germs, which guarantees clean and healthy air circulation throughout the prayer halls.
The General Administration for Operation and Maintenance at the authority plays a crucial role. Teams of highly skilled Saudi engineers and technicians continuously monitor temperature regulation, maintain humidity levels, and ensure the operation of all systems.
Technicians manage airflow throughout the Grand Mosque, adapting to fluctuating visitor numbers and density, ensuring optimal thermal comfort while maintaining energy efficiency. Maintenance procedures also adhere to strict technical guidelines and safety protocols, guaranteeing the well-being of all visitors.



Greece to Reinforce Firefighting Teams on Chios as Wildfires Rage for Second day

Canadair planes and firefighting helicopters in action during firefighting operations on Chios Island, Greece, 23 June 2025. EPA/KOSTAS KOURGIAS
Canadair planes and firefighting helicopters in action during firefighting operations on Chios Island, Greece, 23 June 2025. EPA/KOSTAS KOURGIAS
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Greece to Reinforce Firefighting Teams on Chios as Wildfires Rage for Second day

Canadair planes and firefighting helicopters in action during firefighting operations on Chios Island, Greece, 23 June 2025. EPA/KOSTAS KOURGIAS
Canadair planes and firefighting helicopters in action during firefighting operations on Chios Island, Greece, 23 June 2025. EPA/KOSTAS KOURGIAS

Greece will send more than 170 more firefighters on Monday to reinforce teams battling wildfires on the Greek island of Chios for a second day, as winds further whipped up the blaze, bringing power cuts and spurring the evacuation of residents.

"The situation remains critical as firefighting forces are still dealing with many active fronts, several of which being near hamlets," Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis told a news conference.

He said another 171 firefighters would be sent to the island in the northeastern Aegean Sea, joining about 190 assisted by 11 aircraft who were trying to prevent the conflagration from spreading to homes and areas known for producing mastiha, a natural resin harvested from mastic trees.

Wind gusts complicated efforts to extinguish the wildfires, which have razed forest and pasture land as they barrel towards the north, west and south of Chios town, the island's capital, causing power cuts and forcing hundreds of villagers to flee to safety.

Sitting at Europe's hot southernmost tip, Greece has felt the economic and environmental impact of frequent wildfires in recent years that scientists say have been exacerbated by a fast-changing climate.

The country has spent hundreds of millions of euros to compensate households and farmers for damage related to extreme weather and to update firefighting equipment.

It has hired a record number of firefighters this year, some 18,000 of them, in anticipation of a challenging fire season.