Dubai: The Grand Mosque in Mecca has recorded an unprecedented influx of worshippers and visitors during the first 10 days of Ramadan, with more than 25 million people gathering for prayers, according to the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.
The Presidency also reported that more than 5.5 million Muslims performed Umrah during the same period. The surge in attendance comes amid coordinated efforts to manage the immense flow of worshippers during the holy month.
To accommodate the growing crowds, the Grand Mosque has ramped up operations across all fronts. More than 11,000 workers have been deployed to manage movement within the mosque's sprawling courtyards and walkways.
An additional 4,000 staff members are assigned specifically to cleaning tasks, working under the supervision of 350 Saudi managers to ensure the mosque is cleaned five times a day.
Operational teams are also tasked with preparing entrances and organizing access to key prayer areas, including escalator corridors, upper floors, and the _tawaf_ area — the space surrounding the Kaaba where pilgrims perform circumambulation.
In addition to logistical coordination, infrastructure enhancements play a key role in accommodating millions of worshippers. The mosque now houses 20,000 Zamzam water dispensers to meet the needs of fasting visitors, while one of the largest cooling systems in the world — with a total capacity of 155,000 tons — keeps temperatures inside the mosque steady between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius. The high-efficiency air filtration system removes up to 95 percent of impurities, ensuring clean and healthy air throughout the mosque.
The mosque's audio system, comprising more than 8,000 speakers, enables clear transmission of prayers, sermons, and the call to prayer across the mosque’s three extensions and outdoor courtyards.
Meanwhile, over 120,000 lighting units ensure the Grand Mosque remains illuminated year-round, providing a welcoming and tranquil atmosphere for visitors at all hours.
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