MINA: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has enhanced the readiness of Namirah Mosque to receive pilgrims on the Day of Arafat on Tuesday, as part of its integrated operational, technical, and awareness services to ensure a comfortable environment for worshippers.
The mosque has been furnished with high-quality carpets covering an area of 125,000 sq. meters, as part of a comprehensive plan to prepare it for large numbers of pilgrims.
Namirah Mosque has undergone extensive developmental projects over the past seven years to enhance its operational and technical efficiency, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
These projects have included upgrading air conditioning, ventilation, infrastructure and electrical and audio systems, as well as implementing heat-mitigation measures, courtyard cooling projects, and expanding water supply services, strengthening the mosque’s capacity to accommodate hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.
Among the most notable projects is the cooling of the rear courtyard through the installation of 19 canopies — which helps reduce temperatures by up to 10 C — and sun-reflective coatings of the floor.
The surrounding courtyards have also been cooled by utilizing 117 misting fans powered by high-pressure pumps, helping reduce temperatures by up to 9 C.
The central control system has been upgraded to monitor carbon dioxide levels to ensure that air inside the mosque is fully refreshed twice an hour.
The efficiency of water pumps has also been enhanced. In addition, 70 water cooling units have been installed.
Comprehensive renovation work has included repairing expansion joints, updating flooring and paintwork, installing LED lighting, and upgrading electrical panels and the rainwater drainage system.
Namirah Mosque has also been equipped with an advanced sound system and surveillance cameras, while its 72 entrances have been assessed to ensure smooth movement. This involves the continuous, round-the-clock supervision of maintenance and monitoring teams.
The ministry also plans to operate 150 digital screens to broadcast messages inside the mosque, while providing 10 video call platforms to answer religious inquiries in multiple languages.
Islamic awareness booths have also been activated near Namirah Mosque and Mount Arafat, along with toll-free telephone services to respond to inquiries through awareness centers in Makkah, with preachers available round the clock.
To further reinforce these efforts, awareness materials have been distributed through the booths, with 200 preachers and 50 translators assigned to serve pilgrims. In addition, outreach activities have been conducted in pilgrims’ camps near Mount Arafat by 300 preachers.
These initiatives are part of the ministry’s strategic plan to enhance the readiness of mosques at the holy sites and provide high-quality services to pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rituals with ease.
