Zamzam Water, White Marble, 250 Umbrellas Provide Comfort, Tranquillity to Pilgrims at Prophet’s Mosque

Madinah, From the moment pilgrims arrive in the Kingdom through various entry points, they are accompanied by numerous forms of care provided by related entities, ensuring their comfort and ease of access throughout their spiritual journey. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) documented scenes of numerous pilgrims from various nationalities as they arrived at the Prophet's Mosque today, accompanied by multiple services arranged by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque. These services allow worshippers and visitors to perform prayers in an atmosphere of tranquillity and comfort. One of the most prominent forms of care for worshippers and visitors is providing cold Zamzam water around the clock throughout the Prophet's Mosque. The water undergoes continuous care, overseen by the Zamzam Water Department, beginning with daily deliveries of 300 tons of Zamzam water transported by tankers from its source in Makkah. This water is transferred to designated tanks, and random sample s are tested daily in laboratories. Additional processes include cooling, filling, and cleaning thousands of water coolers in the male and female sections of the Prophet's Mosque and refilling them according to a precise schedule. These efforts and the quantities of water provided are increased in response to the higher number of worshippers during the Hajj season. Umbrellas in the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque, with their unique design and beautiful formations, are another aspect of the care for pilgrims. There are 250 umbrellas that cover the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque during the daytime, protecting worshippers from the sun, especially in the summer, and reducing the risk of slipping when it rains. Each umbrella also features a water drainage system. These umbrellas are constructed across the outer courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque, with each umbrella accommodating more than 900 worshippers when opened, and a total capacity of more than 228,000 worshippers across all umbrellas. Each umbrella is 15 meters high and weighs 40 tons, featuring a crown and lance design made of gold-plated copper at the top. The umbrellas are equipped with 1,000 lighting units. Furthermore, the umbrellas include 436 mist fans designed to cool the courtyards by mixing cold air with water mist, which helps lower the temperature and create a comfortable environment for prayer and rest during the summer. The white marble that covers the floor of the Prophet's Mosque and its surrounding courtyards is one of the key factors in maintaining a cool environment. This rare type of marble reflects sunlight and heat and was imported specifically for the Two Holy Mosques. Each marble piece is 120 centimetres long, 40 centimetres wide, and 5 centimetres thick, with some pieces measuring 120 centimetres by 60 centimetres. This marble absorbs moisture at night and releases it during the day, keeping the marble cool and the temperature moderate. This marble is also used in many prayer areas within the Prophet's Mosque and its external courtyards. It is removed and reinstalled during expansion and maintenance works due to its rarity and is always installed facing the Qibla. Source: Saudi Press Agency