Hajj 2026: Saudi Completed 2nd Phase of Cooling Infrastructure at Jabal Al-Rahmah
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Saudi authorities have completed the second phase of a large-scale shading and cooling project around Jabal Al-Rahmah, boosting heat mitigation measures ahead of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
The project, delivered by Kidana Development Company, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites introduces the expanded infrastructure aimed at improving pilgrim comfort during peak rituals.
According to project details, the second phase adds 18 modern canopies equipped with 36 misting fans, alongside seven advanced air-cooling units and 107 misting fan columns.
The new installations complement earlier works completed in 2025, bringing the total coverage area to more than 272,000 square metres.
Officials say the expansion increases access to shaded and cooled spaces by fivefold compared to last year’s Hajj, marking a significant enhancement in crowd welfare management.
The first phase of the project had established the initial framework, featuring three canopies fitted with six misting fans and more than 165 misting fan columns across the site.
With both phases now integrated into a single cooling system, the infrastructure is expected to play a critical role during the Day of Arafah, when millions of pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafat.
The development underscores Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in upgrading facilities across the holy sites to address extreme heat conditions and enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.
