Retractable Shading Umbrellas and Domes at the Prophet's Mosque
In the courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque, where hearts beat with spirituality and tranquility, the large shading umbrellas adorn themselves with their breathtaking beauty, telling a story of humanitarian creativity that reflects the level of care for the guests of Ar-Rahman. These shading umbrellas are not mere architectural structures; rather, they form a comprehensive system carefully designed to provide comfort and protection to the worshippers and visitors of the mosque of the Prophet (may Allah’s salah and salam be upon him).
A unique design that complements the spirituality of the place
A total of 250 retractable shading umbrellas with the latest technology and the highest quality standards, have been allocated to shade the courtyards surrounding the Prophet's Mosque from all directions. The shading umbrellas were designed in two different heights, whereby one is positioned above the other, creating an interconnected system that co with one positioned above the other, creating an interconnected system that coincides with the spirituality that fills the place. When closed, the umbrellas reach a height of 21.7 metres, giving them a harmonious appearance that reflects both the mechanical beauty and architectural innovation.
Umbrellas designed with innovative technologies
Each umbrella covers an area of 25.5 × 25.5 metres and weighs approximately 40 tons. It is made from materials resistant to natural elements such as wind and rain. The arms feature carbon fibres adorned with exquisite mosaic patterns. The umbrellas operate with an automatic system that opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, providing shade for worshippers during the day as well as protection from rain when needed.
Touches of care and comfort
The shading umbrellas are equipped with 436 misting fans that disperse water through 16 openings in each fan to cool the atmosphere during hot periods. The water is purified and sanitised to ensure the quality of the air and mist, creating a refreshing and serene environment, especially during summer days. Additionally, over a thousand lighting units have been added to illuminate the courtyards with a beauty that instils tranquillity and enhances the place’s splendour and spirituality.
Service to worshippers and visitors
These umbrellas can accommodate over 228,000 worshippers at once, making the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque a serene spiritual oasis that aids worshippers in their prayers. A central control room has been dedicated to managing the umbrellas, ensuring their operation with efficiency and precision to meet the needs of visitors.
The Retractable Domes
The are 27 retractable domes, each weighing 80 tons. They are supported by a square base with a side length of 18 metres and move automatically along iron rails.
The outer appearance of the domes is characterised by small ceramic pieces arranged in hexagonal mosaic patterns in light beige, with turquoise geometric decorations. The interior is clad with wooden panels made from strips of solid cedar wood, fixed with a special adhesive and adorned with intricate geometric patterns and pieces of blue turquoise. The domes open automatically at different times throughout the day to refresh the air inside the mosque. It takes just one minute to open or close a dome.
A Manifestation of the Vision of the Care & Management of the Sacred Sites
The project to shade the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque represents a symbol of the great care the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides to the Guests of Ar-Rahman. With its unique blend of innovative design and high specifications, the project reflects architectural beauty and deep spirituality, adding a unique character to the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque.