Saudi completes phase two of Mount Arafat shading, cooling project
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Kidana Development Company has completed phase two of a shading and cooling project around Mount Arafat ahead of the 2026 Hajj season, expanding facilities for pilgrims.
The company, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said the project increases the use of shaded and cooled areas fivefold compared to last year.
Across its first and second phases, the project now covers more than 272,000 square metres.
The second phase for 2026 includes 18 modern canopies equipped with 36 misting fans, along with seven advanced cooling units and 107 misting fan columns.
This follows the first phase completed in 2025, which included three canopies with six misting fans and more than 165 misting fan columns.
Officials said the combined phases form an integrated system aimed at improving conditions for pilgrims during Hajj.
The Mount Arafat project is part of ongoing work to expand facilities at the holy sites and improve conditions for pilgrims during Hajj.
The upgrades fall within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plans and the Pilgrim Experience Program to improve services across the pilgrimage journey.