Saudi’s Giant High-Tech Umbrellas Transform Medina’s Courtyards into a Cool Oasis

Automatic PTFE canopies spanning 25 × 25 m shield over 228,000 worshippers beneath misting fans and integrated lighting for year‑round comfort.

Heat absorbing giant umbrella in Saudi Arabia / Image Credit: Pexels

In the heart of Medina, surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque, stand 250 monumental umbrellas that unfurl like metallic blossoms at dawn—each canopy measuring 25.5 × 25.5 meters and towering 22 meters above polished marble courtyards. Engineered by German firm SL Rasch and executed by the Saudi Binladin Group, these marvels of architecture and engineering were completed in 2010 at a cost of 4.7 billion riyals.

Crafted from UV‑resistant PTFE fabric woven by Sefar of Switzerland, the canopies feature a sand‑tone finish that better diffuses harsh sunlight without dazzling worshippers beneath. Underneath, subtle oriental motifs in blue ribbon add cultural elegance to the grandeur.

Thanks to their advanced textile and structural design, each umbrella offers a cooling shade that lowers ambient temperatures by at least 8 °C during scorching summer days. But that’s just the beginning of their comfort‑boosting technology.

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High‑tech integration is at the core of these structures. The arms contain glass‑reinforced carbon‑fibre frames festooned with mosaic patterns. Each umbrella weighs in at a hefty 40 tons and is fitted with 436 misting fans that distribute fine droplets to further reduce heat. Over 1,000 LED lighting units ensure the area remains illuminated and inviting during evening prayers.

Opening and closing is fully automated, with overlapping segments that deploy or retract within three minutes, synchronised to avoid collisions. This silent ballet of rising and folding umbrellas creates a dynamic environment that adapts to the rhythm of day, night, seasons, and weather.

These shaded expansions now shelter more than 228,000 worshippers across the courtyards, with each umbrella supporting over 900 people. Their design blends seamlessly with the traditional aesthetic of the mosque yet stands as a testament to contemporary innovation—a practical solution to Medina’s extreme desert temperatures and an impressive enhancement of the pilgrim experience.

Beyond simple shade, the umbrellas contribute to energy efficiency. In summer they reflect solar radiation, while in winter they can be retracted to allow daylight warmth and assist in trapping heat at night. Beneath them, the white Thassos marble floors absorb and release moisture, maintaining a pleasant cool surface underfoot.

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Embodying the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, these umbrellas exemplify how modernization, cultural respect, and visitor comfort can merge harmoniously. They represent a beacon of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to integrating smart infrastructure in its sacred precincts—an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the desert.