Mecca's Grand Mosque will install the "world's largest umbrellas" next year.
The 53 meter by 53 meter umbrellas will provide shade to protect the millions of pilgrims who visit the holy site from the intense summer sun.
Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Ahmadi, who is responsible for the mosque's security, said the umbrellas will be installed on the courtyards and roof, according to Arab News. While the interior of the mosque is air conditioned, the umbrella's will cool the exterior parts of the religious site.
The umbrellas have been in the works for a while now
Back in 2014, late King Abdullah ordered the umbrellas installation. Expansions and refurbishments of the Grand Mosque have been ongoing for a few years. However, a tragic crane collapse, which left 111 people dead in 2015, delayed construction.
According to Al Arabiya, the umbrellas will be manufactured in Germany. Each umbrella will weigh some 16 tons and reach a height of 45 meters. They will give shade to an area of 2,400 square meters when open.
Similar umbrellas have already been installed at the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.
