Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs allocates close to half a billion riyals to overhaul 6,154 places of worship

Riyadh, The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has taken the significant initiative of improving the condition of mosques across the Kingdom. In the first half of 2024, the ministry carried out maintenance work, cleaning, restoration, and furnishing projects at 6,153 mosques, for a combined investment of nearly half a billion riyals, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. A key focus of these projects was the maintenance of over 5,300 mosques, for a substantial investment of over SAR362 million. Additionally, the ministry completed the modernization of air conditioning systems at major pilgrimage sites, including the mosques of Miqat Al-Juhfah, Al-Taneem, and Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram, at a cost of SAR15 million. Three mosques were restored and an administrative building was built for SAR13.5 million. To improve energy efficiency, the ministry implemented a glass partition project at 683 mosques, which resulted in a 60% reduction in electricity consumption. Furthermore, 66 mosques were furnished, covering a total area of 56,761 square meters, at a cost of SAR6.8 million. The ministry also allocated over SAR30 million for the maintenance of four affiliated buildings with the ministry. These comprehensive works demonstrate the ministry's commitment to ensuring that worshippers have clean, comfortable, and well-maintained mosques throughout Saudi Arabia. Source: Bahrain News Agency