Mina Tent City
The World’s Largest Fire-Resistant Shelter for Pilgrims
Location:Mina, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Completion Year:1998
Scope of Work:Design, Engineering, Fabrication & Installation
Covered Area:1.4 million m²
Key Materials:PTFE-Coated Fiberglass FabricGalvanized Steel Framework
Mina Tent City
The World’s Largest Fire-Resistant Shelter for Pilgrims
The Mina Tent City project is a groundbreaking infrastructure solution that provides safe, hygienic, and fire-resistant shelter for millions of Hajj pilgrims. Commissioned by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, the initiative transformed Mina into the world’s largest modular tensile membrane city, setting new standards for crowd safety and comfort.
Tamimi Steel & Membrane led the engineering, fabrication, and installation of more than 1.4 million square meters of PTFE-coated fiberglass membrane. Each module was engineered for long-term durability, UV resistance, and ventilation performance, mounted on galvanized steel frames designed to withstand the harsh desert environment.
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The tents were designed as modular units with integrated smoke vents, reflective surfaces to reduce heat, and durable steel structures that resist corrosion and wind loads. Zoning and layout allowed for efficient crowd control and rapid deployment.
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Though not a conventional façade, the continuous white membrane surface defines the visual identity of Mina. The uniform tent tops reduce heat absorption and provide a cohesive urban fabric for the temporary city, visible from afar and from aerial views.
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Structure and Cultural Form
Mina Tent City is not only a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Hajj safety, but also an architectural and engineering achievement. The shift from traditional cotton tents to fire-resistant tensile structures reflects innovation rooted in cultural responsibility and humanitarian care.
