
The Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is a marvel of modern design and cultural significance. This magnificent structure serves as the gateway to the holy city of Mecca for millions of pilgrims each year.
Located on the Red Sea coast, the terminal is a 417,000 square meter complex that can accommodate up to 88,000 passengers per hour. Its impressive size and capacity are a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage.
The terminal's design is a blend of traditional Saudi architecture and modern aesthetics. Its sleek and curved lines are reminiscent of the region's ancient mosques and forts, while its use of natural light and ventilation reflects the country's emphasis on sustainability.
As you step inside the terminal, you're immediately struck by its spacious and airy interior. The high ceilings and large windows allow for an abundance of natural light, creating a sense of calm and serenity that's essential for the pilgrims who pass through here.
Design Resonating with Culture and Place
The Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is a masterpiece of design that perfectly resonates with the culture and place it serves. It was inspired by the Bedouin tent, a form highly identifiable in the region.
SOM's reinterpretation of this iconic design resulted in a truly innovative structure. The terminal is a marvel that became the world's largest cable-stayed, fabric-roofed structure upon its completion in 1981.
It serves as a welcoming portal for over a million pilgrims annually, making it a culturally symbolic and structurally innovative design.
Terminal Features
The Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is a remarkable piece of architecture that has been serving the annual pilgrimage for decades.
The terminal is designed to accommodate a large volume of people with highly diversified needs, making it a flexible and versatile facility.
The terminal building is linear, and a separate support complex provides travelers with facilities for sleep, food preparation, and various support services.
The roof of the terminal is topped with 210 semi-conical, Teflon-coated fiberglass roof units, contained within 10 modules, supported by 45-meter-high steel pylons.
Built for Flexibility

The Hajj Terminal is a remarkable example of flexibility in design. It's located at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, 43 miles west of the Holy City of Mecca.
The terminal was built to accommodate a huge influx of people during the Hajj pilgrimage, which happens once a year for six weeks. This means it needs to handle a diverse range of travelers with different needs.
The designers created a linear terminal building and a separate support complex where travelers can prepare for their journey. The complex has facilities for sleep, food preparation, and various support services.
The building is naturally ventilated, which is a great feature for hot climates. It's topped with 210 semi-conical, Teflon-coated fiberglass roof units that reflect light and keep the area cool.
The roof is made up of 10 modules, supported by 45-meter-high steel pylons. This design allows the fabric to reflect light at night, creating a beautiful effect.
The Hajj Terminal has been in use for decades, and it's still accommodating the annual pilgrimage today.
Description

The Hajj Terminal is a naturally ventilated building designed for flexibility to accommodate a large volume of people with diverse needs.
The terminal is located 43 miles west of the Holy City of Mecca at the King Abdulaziz International Airport. It's a significant facility that serves as a gateway for millions of Muslims during the Hajj pilgrimage.
The building's design features a linear terminal building and a separate support complex with facilities for sleep, food preparation, and various support services. This layout allows travelers to prepare comfortably for their journey.
The terminal's roof is a remarkable feature, topped by 210 semi-conical, Teflon-coated fiberglass roof units contained within 10 modules. These modules are supported by 45-meter-high steel pylons.
At night, the roof becomes a great reflective surface, with uplights bouncing light from the roof to the ground below. This creates a unique visual experience for visitors.
Terminal Information
The King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is the primary hajj terminal, serving as a major hub for pilgrims traveling to Mecca.
It has a total of 23 gates, including 11 international gates and 12 domestic gates.
The terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a prayer hall that can accommodate up to 10,000 pilgrims at a time.
The terminal's capacity is 80 million passengers per year, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.
The terminal is also equipped with a range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Pilgrims can also take advantage of the terminal's free Wi-Fi service.
Arrival and Pilgrimage
As you arrive at the Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, you'll be greeted by a sprawling complex that's designed to handle the massive influx of pilgrims during the Hajj season. The terminal is a short drive from King Abdulaziz International Airport.
The Hajj Terminal is a state-of-the-art facility that's been specifically designed to meet the needs of pilgrims. It has a capacity to handle over 80,000 pilgrims at a time, making it one of the largest and most efficient terminals in the world.

As you navigate the terminal, you'll notice a range of services and facilities available to make your journey easier. These include prayer rooms, medical facilities, and a range of food and beverage options.
The terminal is also equipped with advanced security systems, including biometric identification and surveillance cameras, to ensure a safe and secure experience for all pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which terminal is Hajj and Umrah?
The Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the main facility for processing pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah. Established in 1981, it serves as the primary hub for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Is Terminal 1 in Jeddah new or old?
Terminal 1 in Jeddah is a new terminal, opened in 2024, replacing the previous location for scheduled Jeddah flights.
How big is the Hajj Terminal?
The Hajj Terminal covers an area of approximately 465,000 square meters. It's one of the largest air terminals in the world, accommodating a massive number of travelers each year.
Sources
- https://www.som.com/projects/king-abdulaziz-international-airport-hajj-terminal/
- https://www.archdaily.com/777599/ad-classics-hajj-terminal-king-abdulaziz-airport-som
- https://www.tensinet.com/index.php/about/members-of-tensinet
- https://hajjpracticalities.heliohost.org/hajj_terminal_arrival.html
- https://www.som.com/story/a-terminal-worthy-of-a-pilgrimage-2/
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