These domes are mechanically operated and take approximately 72 seconds to fully open or close. Their primary function is to allow natural light and ventilation into the prayer hall by opening directly to the sky above.
The domes are an example of modern engineering integrated into Islamic architecture. Their interior design includes hand-carved cedar elements influenced by Moroccan art, while the structural and mechanical components were manufactured in Germany.
Alongside the courtyard umbrellas, the sliding domes contribute to regulating airflow and daylight inside the mosque, serving a practical purpose rather than a decorative one.
The project received architectural recognition for combining traditional craftsmanship with modern construction technology, making the sliding domes one of the most technically advanced features of Masjid al-Nabawi.
