Saudi expands road cooling initiative around holy sites for Hajj 2024

Saudi Arabia’s Roads General Authority has announced the expansion of the asphalt surface cooling initiative in multiple areas within holy sites for Hajj.

According to a report by agencies on Thursday, the objective of the initiative is to reduce temperatures in neighborhoods and residential areas, lessen energy consumption for cooling buildings, and moderate the effects of climate change.

This technology offers a more comfortable environment in waiting areas and places where people gather.

Also read: Makkah Route initiative simplifies Hajj pilgrimage

The initiative has already been implemented near Namira Mosque in Arafat, covering 25,000 square meters. The authority is carrying out the initiative in collaboration with multiple entities, including the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Pilgrim Experience Programme, the Quality of Life Program, and the Holy Capital Municipality.

The initiative was first implemented last year in the holy sites, based on the understanding that roads absorb significant heat during the day, with temperatures sometimes reaching 70°C. This absorbed heat is then released at night, resulting in a phenomenon called ‘urban heat island effect’, which causes increased energy consumption and air pollution.

To combat this, the experiment with ‘cool pavements’ made from locally produced materials that absorb less solar radiation took place. This resulted in lower surface temperatures compared to traditional pavements, making them ideal for roads around residential areas.

The authority is conducting research and practical experiments as part of its role as a government supervisory and regulatory body for the road sector. These experiments align with the sector’s strategic vision to encourage innovation.

The road sector’s strategy also aims to improve road quality to achieve a higher global ranking and reduce fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people by 2030.

Agency: Saudi Press Agency (SPA)

Saudi Hajj