Mecca’s heat-reducing white roads to provide relief to Hajj pilgrims

These roads are paved using locally sourced recycled materials designed to reduce heat absorption from sunlight and lower surface temperatures by approximately 12°C

• India Weekly
• 30 May, 2025

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By: India Weekly

SAUDI ARABIA has launched the cooled pedestrian walkway project in Mecca that can substantially lower surface temperatures.

The walkway was inaugurated by Saudi transport minister Saleh Al-Jasser, who is also the chairman of the Roads General Authority.

It will also enhance comfort for pilgrims and provide better accessibility for individuals with disabilities, particularly during the Hajj season.

These roads are paved using locally sourced recycled materials designed to reduce heat absorption from sunlight.

These materials lower surface temperatures by approximately 12°C and reflect 30–40 per cent more sunlight during the morning hours

The project is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Cooled Roads Initiative, which has expanded by 82 per cent since its launch in 2023.

More than 84,000 square meters of roads in Arafat have now been paved using locally sourced recycled materials designed to reduce heat absorption from sunlight.

This helps minimize urban heat islands and provide a more comfortable environment for pilgrims, while reducing energy consumption and air pollution.

For the comfort and safety of aged pilgrims, flexible rubber roads now cover 16,000 square meters.

The newly-laid section using advanced rubberised asphalt extends from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station.

Another initiative is a green corridor with trees planted over 1,200 meters along the same route.

To enhance air quality and comfort for pilgrims, air-cooling mist systems and water fountains have been installed in collaboration with the Abdulrahman Fakieh Charitable Foundation.

The minister has also introduced an accessible path to Mount Arafat that will support individuals with disabilities.

This 4,000-metre pedestrian path, built with cooled paving materials designed to minimize vibrations and enhance mobility for users and their companions.