Tires Recycled into New Heat-Resistant Roads for Pilgrims - Middle East Business News and Information
Mecca:
Saudi local authorities inaugurated an expanded, climate-controlled pedestrian walkway to prepare for the Hajj, which starts Wednesday, June 4th. This initiative aims to improve the comfort and accessibility of millions of pilgrims, including those with disabilities. Additionally, environmentalists commend the project for its innovative employment of recycled materials and dedication to sustainable infrastructure in a significant global religious hub.
According to the Roads General Authority, the cooled roads initiative has grown 82% since its launch in 2023. More than 84,000 square metres of roads in Arafat have been resurfaced using heat-reflective and recycled materials that lower surface temperatures by approximately 12°C and reflect 30–40% more sunlight during morning hours. These features help reduce urban heat island effects and provide a cooler, more comfortable experience for pilgrims in peak summer conditions.
A key aspect of the project is the use of rubberised asphalt made from recycled car tyres obtained from local landfills. Saudi Arabia discards more than 23 million used tyres each year. Transforming these tyres into road materials mitigates environmental risks, prevents the release of toxic leachates, and lowers emissions from both incineration and prolonged degradation.
The coverage of flexible rubber surfaces has increased by 33%, now totaling 16,000 square metres. The latest section stretches from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station, offering a softer walking surface that enhances comfort and safety, particularly for elderly pilgrims.
Additional features include a green corridor along a 1,200-metre stretch, with tree planting, air-cooling mist systems, and water fountains installed in collaboration with the local charities to improve air quality and heat relief.
A 4,000-metre pedestrian path leading to Mount Arafat has also been completed. It uses the same cooled, low-vibration paving to support individuals with disabilities and their companions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
4 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Second Islamic Arts Biennale concludes in Jeddah - Visual Art - Arts & Culture
The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, held at the Western Pilgrims Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (25 January - 25 May 2025), has officially closed four months after its inauguration. According to a statement issued by the cultural foundation, this second edition, under the theme And All That Is Between Them, solidified the biennale's status as a leading global platform for showcasing and promoting masterpieces of Islamic art. This year's edition showcased over 500 historic and contemporary artworks across five main galleries and multiple outdoor spaces, spanning over 100,000 square metres. More than 30 cultural and artistic institutions from 21 countries participated, and over 30 contemporary artists presented 29 new works specially commissioned by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation. The list of participating artists included many prominent names, such as Nour Jaouda, Charwei Tsai, and Fatma Abdulhadi. This demonstrates the foundation's commitment to highlighting Saudi artists on the international stage and attracting artists from around the world to the Kingdom so that the local and global public can discover the diverse perspectives of contemporary art. A highlight of the 2025 edition was the first-ever display of the Kiswa (the Kaaba's covering) outside Mecca, exhibited alongside a rare collection of Islamic objects from Mecca and Medina. The award-winning installation Al-Musalla, designed by a consortium led by East Architecture Studio, was central to the exhibition's outdoor space. Constructed using local palm frond remains, the work drew inspiration from traditional textile weaving. Large sections of the award-winning Rooted Transient project were also featured in a namesake exhibition alongside the 19th International Architecture Exhibition - Venice Biennale. The exhibition showcased the architectural piece's adaptability — its ability to be disassembled, reassembled, and reused endlessly. At the closing forum, Deputy Minister of Culture and Vice Chairman of the Board of the Jeddah Biennale Foundation Rakan Al-Touq announced the launch of several initiatives aimed at building on the biennale's strong connections with a broad network of cultural institutions through the Orbit exhibition — one of the biennale's most important sections. These initiatives will include joint research projects, developing a digital platform to archive displayed objects and artworks, and organizing conferences in Saudi Arabia and around the world in collaboration with partner institutions. The goal is to build a knowledge network that strengthens research efforts and fosters the exchange of expertise in various fields of Islamic art. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Economic Key
21 hours ago
- Economic Key
"Al-Masiya Launches Pioneering 'Meal Tasting' Hajj Initiative with Participation from Egypt
As part of the ongoing preparations for the 1446H Hajj season and in a bid to ensure the highest levels of quality and satisfaction for the Guests of Allah, Egyptian Hajj missions — including tourism and social affairs delegations — participated in a large-scale 'food tasting session' organized by Al-Masiya Pilgrims Services Company. The session included representatives from the Hajj affairs offices of nine countries, including Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Guinea, and several non-Arab African nations such as Benin, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone. Additionally, representatives from 22 other countries were in attendance. The initiative aimed to enhance pilgrims' food experience during the Hajj rituals by involving campaign leaders and service center representatives in evaluating the meals. Discussions focused on taste, nutritional balance, food safety, and cultural appropriateness — all essential to delivering integrated logistical services that meet pilgrims' expectations and dietary preferences. Saleh Kotb, Executive Director of the Nutrition Division at Al-Masiya, stated: 'We are committed to achieving the highest standards of satisfaction for the Guests of Allah. We believe that food quality is not just a service but an experience that contributes to the comfort and spiritual peace of the pilgrim during Hajj.' For his part, Al-Masiya Chairman Ali Bandakji emphasized the importance of such meetings, describing them as 'a qualitative step toward empowering pilgrims to voice their opinions and feedback ahead of the spiritual journey.' He added, 'Strengthening direct communication between service providers and recipients builds a comprehensive system that reflects the sanctity of the time, place, and the Hajj itself.' This initiative marks the second consecutive year of Al-Masiya's dedication to refining every detail of the pilgrims' experience — a clear reflection of the company's ongoing commitment to improving and developing services for the guests of the Holy Mosque. تم نسخ الرابط
Economic Key
21 hours ago
- Economic Key
Alaa Mohdar, Five-Star Hajj Mutawwif, Begins Receiving Mina and Arafat
Saudi mutawwif Alaa Al-Din Mohdar, responsible for serving Egyptian pilgrims under the premium (5-star) tourism Hajj program, announced that the process of receiving the designated camps in Mina and Arafat has officially begun. He confirmed that preparations are underway in full compliance with the regulations set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, as well as the guidelines issued by Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Mohdar emphasized the strong cooperation between all relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, who are working tirelessly to ensure a successful Hajj season and to provide exceptional services to pilgrims. In a media statement, Mohdar revealed that this year's camps will feature pleasant surprises for pilgrims, including the introduction of new technologies and first-time services that mark a significant advancement in the field of mutawwif services and pilgrim care. These efforts align with the directives of the Saudi government and its commitment to ensuring the comfort, safety, and well-being of the guests of Allah. He noted that these initiatives are being closely monitored around the clock by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in coordination with relevant Egyptian entities responsible for the 5-star Hajj category — particularly the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Chamber of Tourism Companies. Mohdar also mentioned that several coordination meetings have been held between the Egyptian Chamber of Tourism Companies, Saudi service providers, and support centers, with the goal of ensuring the highest standard of service for Egyptian pilgrims. 'During these meetings, all concerns were addressed, and efforts were aligned to provide reliable catering, accommodation, and transportation services — ensuring a safe and successful Hajj season for Egyptian pilgrims,' he said. He concluded by extending his gratitude to all parties supporting pilgrim services, particularly the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. He also praised the collaboration between Egyptian tourism companies and Saudi service providers, stating that this partnership is a strong indicator of an outstanding and successful Hajj season for Egyptian pilgrims — especially those in the premium (5-star) programs. تم نسخ الرابط
