Latest news with #HajjSeason
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Zawya
Saudi minister launches expanded Road Cooling Initiative at holy sites
RIYADH — Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Roads General Authority Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser launched on Monday a number of innovative initiatives for the Hajj Season of 2025, with the aim of enhancing the comfort of pilgrims at the holy sites. The inauguration included the expansion of the Flexible Rubber Roads and Road Cooling Initiatives, in addition to two new initiatives: planting trees and improving the environment on flexible rubber roads, and a path serving people with disabilities. The Roads Authority said that the Road Cooling Initiative has expanded by 82 percent this year, following its success since its launch in 2023, paving more than 84,000 square meters of roads in the Arafat area. The idea of this initiative stems from the fact that roads absorb heat during the day, with temperatures sometimes reaching 70 degrees Celsius. Roads then release this heat at night, causing a phenomenon known as the 'Urban heat island effect,' which leads to increased energy consumption and air pollution. The need to address this phenomenon has prompted the experiment with 'cool pavements,' made from locally produced materials capable of absorbing less solar radiation by reflecting it. This experiment results in a lower surface temperature by approximately 12 degrees Celsius and increasing radiation reflection by 30 percent to 40 percent during morning than traditional pavements, making it suitable for roads around residential areas. This provides a comfortable environment for pilgrims while reducing energy consumption and air pollution. The launch included a 33 percent expansion of the Flexible Rubber Roads Initiative, which addresses the hardness of asphalt surfaces in pedestrian walkways, especially for the elderly. Paving work included the road extending from Namirah Mosque to the Mashaer Train Station in Arafat, bringing the total area used to 16,000 square meters. Flexible rubber asphalt enhances comfort while walking. The Road Research Center's experiments have proven its success in providing a safe experience. The new initiatives launched by the minister included afforestation and environmental improvements along the flexible route. Trees were planted along a 1,200-meter stretch of road extending between Namirah Mosque and the train station in Arafat. Air mist technology was also applied, along with the establishment of water fountains to improve air quality and provide a comfortable environment for pilgrims while performing their rituals. The Services for People with Disabilities Initiative was also launched, including the allocation of a 4,000-meter path along the pedestrian route leading to Jabal al-Rahmah in Arafat. The path was paved with cool materials to reduce vibration in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to promote inclusiveness and improve quality of life. The Roads General Authority's roads sector strategy contributes to raising the level of road quality to reach the sixth indicator globally, and reducing deaths to less than five cases per 100,000 people by 2030, so that the roads sector continues its pioneering role in enabling many vital and promising sectors through the Kingdom's road network, which is the first in the world in its interconnection of more than 73,000 km. Eng. Al-Jasser emphasized that the Hajj transportation plans and system are an effective and comprehensive system, and planning for them begins with the end of the Hajj season in anticipation of the new season. The minister said that the land, air, and sea ports, as well as the roads connecting these ports to the holy sites, have been equipped with more than 7,400 kilometers of maintenance and refurbishment. He said that the Haramain High Speed Railway is one of the major projects serving pilgrims to the House of God, thanks to the significant support this system receives from the wise leadership to provide the best services to pilgrims. Eng. Al-Jasser noted that private development initiatives, such as rubber pavements and road cooling, are expanding through the use of various technologies, including advanced road inspection devices, the use of drones for road inspection, and other modern technologies to serve pilgrims. The minister expressed the pride of the transportation and logistics system over the progress it provides to pilgrims. "This is achieved through expanding, developing, and improving these services with new technologies each year," he added. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
19-05-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Transport minister launches expanded Road Cooling Initiative at holy sites
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Roads General Authority Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser launched on Monday a number of innovative initiatives for the Hajj Season of 2025, with the aim of enhancing the comfort of pilgrims at the holy sites. The inauguration included the expansion of the Flexible Rubber Roads and Road Cooling Initiatives, in addition to two new initiatives: planting trees and improving the environment on flexible rubber roads, and a path serving people with disabilities. The Roads Authority said that the Road Cooling Initiative has expanded by 82 percent this year, following its success since its launch in 2023, paving more than 84,000 square meters of roads in the Arafat area. The idea of this initiative stems from the fact that roads absorb heat during the day, with temperatures sometimes reaching 70 degrees Celsius. Roads then release this heat at night, causing a phenomenon known as the 'Urban heat island effect,' which leads to increased energy consumption and air pollution. The need to address this phenomenon has prompted the experiment with 'cool pavements,' made from locally produced materials capable of absorbing less solar radiation by reflecting it. This experiment results in a lower surface temperature by approximately 12 degrees Celsius and increasing radiation reflection by 30 percent to 40 percent during morning than traditional pavements, making it suitable for roads around residential areas. This provides a comfortable environment for pilgrims while reducing energy consumption and air pollution. The launch included a 33 percent expansion of the Flexible Rubber Roads Initiative, which addresses the hardness of asphalt surfaces in pedestrian walkways, especially for the elderly. Paving work included the road extending from Namirah Mosque to the Mashaer Train Station in Arafat, bringing the total area used to 16,000 square meters. Flexible rubber asphalt enhances comfort while walking. The Road Research Center's experiments have proven its success in providing a safe experience. The new initiatives launched by the minister included afforestation and environmental improvements along the flexible route. Trees were planted along a 1,200-meter stretch of road extending between Namirah Mosque and the train station in Arafat. Air mist technology was also applied, along with the establishment of water fountains to improve air quality and provide a comfortable environment for pilgrims while performing their rituals. The Services for People with Disabilities Initiative was also launched, including the allocation of a 4,000-meter path along the pedestrian route leading to Jabal al-Rahmah in Arafat. The path was paved with cool materials to reduce vibration in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to promote inclusiveness and improve quality of life. The Roads General Authority's roads sector strategy contributes to raising the level of road quality to reach the sixth indicator globally, and reducing deaths to less than five cases per 100,000 people by 2030, so that the roads sector continues its pioneering role in enabling many vital and promising sectors through the Kingdom's road network, which is the first in the world in its interconnection of more than 73,000 km. Eng. Al-Jasser emphasized that the Hajj transportation plans and system are an effective and comprehensive system, and planning for them begins with the end of the Hajj season in anticipation of the new season. The minister said that the land, air, and sea ports, as well as the roads connecting these ports to the holy sites, have been equipped with more than 7,400 kilometers of maintenance and refurbishment. He said that the Haramain High Speed Railway is one of the major projects serving pilgrims to the House of God, thanks to the significant support this system receives from the wise leadership to provide the best services to pilgrims. Eng. Al-Jasser noted that private development initiatives, such as rubber pavements and road cooling, are expanding through the use of various technologies, including advanced road inspection devices, the use of drones for road inspection, and other modern technologies to serve pilgrims. The minister expressed the pride of the transportation and logistics system over the progress it provides to pilgrims. "This is achieved through expanding, developing, and improving these services with new technologies each year," he added.
Saudi Gazette
15-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
SFDA starts field inspections in preparation for Hajj Season 2025
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — As part of its preparations for the Hajj Season 2025, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has commenced a series of field inspection tours across critical locations and facilities to evaluate the preparedness of inspection teams and oversee the implementation of approved operational plans. Demonstrating the authority's focus on pilgrim welfare, SFDA leadership conducted on-site meetings with inspection teams in both Madinah and Jeddah. These engagements emphasized the significance of each inspector's role, reviewed operational strategies, and proactively addressed potential challenges. The aim is to ensure that teams are well-equipped, responsive, and empowered to execute their duties professionally and diligently. The field visits also included comprehensive inspections of food factories and facilities to verify adherence to health and technical regulations.
Al Etihad
23-03-2025
- Al Etihad
Etihad Airways shares essential travel tips for busy spring, summer holiday periods
23 Mar 2025 17:10 Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)With multiple holiday periods approaching from March through August, Etihad Airways is preparing for a significant increase in travellers at Zayed International Airport. To ensure guests enjoy a smooth start to their journey, the airline has issued travel tips, encouraging early planning and utilisation of its comprehensive digital airline expects particularly high passenger volumes during the School Spring Break (20 March-13 April), Eid Al Fitr (late March), Hajj Season (May), Eid Al Adha (early June), and the School Summer Break (28 June-24 August).Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Etihad Airways Interim Chief Operations & Guest Officer, said: "We're preparing to welcome thousands of additional guests during these peak periods. We recommend travellers take advantage of our numerous check-in options and digital tools to enjoy a relaxed start to their holidays." Essential tips for smooth travel experience Flight Information and Updates Guests can easily access the latest flight information through the Manage My Booking section on or via the mobile app, where they can view or modify flight details, select seats, and access various other services. Early Check-in Options To avoid potential queues, guests are strongly encouraged to arrive at the airport at least four hours before departure during peak periods. Etihad offers multiple early check-in options: Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure and is available through or the mobile app. After checking in online, guests can use the many automated self-service bag drops at the terminal, allowing them to weigh and tag their bags and collect their boarding pass in under a minute. Off-airport check-in and bag-drop facilities - Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (open 24 hours)- The Fountains – YAS Mall (open from 10am to 10pm)- Mussafah (open from 10am to 10pm) at 38 Al Arzaq Street, Behind Al Madina Hypermarket- Al Ain (open from 10am till 10pm) at Lulu Hypermarket Kuwaitat, Shakhboot Bin Sultan St- Home Check-in and Land & Leave ServicesGuests can also start their journey with home check-in through MORAFIQ, available up to five hours before departure. Starting from Dh185, this service includes baggage check-in, seat selection, and doorstep delivery of boarding return to Abu Dhabi, through Land and Leave service guests can proceed directly to their destination while MORAFIQ delivers their bags to any Abu Dhabi address within three hours of landing. These services can be booked via the MORAFIQ app or website. Pre-purchase Travel Options Economy Extra Legroom offers more space to stretch out, while the Neighbour-free Seat option can be selected at least 72 hours prior to can also enhance their pre-flight experience with First and Business Class Lounge access, available for purchase up to 90 minutes before departure. Baggage Policy Economy Class guests are permitted 7kg of carry-on baggage, while First and Business Class guests can bring up to 12kg. Additional checked baggage allowance can be purchased at special rates through Etihad's website before departure. US Pre-clearance FacilityTravellers to US destinations must check in at Terminal A at least four hours before their flight. First, Business, and The Residence guests should arrive at the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility 90 minutes before departure, while all other guests must arrive two hours before departure. The facility closes one hour before flight departure.
Zawya
21-03-2025
- Zawya
Etihad shares vital travel tips for busy holiday season
UAE - With multiple holiday periods approaching from March through August, UAE national airline Etihad Airways is preparing for a significant increase in travellers at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. To ensure guests enjoy a smooth start to their journey, the airline is encouraging early planning and utilisation of its comprehensive digital services. The airline expects particularly high passenger volumes during the School Spring Break (20 March-13 April), Eid Al Fitr (late March), Hajj Season (May), Eid Al Adha (early June), and the School Summer Break (28 June-24 August). Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Etihad Airways Interim Chief Operations & Guest Officer, said: "We're preparing to welcome thousands of additional guests during these peak periods. Our teams are fully prepared to ensure every journey begins smoothly, and we recommend travellers take advantage of our numerous check-in options and digital tools to enjoy a relaxed start to their holidays." Etihad Airways has compiled essential tips to help guests prepare for their travels: Flight Information and Updates Staying informed is key during busy travel periods. Guests can easily access the latest flight information through the Manage My Booking section on or via the mobile app, where they can view or modify flight details, select seats, and access various other services. Early Check-in Options To avoid potential queues, guests are strongly encouraged to arrive at the airport at least four hours before departure during peak periods. For added convenience, Etihad offers multiple early check-in options: Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure and is available through or the mobile app. After checking in online, guests can use the many automated self-service bag drops at the terminal, allowing them to weigh and tag their bags and collect their boarding pass in under a minute. Several off-airport check-in and bag-drop facilities are also available at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (open 24 hours); The Fountains – Yas Mall (10am to 10pm); Mussafah (10am to 10pm) at 38 Al Arzaq Street and Al Ain (open from 10am till 10pm). Home Check-in and Land & Leave Services For ultimate convenience, guests can start their journey with home check-in through Morafiq, available up to five hours before departure. Starting from AED185, this service includes baggage check-in, seat selection, and doorstep delivery of boarding passes. Upon return to Abu Dhabi, Etihad said the Land & Leave service offers a seamless arrival experience. Guests can proceed directly to their destination while Morafiq delivers their bags to any Abu Dhabi address within three hours of landing, it added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
