Latest news with #RoadsGeneralAuthority
Arab News
9 hours ago
- General
- Arab News
Saudi Roads Authority launches ‘mobile sites' service for pilgrims during bus breakdowns on Hijra Road
RIYADH: The Roads General Authority has launched a 'mobile sites' service for pilgrims on the Hijra Road in the event their buses break down. The service is intended to ensure the highest levels of comfort and safety for pilgrims when traveling between Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The launch was attended by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser. This initiative is being implemented on the Hijra Expressway (Makkah-Madinah) and is available around the clock during Hajj season. It can accommodate approximately 40 pilgrims and is equipped with air-conditioning units, rest areas, restrooms, cold beverages, and hospitality meals.
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Mid East Info
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.
Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Saudi expands white road project to cool hajj routes
MAKKAH: Saleh Al-Jasser, the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Roads General Authority, launched the cooled pedestrian walkway project in Makkah, which will enhance accessibility services for individuals with disabilities. According to the Roads General Authority, the cooled roads initiative has expanded by 82 percent, building on its initial success since its launch in 2023. More than 84,000 sq m of roads in Arafat have now been 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 percent more sunlight during the morning hours, helping to mitigate urban heat islands and providing a more comfortable environment for pilgrims while reducing energy consumption and air pollution. Furthermore, the growth of flexible rubber roads increased by 33 percent. These surfaces aim to soften asphalt in pedestrian areas, offering particular advantages to older adults. The newly laid section extends from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station, raising the overall flexible pavement area to 16,000 sq m. Research conducted by the Road Research Centre has validated the improved comfort and safety of this advanced rubberized asphalt. The new initiatives feature a green corridor project along the adaptable route, featuring trees planted over 1,200 meters from Namira Mosque to the train station. 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. Furthermore, the minister has introduced an accessibility initiative aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities. This initiative features a 4,000-metre pedestrian path that leads to Mount Arafat, built with cooled paving materials designed to minimize vibrations and enhance mobility for users and their companions. The Roads General Authority, the national regulator of Saudi Arabia's Road sector, aims to elevate the quality of roads to rank sixth globally by 2030 and reduce road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people. Saudi Arabia currently boasts the world's leading intercity road connectivity, with a total network exceeding 73,000 km. – AFP
Leaders
6 days ago
- General
- Leaders
Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia Expands ‘White Road' to Enhance Pilgrims Comfort
Saudi Arabia's Roads General Authority (RGA) has launched an expanded cooled pedestrian walkway project in Makkah City, aiming to significantly enhance accessibility services for individuals with disabilities. The project, known as the 'White Road' initiative, has been expanded by an impressive 82% since its initial launch in 2023. More than 84,000 square meters of roads in Arafat have now been paved using locally sourced recycled materials. These materials are specifically designed to reduce heat absorption from sunlight, creating a more comfortable environment for all. According to RGA, these innovative materials lower surface temperatures by approximately 12°C. Additionally, they reflect 30–40% more sunlight during morning hours, effectively mitigating urban heat islands. Improving Pilgrims Comfort The launch ceremony took place under the patronage of Eng. Saleh Al Jasser, the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services. During the event, Al Jasser highlighted the importance of these initiatives in enhancing air quality and comfort for pilgrims. The project features air-cooling mist systems and water fountains, developed in collaboration with the Abdulrahman Fakieh Charitable Foundation. Al Jasser noted that the growth of flexible rubber roads has increased by 33%. These surfaces aim to soften asphalt in pedestrian areas, providing significant advantages for older adults. The newly laid section extends from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station, raising the overall flexible pavement area to 16,000 square meters. Research conducted by the Road Research Centre has validated the improved comfort and safety of this advanced rubberized asphalt. Commitment to Accessibility Furthermore, the Minister introduced an accessibility initiative designed to support individuals with disabilities. This initiative includes a 4,000-meter pedestrian path leading to Mount Arafat. Built with cooled paving materials, this path minimizes vibrations and enhances mobility for users and their companions. Al Jasser emphasized that RGA aims to elevate the quality of roads to rank sixth globally by 2030. The authority also seeks to reduce road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people. Currently, Saudi Arabia boasts the world's leading intercity road connectivity, with a total network exceeding 73,000 kilometers. This comprehensive expansion of the cooled pedestrian walkway project in Makkah underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and accessibility. Short link : Post Views: 28
Web Release
6 days ago
- Web Release
In a Warming World, Mecca Cools Down : Saudi Arabia Expands ‘White Road' Project
Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Roads General Authority, launched the cooled pedestrian walkway project in Mecca, which will enhance accessibility services for individuals with disabilities. According to the Roads General Authority, the cooled roads initiative has expanded by 82%, building on its initial success since its launch in 2023. More than 84,000 square metres of roads in Arafat have now been 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% more sunlight during the morning hours, helping to mitigate urban heat islands and providing a more comfortable environment for pilgrims while reducing energy consumption and air pollution. Furthermore, the growth of flexible rubber roads increased by 33%. These surfaces aim to soften asphalt in pedestrian areas, offering particular advantages to older adults. The newly laid section extends from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station, raising the overall flexible pavement area to 16,000 square meters. Research conducted by the Road Research Centre has validated the improved comfort and safety of this advanced rubberised asphalt. The new initiatives feature a green corridor project along the adaptable route, featuring trees planted over 1,200 meters from Namira Mosque to the train station. 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. Furthermore, the Minister has introduced an accessibility initiative aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities. This initiative features a 4,000-metre pedestrian path that leads to Mount Arafat, built with cooled paving materials designed to minimise vibrations and enhance mobility for users and their companions. The Roads General Authority, the national regulator of Saudi Arabia's Road sector, aims to elevate the quality of roads to rank sixth globally by 2030 and reduce road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people. Saudi Arabia currently boasts the world's leading intercity road connectivity, with a total network exceeding 73,000 kilometers. For further inquiries, please contact: [email protected].
