Latest news with #TransportandLogistics
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.
Kuwait News Agency
08-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait News Agency
Kuwait civil aviation chief, Morocco's Transport Min. discuss cooperation
RABAT, May 8 (KUNA) -- Head of Kuwait Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Sheikh Humoud Al-Sabah has met with Moroccan Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdulsamad Qayouh to discuss promoting air transport cooperation to serve mutual interest. Sheikh Humoud, in a statement to KUNA after meeting Qayouh last night, said they discussed cooperation in training and exchange of expertise with the objective of boosting integration in civil aviation sector as well as importance of the direct flights between the two countries, which have seen rising demand. The meeting took place on sidelines of a meeting of the Executive Council of the Arab civil aviation organization, currently taking place in Rabat. Sheikh Humoud said they underlined importance of deepening strategic partnership, developing human resources and exchange of training programs, as well as bolstering air safety. (end)
Maroc
06-05-2025
- Business
- Maroc
Morocco Featured as Guest of Honor at 4th Europe-Africa Forum in Marseille
The 4th Europe-Africa Forum kicked off on Tuesday in Marseille, southeastern France, with Morocco as the guest of honor. This business-focused event brings together leaders, investors, and decision-makers from both continents. Morocco is represented at the forum by Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh; Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali; Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, Convergence, and the Evaluation of Public Policies Karim Zidane; and the Kingdom's ambassador to France, Samira Sitaïl. The forum, which highlights key challenges and opportunities in Africa-Europe relations, opened with a high-level segment dedicated to Morocco. According to organizers, the event takes place in a shifting global context, where Europe and Africa, working together, form a powerful force capable of shaping the international landscape. Organized by the French economic publication La Tribune and the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, the one-day forum features thematic roundtables addressing a range of pressing topics, including financing innovation, the role of business and education, and Agenda 2063 as a roadmap for a new era in Europe-Africa cooperation. MAP: 06 mai 2025
Ya Biladi
06-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco shines as country of honor at Europe-Africa Forum in Marseille
The fourth edition of the Europe-Africa Forum, a business gathering that brings together leaders, investors, and decision-makers from both continents in Marseille (southeast France), kicked off on Tuesday at the Palais du Pharo in the Phocean city, with Morocco as the country of honor. The kingdom is represented at this conclave, organized by the French economic publication La Tribune and the Aix Marseille Provence Metropolis under the theme «Innovate Together», by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh; the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali; the Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, Convergence, and the Evaluation of Public Policies, Karim Zidane; and the Moroccan Ambassador to France, Samira Sitaïl. Several economic decision-makers and leaders of public enterprises are also participating in this forum, notably the President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), Chakib Alj; the Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), Ali Seddiki; the CEO of the Tanger Med group, Mehdi Tazi Riffi; and the Director General of Casablanca Finance City (CFC), Saïd Ibrahimi. «Bound by complementary resources and common interests, the two continents must demonstrate boldness, innovation, and the ability to invent a new model», assert the organizers, stemming from the conviction that «with the Mediterranean as a unifying link and shared wealth, the desire to play a role in the next decade is possible, provided the foundations for equitable cooperation are laid». Throughout the day, participants will discuss topics such as financing innovation, «What cooperation strategy for the Mediterranean?», «Can the Mediterranean port be a model?», «Is Europe-Africa capable of challenging the new world order?», «Co-development, role of businesses and education: what winning triptych for both shores of the Mediterranean?», and «Agenda 2063: a new era for the Europe-Africa bloc?»
