To enhance the Hajj experience, Saudi Arabia has painted the roads surrounding the Namira Mosque in Arafat white. This initiative aims to reduce the intense heat for pilgrims during Hajj 2024.
The Saudi General Roads Authority has reported that using a specific type of white paint on roads can lower surface temperatures by up to 20 degrees Celsius. Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, a spokesperson for the authority, explained that this special paint is locally produced and absorbs less heat from the sun, making it highly effective in cooling down the area.
This year, nearly 25,000 square meters around the Namira Mosque have been coated with this innovative paint. Al-Otaibi emphasized that this large-scale experiment is designed to provide a more comfortable and safer environment for the millions of pilgrims who gather for Hajj.
Last year’s limited trial of this white paint showed promising results. When applied to the route to Jamarat in Mina, it successfully reduced temperatures by 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. This positive outcome has encouraged the authorities to expand the use of this cooling technology.
Hajj 2024 Dates
The Hajj rituals for this year are scheduled to take place from June 14 to June 19. With the implementation of this new heat-reducing measure, Saudi authorities are hopeful that pilgrims will have a more comfortable experience despite the typically high temperatures.
