To enhance the Hajj 2025 experience, Saudi Arabia has unveiled a state-of-the-art cooled pedestrian walkway in Makkah. This initiative, part of the Kingdom’s broader Cooled Roads Initiative, aims to provide comfort and safety to millions of pilgrims, especially during the scorching summer months.
Innovative Cooling Technology Reduces Surface Temperatures
The cooled pedestrian walkway in Makkah employs advanced materials that reflect solar radiation, effectively reducing surface temperatures by approximately 12°C. This technology not only alleviates heat stress for pilgrims but also contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering energy consumption and mitigating the urban heat island effect .
Enhanced Accessibility with Flexible Rubber Asphalt
To further improve the pilgrim experience, the walkway incorporates flexible rubber asphalt, covering 16,000 square meters—a 33% increase from previous installations. This material enhances shock absorption and reduces vibrations, providing a safer and more comfortable path for elderly pilgrims and individuals with disabilities.
Green Corridor in Makkah: A Blend of Comfort and Sustainability
Complementing the cooled pedestrian walkway, a 1,200-meter green corridor has been developed, featuring trees, mist-cooling systems, and water fountains. This corridor not only offers respite from the heat but also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable urban development .
Expanding the Cooled Roads Initiative
Since its inception in 2023, the Cooled Roads Initiative has expanded by 82%, now encompassing over 84,000 square meters of roads in Arafat. The use of locally sourced recycled materials that reflect up to 40% more sunlight has been pivotal in this expansion, contributing to a significant reduction in surface temperatures and enhancing the overall pilgrim experience.
Future Prospects and Vision 2030 Alignment
These developments are in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to improve infrastructure and services for pilgrims. The Roads General Authority aspires to elevate the quality of roads to rank sixth globally by 2030 and reduce road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people. With a national road network exceeding 73,000 kilometers, the Kingdom continues to lead in intercity road connectivity .
The cooled pedestrian walkway in Makkah stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to enhancing the Hajj experience through innovation and sustainability, ensuring that pilgrims can perform their rituals with greater comfort and safety.
