
More than 84,000 sqm of roads in Arafat use locally recycled materials. (Image source: Roads General Authority)
Saleh Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Roads General Authority, has launched the cooled pedestrian walkway project in Mecca, designed to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The Roads General Authority reports that the cooled roads initiative has expanded by 82% since its 2023 launch.
More than 84,000 sqm of roads in Arafat have now been paved using locally recycled materials that reduce heat absorption.
These materials lower surface temperatures by approximately 12°C and reflect 30–40% more sunlight during morning hours, helping to mitigate urban heat islands, reduce energy use and air pollution, and create a more comfortable experience for pilgrims.
The use of flexible rubber roads has also increased by 33%, with the latest stretch extending from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station, bringing the total flexible pavement area to 16,000 sqm.
Green materials
Designed to soften pedestrian areas, these rubberised surfaces provide enhanced comfort especially for older adults, according to studies by the Road Research Centre.
The initiative includes a green corridor project along the adaptable path, where trees have been planted across 1,200 m from Namira Mosque to the train station.
Air-cooling mist systems and water fountains, installed in collaboration with the Abdulrahman Fakieh Charitable Foundation, further improve air quality and comfort for pilgrims.
A key component of the project is a new accessibility initiative supporting individuals with disabilities.
A 4,000 m pedestrian path to Mount Arafat has been constructed using cooled paving materials engineered to reduce vibration and improve mobility for users and their companions.
These efforts are part of the Roads General Authority’s wider mission to raise the quality of Saudi Arabia’s roads to sixth globally by 2030 and reduce road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people.
The Kingdom currently leads the world in intercity road connectivity, with a national network spanning more than 73,000 km.