Saudi Minister Launches Cooled Pedestrian Walkway Project in Mecca to Enhance Accessibility Services for Individuals with Disabilities
On Monday, 26 May 2025, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Roads General Authority, announced the launch of the cooled pedestrian walkway project in Mecca. This project aims to improve accessibility services for individuals with disabilities.
According to the Roads General Authority, the cooled roads initiative has seen a significant expansion of 82% since its launch in 2023. With the success of its initial phase, over 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, resulting in a temperature decrease of approximately 12°C on the surface and reflecting 30-40% more sunlight during the morning hours. This initiative not only helps mitigate urban heat islands but also provides a more comfortable environment for pilgrims while reducing energy consumption and air pollution.
In addition, there has been a growth of 33% in the use of flexible rubber roads. These surfaces are particularly beneficial for older adults as they are designed to soften asphalt in pedestrian areas. The newly laid section of flexible pavement from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station has increased the overall area to 16,000 square meters. Research conducted by the Road Research Centre has confirmed the improved comfort and safety of this advanced rubberised asphalt.
As part of the new initiatives, a green corridor project has been introduced along the adaptable route. This includes the planting of trees over 1,200 meters from Namira Mosque to the train station. To further 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.
Moreover, Minister Al-Jasser has also introduced an accessibility initiative to support individuals with disabilities. This initiative features a 4,000-meter pedestrian path leading to Mount Arafat, built with cooled paving materials that minimize vibrations and improve mobility for users and their companions.
The Roads General Authority, which serves as the national regulator of Saudi Arabia’s Road sector, has set ambitious goals to elevate the quality of roads to rank sixth globally by 2030 and reduce road fatalities to less 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. For further inquiries, please contact Media@rga.gov.sa.
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