Saudi Arabia expands cooled road network in Mecca to support pilgrims
MECCA, Saudi Arabia, 27 May 2025: The Roads General Authority announced through a Press Release that Saudi Arabia has expanded its cooled pedestrian infrastructure in Mecca, as part of the ongoing “White Road” initiative aimed at improving environmental conditions and accessibility for pilgrims during the Hajj season.
According to the Roads General Authority, Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister, Transport and Logistics Services; Chairman, Roads General Authority, inaugurated a new cooled pedestrian walkway in Mecca. The Authority explained that the walkway forms part of a broader effort to enhance access for individuals with disabilities.
The Roads General Authority stated that the cooled road initiative has grown by 82% since its launch in 2023. The Authority reported that over 84,000 square metres of road in the Arafat area have now been paved with recycled, locally sourced materials. The Authority said these surfaces are engineered to reflect 30–40% more sunlight during morning hours and reduce surface temperatures by up to 12°C. The Authority noted that such measures contribute to mitigating the urban heat island effect while lowering energy use and air pollution levels.
In addition, the Authority said flexible rubber pavements have expanded by 33% and that these softened pedestrian surfaces are intended to provide improved walking conditions for older adults and now cover 16,000 square metres. The Authority reported that a newly paved section stretches from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station and that research by the Road Research Centre has verified the safety and comfort improvements of these rubberised pavements.
According to the Authority, the expanded programme includes a green corridor running 1,200 metres from Namira Mosque to the train station. The Authority said that this corridor features newly planted trees, as well as air-cooling mist systems and water fountains installed in collaboration with the Abdulrahman Fakieh Charitable Foundation.
Additionally, the Authority announced a new accessibility initiative comprising a 4,000-metre pedestrian route leading to Mount Arafat. The Authority said this path is paved with cooled materials designed to reduce vibrations and improve mobility for people with disabilities and their companions.
The Roads General Authority stated that it aims to elevate the Kingdom’s roads to rank sixth globally in quality by 2030 and to reduce road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people. According to the Authority, Saudi Arabia currently has the world’s largest intercity road network, spanning over 73,000 kilometres.
