Saudi Minister Launches Cooled Pedestrian Walkway Project in Mecca to Enhance Accessibility Services for Individuals with Disabilities
MECCA – 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 a new project in Mecca aimed at improving accessibility services for individuals with disabilities. The cooled pedestrian walkway project is part of the Roads General Authority’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and services for pilgrims.
According to the Roads General Authority, the cooled roads initiative has expanded by 82% since its initial launch in 2023. Over 84,000 square meters of roads in Arafat have now been paved using locally sourced recycled materials that are designed to reduce heat absorption from sunlight. These materials can lower surface temperatures by up to 12°C and reflect 30-40% more sunlight during the morning hours, helping to mitigate urban heat islands. This ultimately provides a more comfortable environment for pilgrims while also reducing energy consumption and air pollution.
In addition, the flexible rubber roads initiative has seen a 33% increase in growth. These surfaces are designed to soften asphalt in pedestrian areas, making them more comfortable for older adults. The newly laid section from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station has extended the overall flexible pavement area to 16,000 square meters. Research conducted by the Road Research Centre has validated the improved comfort and safety of this advanced rubberised asphalt.
The project also includes a green corridor initiative along the adaptable route, with trees planted 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.
In addition to these initiatives, the Minister has introduced a new accessibility initiative aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities. The 4,000-meter pedestrian path leading to Mount Arafat has been built with cooled paving materials designed to minimize vibrations and improve mobility for users and their companions.
The Roads General Authority, 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.