What technology is Saudi using to protect Hajj pilgrims from heat?

To increase the comfort of Hajj pilgrims, Saudi Arabia government is implementing an innovative road-cooling technology.

As the country heats up in the summer, temperatures are predicted to rise to 46°C.

In this regard, Saudi Arabia Roads General Authority, Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi said roads absorb heat when exposed to sunlight and retain as much as 70°C once the sun sets.

As a result, he added, the road begins to emit heat — leading to something known as a heat island phenomenon, reports Arab News.

Hence, pavements around holy sites are now being coated with cooling materials that absorb less solar radiation.

 “The material we have developed is most effective during sunny weather as it reflects the sun’s rays, which helps lower the temperature of the road by reducing heat absorption,” said Al-Otaibi.

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This helps reduce heat build-up, keeping the road cooler and making it more pleasant for pedestrians, he told Arab News. 

He added that the Saudi Arabia government tested the road-cooling material for the first time last year and it was a success,

Hence, the project is now expanding to areas in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. 

The road-cooling technology is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and services for the millions of pilgrims who visit Mecca for their spiritual Hajj journey.

More than 1.5 million Muslims braved extreme heat to reach Mount Arafat on Saturday for the high point of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, praying for hours, especially for Palestinians in war-ravaged Gaza.

Clad in white, worshippers began arriving at dawn for the most gruelling day of the annual rites, ascending the rocky, 70-metre hill where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have given his last sermon.

This year's Hajj is unfolding in the shadow of the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, which was began on October 7.