As part of the final preparations for Hajj 2024, the Roads General Authority has completed a cooling project around Arafat's Namira Mosque. The initiative involves a white coating applied to the asphalt, which is expected to reduce ground temperatures significantly.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, this innovative white coating is made from locally sourced materials designed to absorb less sunlight, effectively lowering the surface temperature by approximately 20 degrees Celsius.
Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, spokesperson for the agency, highlighted that the project was carried out in collaboration with multiple agencies.
The effectiveness of this cooling solution was previously demonstrated last year when it was applied to walkways used by pilgrims heading to the Jamarat area for the symbolic stoning of Satan ritual. Observations noted a temperature drop of 12 to 15 degrees Celsius.
With an expansive coverage area of 25,000 square meters now complete around Namira Mosque, Al-Otaibi expressed confidence that pilgrims will benefit from a markedly more comfortable experience during their Hajj pilgrimage this year.