Saudi Arabia is implementing an experiment in road cooling technology in Hajj
The cold sidewalks are several homemade materials that have the ability to absorb less amounts of solar radiation, through the ability of this material to reflect the rays
Shrouq
The General Authority for Roads in Saudi Arabia has started implementing the research study on “cooling asphalt surfaces” in the holy sites.
The authority, in partnership with the relevant authorities, implemented this experiment in the Jamarat stoning area, with the aim of serving and comforting the guests of Rahman.
Road temperature reaches 70 degrees
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the reasons for this experiment come due to the fact that the roads absorb the temperature during the day, and the road temperature sometimes reaches 70 degrees Celsius, and the roads scientifically re-release this heat at night. Which causes a scientific phenomenon called the "heat island phenomenon" that leads to increased energy consumption and air pollution.
The need arose to address the "heat island phenomenon", as an experiment was initiated with the use of what is known as cold sidewalks.
Solar radiation
The cold sidewalks are several homemade materials that have the ability to absorb less amounts of solar radiation, through the ability of this material to reflect the rays, and then their surface temperature is lower than the traditional sidewalks, and this material is suitable for roads surrounding residential areas.
This experiment aims to reduce the temperature in neighborhoods and residential areas, reduce the energy used to cool buildings and reduce the effects of climate change. This technology contributes to providing a more comfortable environment in waiting areas and areas where people congregate.
Improving the experience
The Public Authority for Roads works to develop research and practical experiences. Which contribute to improving the experience of road users, and achieving the objectives of the road sector strategy, which aims to enhance the safety and sustainability of the road sector; Led by national competencies, improving the quality of the road network and the experience of its users, and encouraging innovation.
Package of initiatives
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said that the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque is represented by the Agency for Women’s Development Affairs at the Grand Mosque; It launches a package of initiatives for the Hajj season 1444 AH, which includes 17 initiatives.
In related context, A total of 718,030 pilgrims of different nationalities reached Madinah so far arriving through air and land ports to perform Hajj this year.
The Hajj and Visit committee said in a statistics report that the total of arrivals for Saturday reached 29,090 pilgrims, of whom 25,962 arrived at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
