The authorities in Saudi Arabia are currently engaged in a noteworthy initiative to apply a special heat-blocking coating at the holy sites in Makkah. This project, which has already been tested in the Jamarat stoning area, aims to provide relief to pilgrims during the sweltering summer season of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The undertaking is based on a comprehensive research study focused on cooling the roads in the holy sites. Collaborating organizations, including the General Authority for Roads, the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, and other relevant entities, had previously conducted a trial of this technology in the Riyadh region.
The experiment was carried out due to the excessive heat experienced by roads during the day, often reaching temperatures as high as 70 degrees Celsius. This heat is then released at night, resulting in a phenomenon known as the “heat island” effect. This effect leads to increased energy consumption and air pollution.
The research experiment primarily aimed to combat this heat island effect by utilizing special materials with reduced sunlight absorption and lower surface temperatures compared to conventional roads. These materials are particularly suitable for roads located near residential areas. The ultimate goal of this experiment is to reduce temperatures in neighborhoods and residential zones, decrease energy requirements for cooling buildings, and mitigate the impact of climate change. By implementing this technology, a more comfortable environment can be created in waiting areas and other places where people gather.