RIYADH: The Secretariat of the Holy Capital has implemented a project to apply a heat-blocking coating to pavement surfaces in pedestrian pathways at holy sites.
The first phase of the project included coating the pedestrian pathway in Mina all the way to the Jamarat facilities, a total area of about 3,500 square meters.
The director general of the holy sites and seasons, Ahmed Manshi, pointed out that the project is being implemented in cooperation with the Japanese corporation Sumitomo.
“The project aims to reduce the temperature of the pavement surface in Shaiben area, and there is a possibility to include the Jamarat facilities, and coat several pedestrian pathways at holy sites,” he said.
Manshi added that the project will help reduce the temperature by 15-20 degrees celsius, highlighting that the temperature will be recorded every 10 seconds during the season using sensors installed under the asphalt.
He explained that to measure the success of this project, surveys will be distributed to pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season.
“We have also coordinated with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research to conduct a study on this experiment, recommend the possibility of expanding to other locations, and learn the most convenient sites for the secretariat to provide the service,” he said.
The project came after the completion of a network of pedestrian pathways extending from the Mount of Mercy (Jabal Al-Rahma) in Arafat to Mina, passing through Muzdalifah.
It aims to ensure the comfort, safety and security of pilgrims while they move between holy sites. The pathway has been paved using interlocking tiles, and benches are placed on both sides for pilgrims to rest.
Sunshades have also been installed to protect pilgrims from the sun, and concrete barriers have been placed to prevent vehicles from entering the pedestrian pathway. The pathway is lit using high-tech poles and LED beams, which are bright, cost-efficient when compared to ordinary lighting, and have low emissions.
Makkah successfully reduces heat in pedestrian pathways at holy sites
Makkah successfully reduces heat in pedestrian pathways at holy sites
- The first phase of the project included coating the pedestrian pathway in Mina all the way to the Jamarat facilities, a total area of about 3,500 square meters
- The director general of the holy sites and seasons, Ahmed Manshi, pointed out that the project is being implemented in cooperation with the Japanese corporation Sumitomo
Pakistan lauds Qatar for Gaza peace efforts, facilitating talks with Afghanistan
- PM Shehbaz Sharif greets Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Qatar’s National Day occasion
- Qatar hosted peace talks between Pakistan, Afghanistan after fierce border clashes in October
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Qatar on Thursday for its role in bringing about a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and facilitating talks between neighbors Pakistan and Afghanistan, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
Qatar led negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at easing the Gaza conflict, working with nations like the US to reach a ceasefire and secure humanitarian pauses and prisoner exchanges. Doha also facilitated de-escalation talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in October after the neighbors engaged in fierce border clashes. This elevated the Gulf nation to the status of a crisis mediator of the region on the international stage.
Sharif was speaking to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the occasion of the Gulf country’s National Day. The Pakistani premier congratulated the Qatari ruler and wished the country continued peace, progress and prosperity.
“During the call, the Prime Minister also lauded Qatar’s valuable role in efforts to bring peace in Gaza,” the PMO said.
“He expressed his deep appreciation for Qatar’s facilitation of talks aimed at easing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.”
Pakistan has sought closer ties with Qatar in recent months. Sharif visited Doha in a show of solidarity after Israel’s airstrikes on the country in September, while Qatar publicly supported Pakistan during a brief military conflict with India in May, which Islamabad has highlighted as evidence of a deepening two-way partnership.
“He reaffirmed Pakistan’s abiding commitment to further strengthening of the longstanding and multifaceted bilateral partnership between the two brotherly countries,” the PMO said.
Sharif invited the Qatari emir to visit Pakistan “at a mutually convenient date,” the PMO said.
Al Thani thanked Sharif for the National Day greetings and expressed his “strong commitment” to further strengthen ties between the two nations, Sharif’s office said.
