Namira Mosque walkways cooled with white coating 

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The RGA has completed a project that covers the asphalt around Arafat’s Namira Mosque with a white coating that will lower temperatures for Hajj pilgrims. (SPA)
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The RGA has completed a project that covers the asphalt around Arafat’s Namira Mosque with a white coating that will lower temperatures for Hajj pilgrims. (SPA)
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The RGA has completed a project that covers the asphalt around Arafat’s Namira Mosque with a white coating that will lower temperatures for Hajj pilgrims. (SPA)
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Updated 04 June 2024
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Namira Mosque walkways cooled with white coating 

  • White coating, created using locally manufactured materials that absorb less sunlight, helps reduce surface temperature by about 20 degrees Celsius
  • Last year, the coating was used on pedestrian pathways leading to the Jamarat area, where the ritual stoning of Satan takes place

RIYADH: The Roads General Authority has completed a project that covers the asphalt around Arafat’s Namira Mosque with a white coating that will lower temperatures for Hajj pilgrims. 

The white coating, created using locally manufactured materials that absorb less sunlight, helps reduce surface temperature by about 20 degrees Celsius, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, the agency’s spokesperson, said the substance was applied in partnership with several agencies.

Last year, the coating was used on pedestrian pathways leading to the Jamarat area, where the ritual stoning of Satan takes place, and reduced temperatures by 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. 

An area of 25,000 square meters around Namira Mosque has now been covered. 

Al-Otaibi said this would create a more comfortable experience for pilgrims during the Hajj this year.


Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

Updated 10 January 2026
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Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

  • The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16

ALULA: The AlUla Citrus Festival has seen a remarkable turnout of residents and visitors as it has coincided with the mid-year school break, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival is being held at the farmers’ market in the cultural oasis, amid an environment that blends stunning natural beauty with the governorate's rich agricultural heritage.

The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16.

It allows visitors to explore local products and purchase citrus fruits directly from farmers, highlighting the deep connection between the people, their land, and agricultural legacy.

The festival showcases a diverse selection of AlUla’s finest citrus fruits, alongside platforms for local producers, the SPA added.

The event also features interactive family-friendly activities and live cooking demonstrations.

It contributes to revitalizing agricultural economic activity and reinforces agricultural seasons as a pillar of sustainable development in the governorate.

The AlUla Citrus Festival is a key social and economic event and gives local farmers a vital platform to showcase and sell their produce, supporting the agricultural economy of a governorate home to nearly 5,000 productive farms.