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.


Kingdom drives global efforts on space debris

Updated 2 min 12 sec ago
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Kingdom drives global efforts on space debris

  • 75 countries gather in Riyadh to address orbital risks, promote sustainable space use
  • DebriSolver competition highlights innovative solutions for orbital safety

RIYADH: The Saudi Space Agency will host the second Space Debris Conference in Riyadh on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two-day event will bring together experts, decision-makers, and representatives from 75 countries, including governments, international organizations, and specialized space companies.

The conference is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to unify international initiatives addressing the growing challenges of space debris and to promote the sustainable use of outer space as a shared resource.

It aims to protect space activities and orbital infrastructure while supporting the growth of the global space economy, the SPA added.

Held with the support of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union, the conference highlights the importance of international cooperation and effective governance frameworks to mitigate space debris risks and ensure a safe, sustainable space environment.

The event seeks to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for space sustainability by enhancing international coordination on space debris issues.

It also highlights the Saudi Space Agency’s role in promoting policies and initiatives that safeguard the future of the space economy, the SPA reported.

Key objectives of the conference include raising global awareness of space debris risks, reviewing related legislation and policies, fostering research and innovation, and developing effective international governance mechanisms to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of orbital environments.

The conference will feature panel discussions and keynote speeches on themes including space sustainability, protection of the global space economy, strengthening international cooperation, and showcasing innovations, partnerships, and operational solutions to address space debris challenges.

A highlight of the event is the DebriSolver competition, an international platform encouraging applied innovation in space debris mitigation.

Leading experts and international judges will evaluate innovative solutions against the highest scientific and technical standards, supporting the transition from research concepts to practical, deployable solutions.

By hosting the conference, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its leading role in supporting international space initiatives, strengthening public-private partnerships, and shaping the future of the global space community.

This aligns with the objectives of Vision 2030, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for the space economy and sustainability, the SPA stated.

The first edition, held in Riyadh in 2024, attracted participants from more than 50 countries, along with international organizations and global companies, and concluded with recommendations to raise awareness of the importance of managing space debris.