JEDDAH: Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah has registered an invention that supports sustainability and enhances road infrastructure, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Developed by its intellectual property department, the innovation is a concrete road barrier that generates electricity from air currents created by traffic.

The project was led by Raed Abdulrahman Shalwala and Fadi Zaher Al-Marghalani from the College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture. 

The barrier harnesses wind and airflow from moving vehicles to produce renewable electricity, which can power road safety equipment, contributing to both renewable energy and smart infrastructure. 

Earlier, on Jan. 2, the university achieved a national milestone by winning innovation awards in e-learning and digital training, presented by the Saudi National Center for E-Learning. 

The awards recognize the university’s efforts to develop innovative digital learning environments and enhance e-learning quality.

Officials said the achievement reflects strong support from the university leadership and a commitment to advancing digital education, improving learning practices, promoting higher education digital transformation, and creating sustainable educational impact.