MAKKAH: The vastness of the Jamrat Bridge in Mina has contributed to putting an end to Jamrat incidents.
This giant structure has also contributed to easing hardship and fatigue, which badly affected pilgrims before the bridge was established in 2007.
The bridge provides eleven entrances and twelve exits in four directions, where pilgrims can gain access through six directions, including three on the south side and three on the north side.
Since it was built, the bridge has witnessed a number of developments after its widening to 40 meters, with two elevations from the eastern and western sides, and downhill next to Aqaba Jamar from the upper floor of the north and south sides for descending pilgrims.
In 1978, the bridge witnessed the addition of reinforced concrete slopes at the beginnings and ends of the bridge to the second level of the Jamaarat on both sides, against the Minor Jamari.
The bridge was enlarged in 1982 through an expansion of 20 meters’ width and 120 meters’ length from the north side to Minor Jamari.
Additionally, there was a further expansion in 1987 with an increase to 80 meters’ width and 520 meters’ length, and expansion of the elevation to 40 meters’ width and 300 meters in length.
In 1995, there was a process of adjustments at different stages that included the view of the bridge and pilgrims’ movement. It was followed by similar adjustments in 2005, that included the structure of the bridge and the adjustment of basins from ring to oval shapes.
Another project of the Jamrat Bridge included the helicopter landing pad for emergencies, in addition to a sophisticated cooling system.
of emergency.
Dr. Salim Bosta, an adviser and expert on crowd management, confirmed that organizing plans of the annual pilgrimage focused on the establishment of an infrastructure for the bridge that can be built up to around 20 floors; this is if Mina is to be used as a housing area for pilgrims during the next ten years.
He pointed out that “The overall pedestrian traffic system in the Jamrat area, its tracks and roads leading to the area, have contributed to the success of the project.”
Development of Jamrat Bridge reduces hardships for pilgrims
Development of Jamrat Bridge reduces hardships for pilgrims
Red Sea Global unveils scientific model for regenerative tourism worldwide
- The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by studies covering 8 marine habitats
TABUK: Red Sea Global (RSG) has unveiled a science-based model aimed at achieving a 30 percent net positive conservation benefit across its tourism destinations by 2040.
The framework is now available for global adoption, according to a statement released by RSG.
Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Red Sea Global is the multi-project developer behind ambitious regenerative tourism destinations like “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA.”
As a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the company aims to diversify the national economy while setting new global benchmarks for sustainable, nature-positive development.
CEO John Pagano stated that openly sharing this detailed approach will help elevate the global tourism sector and secure a healthier environment for future generations.
The cornerstone of this initiative is the proprietary SIIG Model, a four-step framework:
• Survey: Establish biodiversity baselines and monitor long-term changes.
• Identify: Assess risks to priority habitats and species.
• Intervene: Execute evidence-based actions, such as regulating fishing and enhancing natural habitats.
• Gain: Measure and verify biodiversity improvements.
The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by extensive 2022–2023 environmental baseline studies covering eight marine habitats and priority species groups during 2022 and 2023.
A major intervention is the 5,015-square-kilometer Fishery Management Area in Al-Wajh Lagoon. The plan reserves 38 percent of the area for priority conservation—protecting 62 percent of local coral reefs—while allocating 61 percent for sustainable fishing.
According to scientific modeling, eliminating fishing in high-protection zones could increase reef fish populations by 113 percent, sharks and rays by 72 percent, and marine mammals by 24 percent. These measures are expected to boost coral resilience, support ecosystem recovery, and protect vulnerable species like sea turtles and seabirds.
Ihab Kindi, RSG’s Red Sea Destination Executive Director, called the data-driven model a practical roadmap for large-scale marine recovery. The complete methodology is available in the new report, “The SIIG Model: A Roadmap Toward Achieving Measurable Conservation Gains.”
