Saudi Arabia Paints Over 11,000 sqm of Makkah Plazas White to Reduce Heat

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has completed the painting of more than 11,000 square meters of the plazas surrounding the Holy Mosque in Makkah with a specialized white reflective coating. This initiative, carried out using a thermally insulating material, is designed to reduce surface temperatures and enhance the comfort of worshippers and visitors, particularly during the summer months when temperatures in the region can be extreme.

Context and Background

The application of reflective white paint is part of a broader set of environmental and infrastructure improvements undertaken by Saudi authorities to upgrade the experience at Islam’s holiest sites. These measures align with the Kingdom’s commitment to providing world-class services to the millions of pilgrims who visit Makkah annually for Umrah and Hajj. The initiative specifically addresses the challenge of heat absorption by conventional paving materials, which can raise surface temperatures significantly, affecting the comfort of those performing prayers and rituals in the open plazas.

Key Details

The reflective coating, known for its high solar reflectance index, is engineered to repel a substantial portion of the sun’s rays, thereby lowering the surface temperature of the paved areas. The project covers the main plazas and pathways used by large numbers of worshippers. Authority officials have stated that the material is durable, safe for pedestrian traffic, and designed to withstand the harsh climatic conditions of the region. This technique has been successfully employed in other hot climate zones around the world as a passive cooling strategy for urban spaces.

Implications and Impact

The cooling effect of the white-coated plazas is expected to contribute to a more comfortable environment for worshippers, potentially reducing heat-related health risks during peak pilgrimage seasons. This improvement underscores the meticulous planning and operational efficiency of Saudi authorities in managing the holy sites. It also serves as a practical example of sustainable urban management, demonstrating how traditional infrastructure can be adapted using modern technology to meet the needs of a growing number of visitors while improving energy efficiency and reducing the urban heat island effect.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This project directly supports the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, specifically the Pilgrim Experience Program (PEP), which aims to enrich the spiritual journey of visitors to the holy cities. By enhancing the quality of life and comfort for pilgrims and Umrah performers, the initiative contributes to the Kingdom’s goal of increasing the capacity to host 30 million Umrah pilgrims by 2030. It reflects a forward-looking approach to managing sacred spaces with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and the well-being of all guests of the Kingdom.