Mohammad A. Al-Akeel, engineer described how to use rubber asphalt in paths on sacred sites during the Hajj of the following year.
The present program has the aim to improve the quality of life and health of urban pilgrims.
Asphalt products may incorporate recycled tire rubber to help reduce air pollution and diminish tire waste.
On June 7, 2024, the plan for the employment of flexible rubber asphalt in pedestrian walkways at holy sites for this year's Hajj (1445 AH) was launched by Eng.. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Roads General Authority. The goal of this endeavor is to improve the pilgrims' overall quality of life and public health. The Roads General Authority, in collaboration with various institutions, carried out this scientific innovation on the road parallel to pedestrian path No. 6, leading to Mount Arafat. By incorporating recycled rubber that is created from the recycling of tires into asphalt mixtures, the technique contributes to the reduction of the accumulation of waste tires and the pollution that is caused by the burning of tires. The authorities have stated that investigations have proven that the hardness of normal asphalt pavements and walkways creates discomfort and difficulty for pilgrims' ankles and feet, particularly the elderly, who make up 53% of the total number of pilgrims. Because of this, there is a greater demand for medical services during the Hajj season, with the foot and ankle accounting for 38 percent of all injuries that occur during this time. We anticipate that the implementation of this technology will alleviate pressure on the feet and ankles, thereby enhancing walking comfort. This will ultimately lead to an improvement in pilgrims' public health and quality of life.
