Hajj 2025: More Comfortable Walkways Constructed with Flexible Rubber in Mecca
Muslims performing Hajj this year will be seeing better quality and safer walkways in Mecca, thanks to the increased use of a new road construction solution.
Authorities have announced the expansion of roads made of flexible rubber asphalt by 33 percent this year, with work on the road extending from Namirah Mosque to Al-Mashaer train station in Arafat, raising the total area to 16,000 square meters.
"Instead of accumulating used tires, which are a major source of air pollution when burned, this technology recycles them and transforms them into a flexible asphalt layer that absorbs impact and provides comfortable walking paths," the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The report quoted the Kingdom's Roads General Authority (RGA) as saying tests conducted on asphalt surfaces and regular sidewalks "cause strong reactions on pilgrims’ ankles and feet, especially the elderly, who constitute 53% of pilgrims."
About 38 percent of foot and ankle injuries that are dealt with by healthcare facilities during Hajj have been attributed to walking on regular walkways.
As explained, smart surfaces that come with the use of flexible rubber asphalt help absorb shock and relieve pressure on the human body’s joints, especially the ankles and feet.
The number of pilgrims in this year's Hajj is expected to surpass last year's figure, which the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) counted at 1.83 million. Of that number, 1.61 million arrived from outside the Kingdom through various entry points, while 221,854 were internal pilgrims, including citizens and expatriates.
Read More:
Hajj 2025 is expected to start on June 4, subject to confirmation by Saudi Arabia’s official moon-sighting authorities.
As of May 21, 2025, a total of 755,344 pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia from abroad through all air, land, and sea entry points, according to the General Directorate of Passports, also known as the Jawazath.
Indonesian pilgrims are anticipated to lead the biggest delegation again for Hajj 2025. Last year, a total of 221,000 Indonesian pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom for Hajj, followed by Pakistan with 180,000. India came third at 175,025, Bangladesh was fourth at 127,198, and Nigeria completed the top 5 with 95,000 pilgrims.
Source: Arab News
