ESG

PILGRIMS AT CENTRE OF SAUDI’S SUSTAINABLE HAJJ INITIATIVE

In a sweeping effort to enhance the spiritual and logistical experience of Hajj pilgrims while honouring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability, Kidana Development Company launched more than 20 projects ahead of the 1446 AH Hajj season. Kidana operates under the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites (RCMC). 

The initiatives marked a significant milestone in the kingdom’s pursuit of environmental responsibility, religious duty, and sustainable urban transformation.

Spanning across the Holy Sites of Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Jabal Al-Rahmah, Kidana’s initiatives were designed not only to improve infrastructure and ease crowd movement, but also to reduce environmental impact, mitigate heat stress, and preserve the spiritual sanctity of the pilgrimage through sustainable design choices and green technologies. 

At the heart of these upgrades was the development of the ‘Path of the Holy Sites’, an expansive 170,000-square-metre (sqm) pedestrian corridor through Muzdalifah. To raise environmental standards, 103,000 sqm of the path have been fitted with rubber flooring – an eco-friendly material selected for its cooling properties and slip resistance, reducing both ambient temperature and the risk of injury. The corridor also features 15,000 sqm of green landscaping and purpose-built vehicle lanes for golf carts and mobile transport units. 

Enhancing the comfort and accessibility of the journey are integrated urban elements including 385 seating units, 780 drinking fountains, 240 phone-charging stations, and 241 cooling spray columns, all located along the pathways and designed to support pilgrims during high-trac periods. Moreover, 12 large umbrellas and 70 informational panels have been installed to provide shade and essential guidance, improving orientation and awareness while supporting Kidana’s goal of digital and spatial wayfinding. 

To ensure that pilgrims can rest and rehydrate along the arduous routes, Kidana established rest areas spanning 28,000 sqm between the Holy Sites. These shaded zones were equipped with 60 chairs, 15 kiosks, 25 misting fans, 29 umbrellas, and nearly 8,000 sqm of rubber flooring. These eorts directly respond to the need for health-conscious urban design in the face of extreme summer heat, particularly during one of the world’s largest annual gatherings.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

In line with the kingdom’s growing emphasis on green infrastructure, Kidana has planted over 20,000 trees across 290,000 sqm to create natural shade and improve air quality. Water coolers were installed across 2,400 sqm, while Jabal Al-Rahmah saw a significant heat mitigation eort covering nearly 200,000 sqm, including 1,200 sqm of shaded area, and 129 strategically placed misting fans.

Elsewhere, Mina’s Namira Mosque courtyard was shaded with 320 canopies and cooled with 350 misting columns, covering 85,000 sqm. In Arafat and Mina, an additional 95,000 sqm were fitted with misting systems and shade structures to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals safely even in peak temperatures. The eastern courtyard of the Jamarat facility alone now features 200 misting fans, underscoring the priority given to thermal comfort and health protection. 

Pilgrim mobility was also enhanced through the replacement of traditional concrete stairs with 32 modern escalators across Mina, allowing elderly and differently abled pilgrims to move with greater ease. 

Together, these developments reflect a comprehensive vision for a modern, sustainable Hajj experience – one rooted in tradition yet prepared for the future. As millions of pilgrims gather from around the world, Kidana’s projects stand as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s ambition to transform the Holy Sites into a global benchmark for environmental sustainability, crowd safety, and Arab hospitality. 

PUSH TO CONSERVE WETLANDS

In a landmark move reflecting its deepening commitment to environmental stewardship, Saudi Arabia has offcially joined the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Represented by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), the kingdom's accession to the global treaty signals a strategic step toward preserving its vital ecosystems and advancing its vision for sustainable development. 

The Ramsar Convention, one of the world’s oldest multilateral environmental agreements, provides a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, which are natural habitats essential for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the well-being of communities. By joining, Saudi Arabia strengthens its role in global efforts to protect ecosystems across terrestrial and coastal zones, particularly at a time when climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss are increasingly interlinked challenges.

“This is more than an environmental milestone – it’s a commitment to ensuring that our natural heritage is protected for future generations,” said Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the NCW. “The conservation of wetlands directly contributes to ecological balance, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development. The kingdom’s accession to the Ramsar Convention is a strategic step that will enhance both environmental and economic benefits.”