Skip to main content

Pakistan Celebrates National Day in UAE with Diplomatic Reception

  The Embassy of Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosted a grand reception today to commemorate Pakistan's National Day, attended by members of the diplomatic corps, senior UAE government officials, Emirati nationals, and the Pakistani community. His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, alongside Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh. The event featured traditional performances, including the national anthems of Pakistan and the UAE played on traditional instruments. The Pakistani flag was prominently displayed on the hotel building, visible across Abu Dhabi, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations . In his address, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi reflected on the significance of the Pakistan Resolution and the challenges faced by the nascent state in its journey toward socio-economic development. He highlighted various opportuni...

Saudi Arabia Implements Heat-Blocking Coating Project at Holy Sites: Enhancing Pilgrimage Comfort and Addressing Climate Challenges


 The Saudi Arabian authorities have embarked on an innovative project aimed at improving the comfort of pilgrims and tackling climate challenges at the holy sites in Makkah. The project involves the application of a heat-blocking coating, which promises to provide respite for pilgrims during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which often coincides with the scorching summer season.

The initiative is being implemented by the General Authority for Roads (GAR) in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, along with various relevant authorities. Its initial phase has already been carried out successfully in the Jamarat stoning area, showcasing the potential benefits it can offer to pilgrims.

The project draws upon a research study experiment that focused on cooling asphalt surfaces at the holy sites. Prior to its implementation in Makkah, the GAR, in partnership with the Ministry of Municipality, Rural Affairs and Housing, conducted several months of experimentation with this technology in the Riyadh region.

The rationale behind this initiative lies in the fact that roads tend to absorb significant amounts of heat during the daytime, often leading to road surface temperatures reaching as high as 70 degrees Celsius. This phenomenon, known as the 'heat island,' not only increases energy consumption but also contributes to air pollution.

To address this challenge, the research experiment explores the utilization of cold pavements featuring specially formulated homemade materials capable of absorbing lesser solar radiation. Consequently, the surface temperature of these pavements is notably lower compared to traditional ones. This technology proves particularly suitable for roads surrounding residential areas, as it aims to reduce neighborhood temperatures and minimize energy consumption for cooling buildings. Moreover, it contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change.

By applying the heat-blocking coating at the holy sites, the Saudi authorities are striving to create a more comfortable environment for pilgrims, especially in waiting areas and congregational spaces. The implementation of this project exemplifies the nation's commitment to sustainable infrastructure development and enhancing the overall experience of Hajj pilgrims.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's heat-blocking coating project is a remarkable step towards improving pilgrimage comfort and addressing climate challenges at the holy sites in Makkah. By reducing temperatures in residential areas, conserving energy, and mitigating climate change impacts, the initiative exemplifies the country's dedication to sustainable and inclusive practices. As pilgrims embark on their spiritual journey, this innovative approach ensures a more pleasant experience, fostering an atmosphere of tranquility and devotion.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Palestine Cola’s demand surges amid Israel’s war on Gaza

  A Palestinian-Swedish drinks maker has seen its alternative to Coca-Cola and Pepsi take off massively as consumers boycott the US brands over perceived ties to Israel, UAE media reported on Monday. Palestine Drinks said that it is struggling to meet the soaring demand, with some eateries in Europe opting to exclude the American-owned market leaders. Within just under two months, sales have skyrocketed to approximately four million cans. The three entrepreneurs from Malmo with Palestinian roots, Hussein, Mohammed, and Ahmad Hassoun took the initiative six months ago to create an alternative to popular soft drink brands like Pepsi and Coca-Cola. The brand they established has rapidly accumulated millions of engagements on social media and has captured the attention of companies globally, eager to distribute their cola product

How much consumers likely to face per unit hike in basic tariff?

  Power consumers likely to receive another ‘shock’ as the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is set to take up CPPA’s plea seeking a hike of Rs5 per unit in the base tariff Preparations are underway to impose an additional burden of over Rs 310 billion on electricity consumers. As per details, the electric power regulator will decide on the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) plea tomorrow, which is seeking a hike in the base tariff for the FY2024–25. CPPA has presented seven scenarios for power purchase prices, with an estimated range of Rs 25.03 to Rs 27.11 per unit. A report by the power division indicated that the circular debt was Rs 2,310 billion as of June 2023, marking an increase of Rs 325 billion over the following seven months up to January 2024. These developments signal continued financial strain on electricity consumers and highlight ongoing challenges within Pakistan’s power sector.

All Eyes on Rafah': The meaning behind the post going viral on Instagram

  The viral spread of the "All Eyes on Rafah" message on social media has shone a necessary light on concerning developments in the besieged Strip.  Created by a user in Malaysia, the simple yet powerful post featuring tents arranged in a cry for attention has resonated widely, with over 35 million shares on Instagram alone.  This massive grassroots response indicates a strong desire among netizens to comprehend why Rafah has emerged as a focal point. The city in Gaza finds itself in a precarious situation, with lives continually at risk. By drawing global eyes to recent strikes and the dire humanitarian conditions faced by civilians, the post aims to hold accountable those inflicting harm while also advocating for impacted communities.  As wit