MAKKAH: More than 60,000 trees have been planted across the holy sites in Makkah, in a major greening drive that underscores the Kingdom’s push to enhance sustainability and improve the pilgrimage experience, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Kidana Development Co., a subsidiary of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said it recently planted 40,000 trees, building on an earlier phase of over 20,000 plantings.
The combined effort marks a threefold increase in green spaces compared to last year’s Hajj season, helping to create a cooler, more comfortable environment for pilgrims.
Kidana has taken a science-led approach to the project, selecting plant species carefully chosen for their compatibility with local climatic conditions while keeping operational efficiency firmly in mind.
The initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, reflecting a broader strategy to balance development with environmental stewardship in and around Islam’s holiest sites.
Hajj and Umrah expert Ahmed Halabi said the initiative builds on a long-established tradition, pointing to the success of the charitable endowment afforestation project in Arafat, which first took root in 1404 AH (1983-4 AD). “This step affirms that the idea of tree-planting to reduce solar heat and expand green cover works,” he said.
The tree planting drive is a project of the Kidana Development Company, a subsidiary of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. (SPA)
Halabi stressed that Kidana’s role extends well beyond construction and development. “Planting 40,000 additional trees brings the total to more than 60,000, tripling the green spaces compared to last Hajj season. But afforestation is not simply about adding greenery. It actively lowers temperatures, alleviates heat stress and moderates the atmosphere, particularly for pilgrims arriving from cooler climates, giving them a more comfortable environment in which to perform their rituals.”
Environmental expert Faleh Al-Juhani described the planting of more than 60,000 trees as a strategic milestone representing a qualitative shift toward genuine environmental sustainability in one of the world’s most densely populated areas during Hajj season.
“Vegetation does far more than improve the visual landscape,” Al-Juhani said. “It measurably reduces surface heat absorption, increases natural shade and mitigates the urban heat island effect that typically grips densely built areas.”
A view of the Al-Mughmas Valley Park, a natural reserve that is emerging as a key eco-tourism destination in Makkah. (SPA)
He added that trees improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen; factors that directly benefit pilgrims’ health and reduce heat-related stress, particularly during the intense summer months.
Al-Juhani also highlighted the importance of species selection. Choosing plants suited to the local environment ensures the project’s long-term viability and minimizes water consumption; a critical consideration in a region where water resources are scarce.
The initiative, he concluded, is fully aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing quality of life and protecting the environment. “Expanding green spaces within the Holy Sites will create a safer, more comfortable environment for the pilgrims, and reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to leading on sustainable environmental solutions.”
