Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – November 11, 2026

Saudi Arabia's Roads General Authority showcased advanced road inspection, maintenance, and asphalt recycling technologies during its participation in the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2026 at the Jeddah Superdome.

The technologies aim to improve the efficiency and safety of roads leading to the holy sites, supporting infrastructure reliability and the movement of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

The exhibition featured on-site asphalt recycling equipment, AI-powered road assessment systems, inspection drones, and specialized devices for measuring pavement conditions and road markings.

Asphalt Recycling Technology Reduces Maintenance Costs

Among the featured solutions was an on-site asphalt recycling machine capable of recycling existing asphalt layers and underlying materials directly at the road location.

According to the authority, the technology can reduce maintenance costs by 40% to 70% compared with conventional methods.

It also allows roads to reopen to traffic on the same day and helps reduce carbon emissions associated with maintenance operations.

AI and Drones Support Road Inspections

The Roads General Authority operates an advanced inspection and assessment fleet supported by artificial intelligence technologies.

The fleet includes drones used to inspect roads, bridges, drainage structures, and difficult terrain.

These systems also support thermal surveying and monitoring of road corridors, providing data that helps improve infrastructure inspections.

Advanced Pavement Assessment Equipment

The authority's fleet includes equipment for detecting surface damage, measuring skid resistance, assessing pavement deflection, and evaluating road thickness.

It also measures the International Roughness Index (IRI), an indicator used to assess pavement surface conditions.

The collected information supports maintenance planning and enables more informed decisions about road repairs.

Road Marking Inspection at Speeds of Up to 80 km/h

The authority also presented a road marking measurement device equipped with a high-resolution camera and GPS.

Operating at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, the device measures the reflectivity of pavement markings and collects location-based information.

These measurements help maintenance teams assess road marking conditions and improve maintenance efficiency.

Performance-Based Road Maintenance

The showcased technologies support the authority's adoption of performance-based maintenance contracts, which emphasize measurable quality standards and maintenance outcomes.

The approach is intended to improve road network management, strengthen inspection capabilities, and support timely maintenance decisions.

Saudi Arabia's Road Safety Goals for 2030

The authority is working toward national targets that include reaching sixth place in road quality rankings and reducing road traffic fatalities to fewer than five deaths per 100,000 people by 2030.

Modern inspection and maintenance technologies form part of its efforts to improve road safety and infrastructure performance.

Supporting the Pilgrim Experience

The technologies are particularly relevant to roads serving the holy sites, where reliable transport infrastructure is essential during Hajj and Umrah seasons.

The Roads General Authority's participation took place during the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2026, organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah from November 8 to 11 under the theme “From Makkah to the World.”