Public Works Authority Ashghal has completed a pilot of cool pavement on roads in Qatar. The authority announced the work on 19 August 2019. An asphalt-cooling material was applied to up to 200 metres of vehicle lanes on Abdullah bin Jassim Street, beside Souq Waqif, and to 200 metres of pedestrian and bicycle paths in front of Katara, the Cultural Village. According to an official from the Public Works Authority ('Ashghal') in Qatar, conventional asphalt absorbs up to 80 to 95% of sunlight, while the new coating reflects about 50%. Sensors will compare its temperature with conventional asphalt over an 18-month study, carried out with the Japanese company Oriental. The trial was designed to assess whether reflective road surfaces could reduce heat in exposed urban areas and improve comfort for pedestrians and cyclists during Qatar’s intense summer months.
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