The “Journey of Sacred Sites” begins with the participation of young people from the Islamic world

The “Journey of the Holy Sites” program, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Sports, kicked off yesterday, Tuesday, in Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, and will continue until January 29. The program features a distinguished group of young people representing various Arab and Islamic countries, in strategic cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States. This initiative aims to strengthen bonds of brotherhood and solidify the values ​​of cultural communication and knowledge exchange among the youth of the Arab and Islamic worlds.

Cultural context and future vision

This initiative comes at a time when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing major transformations within the framework of Vision 2030, which places serving pilgrims and enriching their religious and cultural experience at the forefront of its priorities. This focus extends beyond infrastructure development to include building bridges of understanding with Muslim communities. This program is an extension of the Kingdom's historical and pioneering role in the care of Islamic holy sites, aiming to familiarize the younger generation with the tremendous efforts and integrated system the state employs to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers, thus reflecting a bright image of the Kingdom's ongoing civilizational progress.

Program objectives and pathways

The program primarily aims to inform Arab and Muslim youth about Saudi Arabia's achievements across various sectors, with a particular focus on the Hajj and Umrah sector. It also highlights the Kingdom's accomplishments in empowering youth and enhancing their pivotal role in economic, cultural, social, and sporting development, creating a platform for participants to exchange experiences and best practices.

Field tours in the holy sites

The “Holy Sites Journey” program includes a series of intensive field visits, during which participants will visit the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah to gain firsthand insight into the meticulous organizational mechanisms and massive projects that ensure the smooth flow of Hajj, such as the Jamarat facility and the Al-Mashaaer Metro. These visits will allow young people to understand the scale of the operational challenges and how they are managed with high efficiency to guarantee the safety and security of the pilgrims.

A complete spiritual and cultural experience

In addition to its educational aspects, the program offers participants the opportunity to perform Umrah, visit Medina to pay their respects to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and explore historical and cultural landmarks associated with his life. The program also includes visits to cultural museums that document the history of Islam. Furthermore, the trip includes a visit to Jeddah, the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, to explore its historical character in the Al-Balad district and its modern, pioneering aspects, as well as visits to key landmarks and sports facilities that reflect the Kingdom's sporting renaissance.

Expected impact and importance of the event

This event holds significant regional and international importance, contributing to correcting misconceptions and building a true image of the Kingdom among Muslim youth. It also promotes the values ​​of tolerance and moderation by bringing together young people from diverse cultural backgrounds under one umbrella. The program is part of a series of initiatives by the Ministry of Sports aimed at activating youth diplomacy, consolidating shared values, and highlighting the Kingdom's leading role in serving the causes of the Muslim world and empowering its youth to build a promising future.