The Holy Sites Journey program concludes with the participation of 34 countries

Holy Sites Journey program on Wednesday evening , a unique event that brought together young people from across the Islamic world. The closing ceremony was attended by the Assistant Deputy Minister for Youth Affairs, Ahmed bin Salem Al-Ghamlas, amidst a festive atmosphere that reflected the deep bonds of brotherhood among the 110 young participants representing more than 34 Arab and Islamic countries.

This program is the result of strategic cooperation between the Ministry of Sports, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States, with the aim of creating a live interactive platform that enables young people to closely learn about the cultural and Islamic heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A spiritual and historical tour of Mecca and Medina

The program wasn't limited to theoretical aspects; it featured a packed schedule of field trips covering the holy cities. In Mecca , participants had the opportunity to perform Umrah, adding a profound spiritual dimension to the journey. The tour also included field visits to the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

During these visits, the youth delegation was briefed on the massive infrastructure and mega projects implemented by the Kingdom’s government to facilitate the Hajj journey, and they learned about the precise organizational mechanisms and the logistical and security services that are harnessed to serve the guests of God, reflecting the scale of the efforts made to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims and Umrah performers.

In Medina , the participants had a rich cultural experience by visiting historical landmarks related to the Prophet’s biography, as well as visiting cultural museums that document the city’s history and development throughout the ages, which contributed to enriching their knowledge of Islamic history.

Jeddah: The gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and a cultural heartland

The tour concluded in Jeddah, where the young people experienced another facet of the Kingdom, one that blends tradition and modernity. The visit included the historic district of Jeddah (Al-Balad), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the city's sporting and entrepreneurial landmarks, reflecting the comprehensive development the Kingdom is undergoing under Vision 2030.

Strategic dimensions and global message

The Holy Sites Journey Program holds special significance that transcends its status as a fleeting youth activity; it represents a tool of soft power that highlights the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims. The program's primary objectives are:

• Correcting misconceptions: Presenting the true and bright image of the Kingdom and its tremendous efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques.
• Empowering youth: Building bridges of communication between Arab and Islamic youth, and exchanging experiences and cultures, which contributes to preparing a generation that is aware of the issues of its nation.
• Promoting shared values: Consolidating the values ​​of tolerance, moderation and centrism adopted by the Kingdom, and conveying this message through the participants to their countries to be ambassadors of peace and love.

The success of this program confirms the Ministry of Sports’ continued commitment to supporting initiatives that promote Islamic solidarity and advance youth development towards broader horizons, in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership to make the Kingdom a meeting place for civilizations and a beacon of cultural and intellectual enlightenment.