Successful conclusion to an international youth program
The Saudi Ministry of Sports concluded its “Journey of the Holy Sites” program on Wednesday evening, which took place in the cities of Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina. The closing ceremony, held in Jeddah, was attended by the Assistant Deputy Minister for Youth Affairs, Mr. Ahmed bin Salem Al-Ghamlas, and honored 110 promising young people representing more than 34 Arab and Islamic countries, in an initiative aimed at strengthening cultural and youth ties.
A complete spiritual and cultural journey
Throughout the program, participants immersed themselves in a unique experience that blended spirituality, culture, and knowledge. In Mecca, they had the opportunity to perform Umrah and visit the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, where they witnessed firsthand the scale of the massive projects and advanced organizational mechanisms that the Kingdom provides to serve pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons. In Medina, the young people toured the Prophet's Mosque and learned about the most prominent historical and cultural landmarks associated with the Prophet's life, in addition to visiting cultural museums that tell the story of Islam's rich history.
Historical context and Vision 2030
This unique initiative comes within the context of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's historic and pioneering role in serving the Two Holy Mosques and caring for their visitors. The program, implemented in cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States, falls under the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great importance on enriching the religious and cultural experience of visitors, opening the Kingdom's doors to the world to introduce them to its rich history and prosperous present, and reinforcing its position as the beating heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds.
The importance of the program and its international impact
The significance of the “Journey to the Holy Sites” lies in its role as a bridge for cultural and civilizational exchange between the youth of the Kingdom and their peers from various countries. Through this field experience, participants become unofficial ambassadors, conveying an accurate picture of the Kingdom’s development and efforts to their communities. The program also contributes to strengthening the values of brotherhood and mutual understanding, challenging stereotypes, and building a network of positive relationships among future leaders in the Islamic world, thus enhancing the Kingdom’s cultural and youth diplomacy on the international stage.
Jeddah... A window to the present and the future
The trip wasn't limited to the spiritual aspect; it also encompassed aspects of the country's modern development. In Jeddah, the youth delegation explored its historical, cultural, and pioneering aspects, and visited a number of prominent sports landmarks, providing them with a comprehensive picture of Saudi Arabia, which skillfully blends the authenticity of the past with the ambition of the future, and underscores the role of sports as a tool for empowering youth and achieving comprehensive development.
