The Saudi Ministry of Sports announced the launch of the “Journey to the Holy Sites” program on Tuesday, which will continue until January 29, with wide participation from elite young people from various Arab and Islamic countries. This important event is being organized in the cities of Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, in close cooperation with strategic partners, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States, with the aim of building bridges of cultural communication and knowledge exchange among the youth of the Muslim world.
Historical background and religious significance
This initiative stems from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's historic and pioneering role in serving Islam and Muslims. Since its founding, the Kingdom has given utmost attention to the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites, dedicating all its resources to providing the best possible services to pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors. The Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages are among the fundamental pillars of Islam, yearning for the hearts of more than 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. This program offers participating youth a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the immense efforts and ongoing development projects undertaken by the Kingdom to facilitate the performance of the rituals and ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims, thus deepening their understanding of this pivotal role.
Program objectives and expected impact
The “Journey to the Holy Sites” program aims to achieve several strategic goals. First, it seeks to familiarize participating youth with the integrated system of services and advanced infrastructure managed by the Kingdom to serve pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. Second, it aims to highlight national achievements in various fields, particularly in empowering youth and enhancing their active role in the comprehensive development the country is witnessing, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Regionally and internationally, the program is expected to contribute to strengthening fraternal ties among the youth of Arab and Islamic countries and to create a realistic and positive image of the Kingdom as a leading cultural, economic, and civilizational center, in addition to its religious role. The program also serves as a platform for youth diplomacy, thus strengthening relations between the Kingdom and the communities of the Islamic world.
A program packed with visits and events
The program's agenda includes field visits to the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, where participants will learn about the meticulous organizational mechanisms and logistical services provided during the Hajj season. Participants will also perform Umrah and visit Madinah to explore its most prominent historical and cultural landmarks associated with the Prophet's life, as well as visit cultural museums that narrate the rich history of Islam. The trip also includes a visit to Jeddah, the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, to explore its historical, cultural, and pioneering aspects, and to see its most important modern and sporting landmarks, offering participants a comprehensive experience that combines spirituality, knowledge, and culture.
