In a move aimed at deepening awareness of the Prophet's biography and enriching the religious and cultural experience of visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the "Following in His Footsteps" project was launched. This unique initiative allows visitors to trace the path of the Prophet's migration in a structured spiritual journey that blends historical significance with cutting-edge technology. The project aims to provide a comprehensive experience reflecting the historical and spiritual dimensions of this pivotal event in Islamic history, while also achieving a sustainable economic and developmental impact on the regions along the route.
Historical background: The Prophet's migration as a turning point
The Prophet's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE was a pivotal event in Islamic history. It was not merely a geographical relocation, but the beginning of the establishment of the first Islamic state. This blessed journey was undertaken by divine command, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companion Abu Bakr (may God be pleased with him) secretly left Mecca, taking a rugged route to avoid pursuit by the Quraysh. A significant stop on this journey was the Cave of Thawr, where they stayed for three days, a testament to God's care and protection of His Prophet. This journey is a story rich with lessons in planning, patience, trust in God, and brotherhood.
Ambitious goals and a comprehensive visitor experience
The “Following in His Footsteps” project aims to attract one million visitors in its first phase, with ambitious plans to reach five million by 2030 and explore increasing that number to ten million in the future. To achieve this, infrastructure development is underway along the route, most notably the installation of a cable car in the Gar Thor area to facilitate visitor access, with an operational capacity of up to three thousand people per hour. Initial tests have demonstrated widespread international interest, with applications from Indonesia alone exceeding two million, reflecting the anticipated high demand for this unique experience that blends cultural, sporting, and historical dimensions.
Economic development and creation of opportunities
The project carries significant developmental and economic dimensions, as it is expected to provide approximately 25,000 jobs in its first phase, with this number projected to rise to 200,000 direct and indirect jobs in the future. Employment will be coordinated between the Makkah Region Governorate, the Madinah Region Governorate, and the Sila Company, with specialized training courses provided to employees to ensure the delivery of high-quality services that comply with Islamic principles and respect the sanctity of the location. The route extends over 470 kilometers, passing through 41 historical landmarks, including five key sites associated with the Hijra (Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina), thus opening up vast opportunities for investment in the hospitality, transportation, and service sectors along the way.
Digital transformation to enhance the experience
To keep pace with technological advancements and facilitate the visitor experience, the “Following in His Footsteps” app was launched, offering users access to a comprehensive suite of digital services. Through the app, visitors can book various experience packages, view the itinerary map and its key stops, and obtain documented historical information about each landmark, ensuring a seamless and interactive experience that enhances accessibility to information and services.
Integrated national efforts within the framework of Vision 2030
The launch of the “Following in His Footsteps” project comes within the framework of national efforts to preserve historical sites associated with the Prophet’s biography and to activate them as attractive cultural and religious destinations. The project aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the religious and cultural experience, diversify income sources, and develop the tourism sector. The project's launch is the result of collaboration among several government entities, including the Madinah Region Development Authority, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Quality of Life Program, the Guests of God Service Program, and the Sila Company. This reflects a collaborative framework aimed at ensuring the success of this pioneering initiative and establishing it as a leading destination for religious and cultural tourism from within the Kingdom and abroad.
