A project following in his footsteps: Reviving the Prophet's migration route with Vision 2030
The “Following in His Footsteps” project represents a qualitative leap in the concept of religious and historical tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It aims to document and revive the route of the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijra), enabling visitors to retraceive the steps of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companion Abu Bakr al-Siddiq on their historic journey from Mecca to Medina. This project is part of a structured framework that reflects the historical dimensions of this momentous event that changed the course of history, and it directly contributes to raising awareness of the Prophet's noble biography.
The historical and spiritual significance of the migration route
The Prophet's migration (Hijra) holds paramount importance in Islamic history. It was not merely a geographical relocation, but rather the beginning of the establishment of the Islamic state and the launch of a civilization that illuminated the world. The project encompasses more than 40 historical landmarks along the 470-kilometer route, allowing visitors to experience the events in their original locations, starting from the Cave of Thawr in Mecca, passing through rest stops and lodgings, and culminating in Quba in Medina. This spiritual experience aims to connect current generations with the rich Islamic heritage in an interactive way that blends tradition and modernity.
Ambitious plans to welcome millions of visitors
As part of its operational plan, the first phase of the project aims to welcome one million visitors, with strategic plans to reach five million visitors by 2030, and future studies to increase capacity to ten million visitors. Initial indicators have shown global enthusiasm for this experience, with applications from Indonesia alone exceeding two million, reflecting the strong desire among Muslim populations to explore the details of the Prophet's life firsthand.
Advanced infrastructure and modern technologies
To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, work is underway to develop a comprehensive infrastructure, including the installation of a cable car in the Ghar Thour area to facilitate visitor access with an operational capacity of up to 3,000 people per hour. The “On His Footsteps” digital application has also been launched, serving as a comprehensive guide that allows users to book packages and view interactive maps of the route and stations, thus integrating modern technology with heritage services.
Sustainable economic and developmental impact
The project's impact extends beyond the cultural and religious spheres, encompassing significant economic and developmental dimensions for the regions along its route. It is expected to generate approximately 25,000 jobs in its initial phase, with the potential to increase to 200,000 direct and indirect jobs in the future, thus supporting local development and enhancing quality of life. This endeavor is a result of seamless coordination between regional emirates and various government entities, such as the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and the Guests of God Service Program, to achieve the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in enriching the visitor experience and establishing the Kingdom as a leading global tourist destination.
