- Saudi Arabia’s immersive
Hijrah experience opens in November. - Over 1 million people have already registered.
- The 470 km route includes 41 restored sites and a Hijrah museum.
- Part of Vision 2030 to boost religious and cultural tourism.
Saudi Arabia’s groundbreaking cultural project, ‘In the Prophet’s Steps’, has crossed a major milestone, over one million people have registered to take part in the immersive Hijrah experience ahead of its official November launch. Led by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), this initiative brings to life the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah, aiming to offer a deeply spiritual, historically accurate, and technologically advanced journey to both domestic and international visitors.
The Project: What ‘In the Prophet’s Steps’ Is All About
‘In the Prophet’s Steps,’ also referred to as Darb Al-Hijrah, is an experiential and educational initiative by the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia. The project was officially inaugurated in January by Prince Salman bin Sultan, Emir of the Madinah Region, during a ceremony held near Mount Uhud. Developed in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority and relevant historical and governmental institutions, the initiative was unveiled as one of the GEA’s most ambitious cultural and religious heritage experiences to date.The project reconstructs the 470-kilometer migration route taken by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companion Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. This journey, known as the Hijrah, marks one of the most critical turning points in Islamic history. It laid the foundation for the spread of Islam and the formation of the first Islamic state. The project combines spiritual significance with historical authenticity. Developed in close cooperation with governmental and historical institutions, it aims to offer visitors:
- Restored historical landmarks: 41 key sites along the Prophet’s migration route have been revived, preserving their religious and historical importance.
- Five interactive stations: Each station will present major events from the journey using immersive storytelling and advanced technology.
- A dedicated Hijrah Museum: Visitors will be able to explore the historical context of the migration through artifacts, digital exhibits, and educational materials.
- Modern rest stations: Eight sites, mirroring where the Prophet (PBUH) rested during the journey, will include lodging, dining, and traveler services.
- Spiritual spaces: Quiet areas for prayer and contemplation are integrated throughout the route to encourage reflection and connection with the deeper meaning of the Hijrah.
The entire experience will last for six months beginning in November, offering a high-quality, safe, and spiritually enriching journey to participants from around the world.
One Million and Counting: Public Response and Global Expansion
The announcement of over one million registration requests was made by Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, via X (formerly Twitter). He wrote:“Alhamdulillah, we’ve received over a million requests for the Hijrah trail in the ‘On His Path’ experience… See you in November, insha’Allah.” Alalshikh expressed his deep gratitude to Saudi leadership for enabling this monumental project. He thanked Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for his unwavering support, as well as Prince Salman bin Sultan, Emir of the Madinah Region, and Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of the Makkah Region, for their ongoing commitment. The project has already witnessed tremendous global enthusiasm, particularly in Indonesia, where footage showed long queues of people eager to take part. Similar rollouts are now planned in Malaysia, Turkey, and India, part of a larger international expansion strategy aimed at reviving and sharing the Hijrah experience with the global Muslim community.
Making the Hijrah Accessible: Advanced Planning and Technology
Given the rugged terrain of the Hijrah route, major investments have been made to ensure accessibility, safety, and comfort for all visitors. Key features include:
- Specialized 4×4 transport buses to facilitate movement across challenging sections of the trail.
- Advanced access to Ghar Thawr (Cave of Thawr): A significant innovation now allows visitors to reach this landmark in just three minutes, a journey that previously required a two-hour hike.
These developments reflect the project’s commitment to combining spiritual and historical authenticity with modern-day comfort and inclusivity. Alalshikh stated that this project underscores the Kingdom’s focus on showcasing its historical and civilizational heritage, as per the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.The experience is carefully planned to accommodate 300,000 visitors in this first season. The broader target is to welcome 5 million visitors annually by 2030, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes cultural revitalization and diversification of the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
Why It Matters: History, Heritage, and the Future
The Hijrah was not merely a physical journey; it was a defining moment in Islamic civilization. As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers fled persecution in Makkah, the migration signaled the start of a new chapter, a society built on faith, justice, and unity. This experience seeks to bring that moment to life for today’s audiences, making it tangible and impactful.Prince Salman bin Sultan emphasized that ‘In the Prophet’s Steps’ forms part of broader national efforts to rehabilitate and activate significant Islamic heritage sites. These initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its rich religious and cultural legacy while offering visitors meaningful spiritual experiences rooted in authentic traditions. The initiative also offers Saudi Arabia a distinct edge in the religious tourism sector, enhancing its appeal beyond the traditional Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. By offering an experience that blends history, faith, education, and cultural identity, it aims to attract new types of visitors from across the Muslim world and beyond.
FAQs:
Q: What is ‘In the Prophet’s Steps’? It is a cultural project that recreates the historic migration route of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah.Q: When will the experience start? The experience will officially launch in November 2025 and continue for six months.Q: How many people are expected to visit? The first phase expects around 300,000 visitors, with a goal of 5 million annually by 2030.Q: What can visitors expect to see and do? Visitors can explore restored historical sites, interactive exhibits, a dedicated museum, rest stations, and spaces for prayer and reflection.
