Saudi Arabia Launches ‘In the Prophet’s Steps’: A Landmark Experience Recreating the Hijrah Journey
Saudi Arabia is set to welcome 300,000 visitors this November for In the Prophet’s Steps, a groundbreaking project that recreates the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration route from Makkah to Madinah.
Organised by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), the project has drawn immense global interest, with over one million people registering for the inaugural season.
A Journey Through Time and Faith
The Hijrah route, spanning 470 kilometres, has been meticulously reconstructed using advanced technology and immersive design. Of this, 305 kilometres are walkable, allowing participants to trace the Prophet’s footsteps through restored desert landscapes and historically significant sites.
Forty-one landmarks have been rehabilitated along the route, supported by eight service stations and five interactive hubs that narrate key moments of the migration. Visitors will also have access to a dedicated Migration Museum, offering further insight into the significance of the Hijrah in Islamic history.
To enhance comfort and accessibility, the experience includes 30 restaurants and 50 retail outlets, with capacity to host up to 12,000 visitors daily. Specially designed 4x4 vehicles will transport visitors across rugged terrain, while new technology has shortened the traditionally arduous climb to the Cave of Thawr from two hours to just three minutes.
Global Appeal and Vision for 2030
While interest has been strong globally, Indonesia has emerged as a leading source of participants, followed closely by Malaysia, Turkey, and India. The project is expected to expand internationally in the coming years, with a long-term goal of welcoming five million visitors annually by 2030.
Combining historical authenticity with immersive storytelling and modern amenities, In the Prophet’s Steps is designed to be both a reflective pilgrimage and a transformative educational experience.
The project underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing efforts to blend heritage preservation with cultural tourism, making Islamic history more accessible to a new generation of global travellers.
