Saudi Arabia has officially inaugurated the groundbreaking ‘Ala Khutah’ project, an ambitious cultural and spiritual initiative that recreates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) historic migration from Makkah to Madinah. The project, launched under the supervision of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), represents a significant development in religious tourism and cultural preservation.
Spanning 470 kilometers of historic terrain, the immersive experience features 41 meticulously documented landmarks, 59 educational stations, and 5 major event locations that collectively trace the original Hijrah route. Visitors will undertake 305 kilometers of the journey on foot, following the precise path taken during the first year of the Islamic calendar.
The project incorporates cutting-edge augmented reality technology to recreate historical events and provide workshops, offering participants both educational and spiritual enrichment. Infrastructure along the route includes seven dedicated accommodations, over 112 restaurants, and 68 retail establishments to support pilgrims throughout their journey.
GEA Chairman Turki Al Sheikh emphasized the project’s dual purpose of documenting historic milestones while fostering deeper understanding of the Prophet’s life. According to official statements, the initial phase aims to welcome one million visitors, with ambitious targets of five million by 2030 and potential expansion to accommodate ten million participants.
The ‘Ala Khutah’ initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy to enhance cultural tourism and religious visitation experiences. This project follows other recent developments in spiritual tourism infrastructure, including expansion projects around the Grand Mosque in Makkah.