The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority, Advisor Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh, announced the details of the unique “Following in His Footsteps” project, stressing that this great project would not have seen the light of day were it not for the grace of God Almighty, and then the unlimited support given by the wise leadership to the tourism and entertainment sectors and to the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and with the close follow-up and unprecedented support of the inspiring leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the architect of the vision who is always keen to highlight the great Islamic heritage of the Kingdom.
Enhancing the visitor experience within the framework of Vision 2030
The “Following in His Footsteps” project comes within a strategic framework that is fully aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, specifically regarding the Guests of God Service Program, which aims to enrich the religious and cultural experience of pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. The project is not merely a tourist destination; it represents a living documentation of the Prophet’s life, thus reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as the heart of the Islamic world and a cradle of rich Islamic history. The Governor of Madinah Region, Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, and the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, played a pivotal role in accelerating the project’s progress and completion through an effective strategic partnership between the General Entertainment Authority and the governorates of Makkah and Madinah.
Crown Prince's directives and localization of jobs
In line with the commitment to sustainable human development, Al-Sheikh explained that he received a clear and direct directive from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stipulating that the highest priority in employment be given to residents of the region (Makkah and Madinah). The first phase of the project aims to provide approximately 25,000 jobs, with ambitious plans to reach 200,000 direct and indirect jobs in the near future. The recruitment process will be managed in direct coordination with the governorates of the two regions and the Sila Company, to ensure that national talent receives specialized training courses that adhere to Sharia principles. Those appointed in the first phase underwent intensive courses supervised by Sheikh Saad Al-Shathri and a select group of sheikhs, which underscores the leadership's commitment to full adherence to Sharia values and principles in all aspects of the project.
Ambitious figures and promising investment opportunities
On the economic and investment front, Al-Sheikh revealed plans for a major forum to be held next April under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and with the support of the Governor of Madinah. The forum aims to showcase promising investment opportunities within the project to business leaders from across the Islamic world. The General Entertainment Authority aspires to welcome one million visitors during its initial operational phase, with a target of reaching five million visitors by 2030. Given the Kingdom's vast potential, and following a request from Prince Salman bin Sultan to study increasing capacity, reaching ten million visitors is considered an achievable goal, especially after the resounding success of the pilot booking system, which received over two million booking requests from Indonesia alone.
A complete cultural and spiritual experience
The “Following in His Footsteps” project represents a qualitative leap in the concept of cultural and religious tourism, offering a rich experience that combines knowledge, enjoyment, and benefit. Among the project's most prominent features is a cable car at Mount Thawr, with a capacity of up to 3,000 people per hour, facilitating easy and convenient access for visitors to the rugged historical sites. This project underscores the Kingdom's commitment to providing a culturally, athletically, and commercially enriching experience befitting the sanctity of the Holy Land and fulfilling the aspirations of visitors from around the world.
