Youth from OIC Launches Holy Sites Journey

RRI.CO.ID,  Saudi - Makkah Al-Mukarramah witnessed the launch of the 11th edition of the ‘Holy Sites Journey’ program, organized by the Ministry of Sports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States.

The opening ceremony took place on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, marking the start of a journey of knowledge and spirituality that will continue until 29 January 2026, with the participation of a select group of youth from across the Arab and Islamic world.

In an official statement received by RRI VOI on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, this edition of the program comes in the context of Saudi Arabia's current presidency of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers (ICYSM) and aims to inform youth delegations about the exceptional efforts and development projects undertaken by the Kingdom to serve the guests of the Most Merciful.

The program's schedule includes comprehensive field visits to the holy sites (Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa) to learn about the advanced organizational mechanisms followed during the Hajj season, in addition to performing the Umrah rituals.

The trip also includes a visit to Madinah to learn about the historical landmarks associated with the Prophet's biography and the development of the architecture of the Prophet's Mosque, as well as a stop in Jeddah to visit internationally recognized heritage sites and major sports facilities that embody the Kingdom's urban and sporting renaissance.

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation emphasized that the ‘ Holy Sites Journey’ program is a living example of strengthening ties between the youth of the Islamic countries and providing an ideal platform for exchanging expertise and experiences and consolidating the values of acquaintance and solidarity.

The OIC General Secretariat also praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to supporting and sponsoring joint youth programs, which contribute to building a generation that is aware of and proud of its identity and open to the prospects of international cooperation.