Saudi Arabia Launches Project to Develop Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Historic Migration Route, Covering More Than 470 Kilometres

*MADINAH:* Saudi Arabia has launched a project to preserve and develop the historic route taken by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his migration from Makkah to Madinah, aiming to transform it into an organised historical and spiritual experience for visitors.

The project, titled *“Ala Khutah” (In His Footsteps),* aims to develop 41 historical sites along a route extending more than 470 kilometres. It is designed to preserve important locations associated with the Prophet’s migration, improve visitor facilities and help pilgrims and tourists learn more about one of the most significant events in Islamic history.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah Region, inaugurated the project on February 16, 2026. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, and Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, were also among the senior officials associated with the launch.

The project seeks to present the historic journey undertaken by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companion, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA), in a structured and accessible format. It also aims to preserve sites associated with the migration, enhance awareness of the Prophet’s life and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the historical circumstances surrounding the journey. More Than 470 Kilometres of Historical Heritage

According to project information, the initiative covers more than 470 kilometres of the historic migration route and includes the development of 41 historical sites. Five key locations associated with the migration have been given particular prominence.

The project incorporates modern technology and interactive experiences to help visitors understand the events and significance of the migration. A dedicated museum associated with the Hijrah journey is also part of the initiative, offering information about the journey’s major stages and its lasting impact on Islamic history.

The planned visitor experience includes historical interpretation, guidance and facilities at selected locations. Depending on the itinerary, visitors may explore different sections of the route on foot or by vehicle, with some programmes offering opportunities to experience traditional modes of travel.

The duration of the journey can vary from several hours to multiple days, depending on the programme and the sections selected by visitors. Target of One Million Visitors in the First Phase

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, has outlined a target of one million visitors for the project’s first phase, with the ambition of increasing the number to five million by 2030. A longer-term target of reaching up to 10 million visitors has also been discussed.

Saudi authorities expect the initiative to contribute to the preservation of historical heritage while supporting tourism, local businesses and employment opportunities.

Several government bodies are involved in the broader initiative, including the Madinah Region Development Authority, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Saudi Tourism Authority and organisations responsible for improving the visitor experience.

The project also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme, which seeks to diversify the economy, develop tourism and preserve the Kingdom’s historical and cultural heritage. Is Saudi Arabia Building a New Road Along the Migration Route?

An important distinction must be made between developing the historic migration route and constructing a completely new highway.

The development of the historic Hijrah route under the Ala Khutah project has been announced. However, available official announcements do not confirm that Saudi Arabia is constructing an entirely new, separate highway specifically for this purpose.

The initiative primarily focuses on developing and preserving historical sites, improving visitor access, providing interpretive facilities and creating an organised experience centred on the Prophet’s migration.

Makkah and Madinah are already connected by the existing Hijrah Highway, which is approximately 524 kilometres long. In August 2024, Saudi Arabia’s Roads General Authority reported improvements to the highway, including road-surface maintenance, safety measures and work addressing risks associated with falling rocks.

Those measures concern improvements to the existing highway and should not be confused with the Ala Khutah project, which focuses on the historical migration route and its associated sites. Preserving Islamic History for Future Generations

The Ala Khutah project represents an effort to make the history of the Prophet’s migration more accessible to visitors from Saudi Arabia and around the world. By developing historical sites, improving visitor facilities and using modern interpretation methods, the initiative aims to strengthen public understanding of the journey and its significance in Islamic history.

*Sources:* Saudi Press Agency (SPA), official project information and the Ala Khutah project website.