Madinah Revives Historic Islamic Sites to Welcome Millions of Pilgrims Under Vision 2030
RIYADH: The Madinah Region Development Authority is advancing a series of ambitious restoration and redevelopment projects to preserve key religious and historical sites in Islam’s second holiest city. These initiatives are drawing increasing numbers of visitors and pilgrims to Madinah, enriching their spiritual journey and aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Among the most notable efforts is the ongoing restoration of the Battle of the Trench site, a location of profound historical and religious value where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions dug a trench to defend Madinah during a pivotal battle in 627 C.E.
The authority is also leading the redevelopment of the Miqat of Dhu Al-Hulaifah, the sacred location where the Prophet entered the state of Ihram before performing Umrah. The initiative includes an expansion of mosque facilities and enhanced services to better accommodate pilgrims beginning their rites.
Over the past year, numerous other landmarks across Madinah have seen significant upgrades. These include:
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Modern amenities and digital guide services to enhance visitor accessibility.
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Pedestrian infrastructure and electric vehicle lanes in the central area and around the Prophet’s Mosque.
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A dedicated pedestrian path to Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in Islam.
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New landscaping and public utilities to improve comfort and aesthetics for visitors.
Two landmark mega-projects are also transforming Madinah:
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Rua Al-Madinah Project: A large-scale urban development featuring a sophisticated underground tunnel network, luxury hotels, and improved hospitality services. The project aims to help Madinah reach a capacity of 30 million visitors annually by 2030.
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Al-Matal Project: A newly announced initiative creating integrated tourist and recreational facilities along the mountainside of the Al-Jamawat neighborhood, combining natural beauty with modern comforts.
These projects reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to preserving Islamic heritage while modernizing infrastructure to support religious tourism. As part of Vision 2030, Madinah’s transformation into a world-class spiritual destination continues to accelerate, blending reverence with innovation.