The initiation of the executive program for the Hajj Routes “Droub al-Hajj” to underscore the cultural impact of Islam and the esteemed status of the Two Holy Mosques.

The Saudi National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science (NCECS) signed an agreement with the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Jeddah on the executive plans for the Kingdom’s ‘Hajj Pilgrimage Routes & Historical Mosques Programme.’
The move came as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing educational, scientific and cultural sectors under the auspices of HRH the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Crown Prince; and in line with the directives of HH Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture and President of NCECS.
The agreement, which was signed alongside the 44th meeting of ICESCO Executive Council’s meeting, aims at reinforcing the cultural role of the religion of Islam, and cementing the stature of the Two Holy Mosques as a hub for world peace and cultures. It also defines the measures necessary to safeguarding the archaeological sites along the traditional routes of Hajj towards the holy city of Mecca (Makkah) as well as the historical mosques located in the organisation’s member states.
Under this programme, all historical mosques and agroecological sites will be duly recorded, catalogued and then inscribed on the ICESCO’s World Heritage Sites & Elements. This will boost and bolster the industries related to Hajj in different countries across the globe.
The terms of the agreement provide for cementing the status of the Hajj routes and historical mosques, and safeguarding their material and immaterial aspects, as they stand as original cultural and civilizational landmarks in the Islamic states they are located.
Highlighting the significant influence the Islamic civilisation has had on the global cultural landscape is also part of the agreement.
As per the agreement, interactive structural venues; such as museums, electronic platforms and promotional networks, will be established. Their role will be to shed light on the chronological development of the Hajj routes to Mecca (Makkah) and the related historical mosques. Also, a global uniform ecosystem of the Hajj through supporting and marketing the national products related to the pilgrimage’s rituals in all the ICESCO member states.
Throughout history, the two holy mosques have been the confluence of different civilisations. They had stood as beacons for co-existence, cultural exchange, and global peace. It is common knowledge that the roues of Hajj and the landmarks situated along their sides represent the culture and heritage shared by the numerous Muslim countries and their peoples.
Hosting ICESCO Executive Council’s proceedings stands as a living proof of the Saudi Arbia stature as a powerhouse driving forward the educational, cultural and scientific development, both regionally and globally.