Saudi Arabia to establish permanent museum on history of Hajj, Two Holy Mosques

The plan was discussed at a meeting chaired by Prince Faisal bin Salman

Last updated: September 28, 2025 | 21:33

Khitam Al Amir

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Dubai: Saudi Arabia will establish a permanent museum dedicated to the history of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques, officials announced, marking a major step in preserving the Kingdom’s religious and cultural heritage.

The plan was discussed at a meeting of the High Supervisory Committee for the “History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques” project, chaired by Prince Faisal bin Salman, special advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and chairman of the board of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah).

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The national initiative aims to chronicle centuries of pilgrimage history and transformations in the service of Islam’s holiest sites. The museum will serve as a comprehensive knowledge reference documenting the history of the Two Holy Mosques, the rituals of Hajj and Umrah over the centuries, and the significant transformations in their management and services.

The initiative, originally conceived as an academic encyclopaedia under the title “Encyclopaedia of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques” has evolved into a pioneering national project managed by Darah in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah through the Guests of God Service Programme. It enjoys the patronage of King Salman and ongoing support from Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

During the committee meeting, members also announced the upcoming “Historical Events in the Prophet’s Biography: Perspectives on Research and Documentation” forum, to be held in Medina alongside the Umrah Forum.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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