MADINAH — General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh said that the ‘Ala Khutah’ (In His Footsteps) project aims to welcome one million visitors during its first phase. “The target is five million visitors by 2030, with a potential expansion to 10 million. The project, which aligns with Vision 2030, strengthens the care of historical sites and enrich visitors’ cultural and spiritual experiences in Madinah and beyond,” he said while addressing the ceremony of launching ‘Ala Khutah’ (In His Footsteps) project in Madinah on Monday. The GEA Chief said that the project would not have been possible without the support of the wise leadership. Al-Sheikh explained that he received explicit directives from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that the residents of the pilgrimage route (the people of Makkah and Madinah) should benefit from employment opportunities in the project. “The first phase targets approximately 25,000 jobs, with the goal of reaching 200,000 direct and indirect jobs in the future. Employment will be managed through the emirates of Makkah and Madinah in coordination with the Sila Company, so as to provide specialized training courses in accordance with Islamic principles. This was the case in the first phase, where those appointed will be receiving training under the supervision of Sheikh Saad Al-Shathri and a group of other scholars,” he said while emphasizing the leadership’s commitment to ensuring the project adheres to Islamic principles and holding accountable anyone who violates them. Al-Sheikh revealed that a major forum will be held in April under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and with the direct follow-up of the Emir of Madinah Prince Salman bin Sultan to offer investment opportunities of this project in front of businessmen from all over the Islamic world.
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