Madinah, a city revered for its spiritual and historical significance, is set to become a global hub for medical tourism with the launch of the “Heart of Uhud” project. This ambitious medical and rehabilitation resort, located north of the Prophet’s Mosque, aims to bolster Madinah’s status as a leading destination for comprehensive wellness and specialised healthcare.
Spanning 240,000 square metres, the Heart of Uhud resort will offer a range of rehabilitative services delivered by highly qualified professionals. With its competitive advantages—including rich historical landmarks, a diverse geographical landscape, and a unique spiritual significance—the project seeks to position Madinah as a centre of excellence and a global leader in medical tourism.
A comprehensive vision for wellness and rehabilitation
The Heart of Uhud resort will provide comprehensive wellness services and rehabilitation programmes tailored to the specific needs of residents and visitors. The resort leverages market research and behavioural studies conducted among the Madinah community to ensure that its services resonate with the preferences of a diverse clientele.
Beyond offering world-class rehabilitative care, the project is designed to enhance Madinah’s tourism appeal. It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to attract 30 million annual visitors to Madinah by 2030. By capitalising on the city’s unique spiritual and religious significance, the Heart of Uhud resort is poised to highlight Madinah’s rich heritage and contribute to its growing appeal as a medical tourism and wellness destination.
Strategic partnerships for growth
The announcement of the Heart of Uhud project comes on the heels of another strategic partnership in Madinah. Al-Othaim Investment Company recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Al-Maqar Development Company to cooperate on establishing joint projects in development and urban planning. This collaboration aims to deliver major qualitative projects in Madinah within the framework of Al-Othaim’s strategy to expand across the Kingdom, including the western region.
Mishal bin Omairah, CEO of Al-Othaim Investment, and Majid bin Mohammed Al-Shalhoub, CEO of Al-Maqar Development and Development, signed the memorandum, which includes cooperation frameworks focused on development and cultural projects in Madinah. The strategic partnership aligns with Vision 2030 and the vision of the Crown Prince of Madinah to achieve sustainable economic and social development.
“The Madinah region receives special attention from His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince,” said Omairah. “He is working to continuously develop the region, launching many major projects under the close follow-up of His Highness the Emir of the region and his deputy.”
Majid bin Mohammed Al-Shalhoub added, “Al-Maqar Development Company seeks pioneering, innovative, and distinctive projects that support the Kingdom’s economy. Our strategy targets development and urban projects that achieve self-continuation and contribute to improving the quality of life.”
Al-Othaim Investment seeks to raise the level of the local economy in Madinah by creating multi-use projects that provide new job opportunities and contribute to enhancing the standard of living and well-being of citizens.
Madinah: a city of spiritual and historical importance
Known as the second holiest city in Islam, Madinah is a key pilgrimage site for Muslims worldwide. The Prophet’s Mosque, or Masjid al-Nabawi, houses the tomb of Prophet Muhammad and attracts millions of visitors each year. Besides its religious significance, Madinah is also home to historical landmarks such as Quba Mosque and Mount Uhud, making it a prime destination for cultural tourism.
Madinah’s diverse geographical landscape includes fertile plains, volcanic hills, and desert landscapes, offering visitors a unique mix of spiritual, historical, and natural attractions. The Heart of Uhud project aims to elevate this experience by offering visitors a tranquil environment for healing and wellness while highlighting the spiritual importance of the region.
Growing markets of medical and wellness tourism
Saudi Arabia aims to establish itself as a new medical tourism hub, as more travellers seek high-quality healthcare services and wellness experiences. The Heart of Uhud resort is designed to tap into this growing market by providing a holistic approach to health and wellness, blending modern medical practices with the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Madinah.
Wellness tourism, a growing segment of the travel industry, focuses on preventive health and lifestyle enhancement. With its rehabilitative programmes, spiritual environment, and comprehensive wellness services, the Heart of Uhud resort aligns perfectly with the needs of high-end travellers seeking unique wellness experiences.
For travel advisors, the Heart of Uhud resort presents a unique opportunity to offer clients an unparalleled blend of spirituality, history, and wellness. The resort’s comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and wellness will appeal to discerning travellers looking for exclusive, transformative experiences.
As Madinah prepares to welcome 30 million annual visitors by 2030, travel advisors can play a key role in positioning the city as a must-visit destination for medical tourism and wellness.
By incorporating the Heart of Uhud resort into their offerings, advisors can provide clients with a distinctive experience that combines world-class healthcare with the serene, spiritual ambiance of Madinah, redefining the future of luxury travel in Saudi Arabia.
