IWD
The city of Madinah holds major historical, religious, and economic importance for its unique location. The Prophet’s Mosque and his sacred tomb attract millions of pilgrims to the city every year, making Madinah a key city for the tourism industry in the Kingdom. The Islamic World District (IWD) is located on the eastern side of the Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Madinah and is parallel to the Haramain train station on the eastern side, thus forming the gateway to Madinah for visitors coming through the international airport or the train station.
The project aims to reflect the diverse Islamic cultures spread across different countries and regions through the central spine, which includes F&B and retail shops designed in a contemporary Islamic architectural style to enrich the cultural and sensory experience.
Rooted in cultural depth and spiritual legacy, Madinah stands as one of the most revered and visited cities in the Islamic world. With millions of pilgrims drawn annually to the Prophet’s Mosque and his sacred tomb, the city is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s tourism vision.
Strategically located within the eastern zone of the Knowledge Economic City (KEC), and adjacent to the Haramain high-speed train station, the Islamic World District (IWD) forms a symbolic and physical gateway to the city for visitors arriving by air or rail.
This unique project is envisioned to celebrate the richness and diversity of Islamic cultures across the globe. A central pedestrian spine weaves through the district, lined with F&B and retail experiences designed in a contemporary Islamic architectural language, offering a vibrant, immersive journey that blends tradition with modernity — an experiential vision brought to life.
