Some journeys begin with a passport and a boarding pass. Others begin long before departure, quietly awakening the heart with a longing that words can scarcely explain.
Journey to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah is one of those rare experiences. It is far more than travelling to another country; it becomes a journey through faith, history, culture, and nature – one that transforms the soul with the way you look at both the physical world and the spiritual one.
Even before one sets foot in Makkah, the unforgettable moments begin – something extraordinary as if the sky is giving you a golden welcome. The city unfolds against the darkness like a magnificent work of art, as the aircraft begins its descent towards the airport – the graceful patterns of Saudi Arabia’s traditional design seems to come alive in the golden ribbons of light that traces the roads and neighbourhoods, echoing the elegance of centuries-old Islamic geometry.
At the heart of this breathtaking scene stand the brilliantly illuminated minarets of Masjid al-Haram, rising above the city like beacons of faith. They seem to gather every golden line into a single sacred destination. It feels as though the entire city of Makkah was gently guiding every traveller towards the Holy Kaaba, where spirituality and architecture embrace in perfect harmony.
Further down, the magnificent hotels and towering buildings gradually emerge from darkness, their lights shimmering against the surrounding mountains that have silently witnessed the footsteps of prophets and millions of pilgrims for centuries. The contrast is unforgettable – modern engineering standing beside an ancient landscape, where history and faith have shaped humanity for generations.
Saudi Heritage, Spirituality and Nature: A Land Where Heritage Lives On
At that moment, I realised that Saudi Arabia offers something found in very few places on Earth. Its authentic heritage, timeless Islamic artistry, remarkable modern development, and profound spirituality do not compete with one another. Together, they create a landscape where history, faith, and human creativity become inseparable.
This breathtaking panorama is far more than a beautiful sight. It becomes an invitation to reflect – not only on spirituality and heritage, but also on humanity’s relationship with nature and our shared responsibility to create greener, and more sustainable cities.
Saudi Arabia has successfully preserved much of its cultural identity while embracing rapid modern development. Traditional architecture, beautifully carved wooden doors, intricate geometric patterns, handwoven textiles, and centuries-old markets reflect a civilisation deeply proud of its history. These cultural treasures are far more than decorative features. They tell stories of resilience, hospitality, faith, and the close relationship people once shared with their natural environment. In many ways, authentic Saudi craftsmanship mirrors nature itself – patient, balanced, enduring.
The Majesty of Makkah
Nothing can truly prepare a person for their first sight of Masjid al-Haram. Standing before the Holy Kaaba, surrounded by millions of believers from every corner of the world, one experience a profound sense of peace, humility, and unity. In those sacred moments, worldly differences disappear. Every pilgrim stands equal before Allah, reminding us that faith remains one of humanity’s greatest forces for unity.
Every prayer, every step around the Kaaba, and every heartfelt supplication fill one with gratitude and hope. Despite the magnificent skyscrapers surrounding the Holy Mosque, its spiritual essence remains untouched. It is a powerful reminder that true greatness is measured not only by the height of grand buildings but by the depth of faith.
Nature in the Desert
Travelling through different parts of Saudi Arabia reveals another extraordinary dimension of the country. Vast deserts stretch endlessly beneath brilliant blue skies, while rugged mountains rise dramatically from the earth, their weathered brown and black surfaces bearing the marks of countless centuries beneath the blazing Arabian sun.
The desert possesses its own quiet beauty. It teaches resilience, patience, endurance, and adaptation. Every hardy shrub, every drought-resistant tree, and every oasis speaks of life’s remarkable determination to flourish even under the harshest conditions.
However, amid these magnificent landscapes, I noticed that many urban areas remained largely devoid of trees. Grand highways, impressive buildings, and remarkable infrastructure often stood beneath the intense sun with very little natural shade.
It prompted an important question. Could these already magnificent cities become even more beautiful – and far cooler – if nature were allowed to play a greater role?
The Hidden Heat of Modern Cities
Walking through the streets around the Grand Mosque, another thought crossed my mind. The magnificent hotels and towering buildings that provide comfort for millions of pilgrims, particularly during the intense summer heat. However, maintaining that comfort requires countless air-conditioning systems operating day and night.
Air conditioners do not eliminate heat – they move it. The heat removed from inside buildings is released into the surrounding streets, warming the outdoor environment. When thousands of cooling systems operate simultaneously, they contribute to what scientists call the Urban Heat Island Effect, where cities become significantly warmer than surrounding natural landscapes.
This creates a self-reinforcing cycle. Hotter streets demand greater use of air conditioning, while increased air conditioning releases even more waste heat into the atmosphere. Where electricity is generated from fossil fuels, the process also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Nature, however, provides an effective cooling technologies ever created. Trees shade buildings and pavements while cooling the surrounding air through evaporation from their leaves. This natural cooling can significantly reduce temperatures, lower electricity demand, improve air quality, and make urban spaces far more comfortable both for residents and pilgrims alike.
Saudi Arabia has already launched ambitious tree-planting initiatives. Expanding these efforts around roads, neighbourhoods, public spaces, and urban developments using native drought-tolerant species and sustainable water management could help reduce urban temperatures while preserving the country’s unique desert identity. The future of sustainable cities does not lie in choosing between development and nature. It lies in allowing both to flourish together.
A Hopeful Vision for Greener Landscapes
One of the most encouraging aspects of my visit was witnessing Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to expanding green spaces through ambitious tree-planting programmes. Planting trees in an arid climate is no small challenge. Every tree requires thoughtful planning, careful water management, and long-term care. Yet this determination reflects remarkable vision.
Trees offer benefits far beyond their beauty. They naturally cool cities, improve air quality, reduce dust and soil erosion, provide habitats for birds and wildlife, absorb carbon dioxide, enhance mental well-being, and create healthier, more liveable communities.
For the millions performing Umrah and Hajj each year, additional shade from mature trees would also provide welcome relief during the periods of extreme heat.
The Long Road Ahead
Transforming predominantly desert cities into greener, more sustainable environments will not happen overnight. It is a journey measured in decades rather than years.
Saudi Arabia’s deserts and mountains will always remain central to its identity, and they should due to their historical identity. Their rugged beauty is part of the country’s unique character. The challenge is not to replace these landscapes but to complement them.
Imagine roads lined with native drought-resistant trees, shaded pedestrian walkways, flourishing neighbourhood parks, rooftop gardens, restored natural wadis, and urban forests carefully integrated into modern developments. Such landscapes would not only enhance the country’s architectural achievements but also strengthen environmental resilience, reduce heat, encourage biodiversity, and improve quality of life for both residents and visitors.
Faith and Stewardship Go Hand in Hand
Islam places profound emphasis on caring for the Earth. The Prophet Muhammad (ï·º) encouraged planting trees and protecting the environment, teaching that even planting a tree can become an act of charity when people or animals benefit from it.
The Qur’an beautifully reminds us:
«”And do not cause corruption upon the earth after its reformation.” (Qur’an 7:56)»
The Prophet Muhammad (ï·º) also said:
«”If the Hour (the Day of Resurrection) is about to be established and one of you has a sapling in his hand, then let him plant it.” (Musnad Ahmad)»
These timeless teachings remind us that caring for nature is not separate from spirituality. Conserving water, planting trees, protecting wildlife, and preserving natural resources are all acts of gratitude and responsibility towards Allah’s magnificent creation. Faith, culture, and environmental stewardship are not separate paths – they flourish together.
A Journey I Will Never Forget
My visit to Makkah left memories that will remain with me forever. It strengthened my faith while inspiring me to reflect deeply on humanity’s relationship with nature.
Saudi Arabia is a land of extraordinary contrasts – ancient heritage alongside futuristic cities, vast deserts beside expanding green spaces, timeless spirituality flourishing amid remarkable modernisation.
Its ambitious environmental vision offers hope that future generations will inherit cities that are not only architecturally magnificent but also cooler, greener, healthier, and more sustainable.
As pilgrims return home with spiritually renewed hearts, perhaps they can carry another equally important lesson: Caring for nature is itself an act of worship.
Every tree planted, every drop of water conserved, every habitat protected, and every effort to preserve our planet honours the Creator by safeguarding His extraordinary creation. For when faith inspires stewardship, heritage embraces sustainability, and nature is allowed to flourish beside human achievement, both the Earth and human soul are enriched together.
