Middle East Youth Summit 2026 – Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Last Updated: 13 December 2025
The organization Youth Breaking Borders (YBB) has opened applications to participate in the Middle East Youth Summit (MEYS) 2026, an international youth event to be held in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 30 March – 1 April 2026. The summit aims to bring together Muslim youth from different countries to exchange experiences, develop leadership skills, and strengthen cooperation for sustainable development, while offering Muslim participants the opportunity to perform Umrah as part of the summit program.
The 2026 edition carries the theme: “Global Cooperation of Muslim Youth for Sustainable Development.” The program includes four days of interactive workshops, intercultural and interfaith dialogues, Islamic heritage and historical learning sessions, in addition to a cultural night and an awards ceremony recognizing the best projects, groups, and participants.
You can also check out the Leadership and Diplomacy Summit in Vienna
Details About the Middle East Youth Summit
Duration: 4 days
Location: Makkah – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Dates: 30 March – 1 April 2026
Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
Language Requirements: IELTS/TOEFL not required
Categories: Partially funded / Self-funded
For regular updates on scholarships and academic opportunities, follow our official platforms:
Why Participate in the Middle East Youth Summit 2026 – Makkah?
1) Leadership and Skills Development
Focused workshops on team management, problem-solving, and effective communication.
Training on designing initiatives aimed at sustainable development within Muslim communities.
2) Valuable Knowledge Content
Forums on Islamic ethics and their connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Intercultural and interfaith dialogues that promote understanding and coexistence.
Islamic heritage and historical learning sessions to understand the civilizational context of contemporary initiatives.
3) International Networking
High-value networking opportunities with youth, initiative leaders, and organizations from dozens of countries.
Building partnerships for joint projects after the summit.
4) Spiritual and Cultural Considerations
The privilege of performing Umrah for Muslim participants as part of the visit program.
Benefits of the Middle East Youth Summit
The conference covers the following:
Airport reception.
Accommodation throughout the summit.
Meals.
Full access to summit sessions and related materials.
Official merchandise during the program (Merch).
Local transportation related to summit activities.
City tour / university visit as part of the program.
Awards for the best project, group, and participant.
You can also check out the One Young World Summit in Germany
Theme of the Middle East Youth Summit
“Global Cooperation of Muslim Youth for Sustainable Development,” linking principles of justice, responsibility, and transparency with Islamic values, and applying practical approaches to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) suitable for local contexts in Islamic countries.
Eligibility Criteria
Religious Identity: Open to Muslim youth worldwide.
Nationality/Background: All nationalities and educational backgrounds are welcome.
Age: 18 to 40 years.
Legal Record: No criminal record.
Affiliation: No affiliation with any radical or extremist organization.
Language: IELTS/TOEFL not required; effective communication skills are preferred.
Venue: A modern conference hall within Persmind platform content – professional setup reflecting international training programs and events.
Proposed Timeline
Application Deadline: 15 January 2026.
Acceptance/Waitlist Notifications: As determined by the organizing body (usually within 2–4 weeks after closure).
Actual Summit Dates: 30 March – 1 April 2026 (arrival and departure arrangements according to the accommodation program).
Tip: Start preparing your documents early (valid passport, personal photos, supporting letters/documents), and review Saudi visa requirements according to your nationality.
How to Apply for MEYS 2026 (Step by Step)
Create an account on the organizer’s platform via the official website.
Complete the application form with personal information, academic/professional background, and experience in volunteering or leading initiatives.
Provide concise essay responses covering: your motivation to participate, community service experience, a proposed project idea, and how you will transfer the summit’s impact to your community.
Upload required documents (valid ID/passport, personal photo, updated CV, any relevant certificates).
Choose the funding category (partial funding/self-funded) and pay the application processing fee.
Submit the application and monitor your email for confirmation and any additional tests/interviews (if applicable).
If accepted, complete visa and travel arrangements early and confirm arrival times specified in the invitation letter.
What Do Evaluators Look for in Your Application?
Clear motivation and goals aligned with the summit theme.
Demonstrated leadership or community engagement experience (even at a local level).
Feasibility of the proposed project benefiting your community after the summit.
Strong communication skills and positive presence in multicultural environments.
Commitment to shared ethics and values, and respect for diversity.
You can also check out the Youth Vision Assembly in Netherlands
Program Experience (Sample Daily Overview)
Morning: Keynote session and leadership/SDGs initiative workshops.
Afternoon: Thematic forums and intercultural/interfaith dialogues.
Evening: Cultural activity / Islamic heritage session / networking.
Final Day: Awards ceremony for best project/group/participant, and post-summit roadmap planning.
For participants: Umrah visits are arranged within the program according to schedules announced by the organizer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Is the coverage “full”?
The funding is partial via a payment-based system. The package includes airport reception, accommodation, meals, local transportation for activities, summit access, official merchandise, city tour/university visit, and awards. Visa fees, flight tickets, and personal expenses are not included.
2) Is IELTS/TOEFL required?
No, it is not required. However, demonstrating good communication ability is preferred.
3) Accepted age range?
18 to 40 years at the time of application.
4) Are the fees refundable?
Generally non-refundable; review the organizer’s policy before payment.
5) What are the chances of acceptance?
They depend on the quality of the application, alignment with summit objectives, geographic distribution, and diversity. An interview or short tasks may be required.
6) Can I apply if I am not a student?
Yes. The summit is open to a wide range of profiles: students, graduates, activists, initiative founders, and those interested in community work.
7) What do I gain after the summit?
An international network, a participation certificate, collaboration opportunities, and the possibility to continue implementing your project through partners/alumni community.
8) How do I prove my ability to travel?
Maintain a valid passport and sufficient financial resources for flights and visa, along with the official invitation letter if accepted.
Documents and Tips Before Travel
Passport valid for at least six months.
Personal photos meeting visa photo standards (if required).
Preliminary flight reservations after receiving the acceptance letter.
Basic travel insurance (recommended).
Umrah requirements: vaccination card/health requirements (if applicable at the time of travel).
Comply with local regulations and respect the sanctity of time and place in Makkah.
Elements That Strengthen Your Acceptance
Present a project idea that is feasible within 3–6 months after the summit.
Demonstrate documented previous impact (links, photos, brief reports).
Obtain a recommendation letter from an academic or community institution that trusts you.
Use clear and precise language in application responses.
You can also check out the World Economic Forum Early Careers Program
Application Fees (Usually Non-Refundable)
USD 10 for the “Funded/Partial Funding” category.
USD 15 for the “Self-Funded” category.
The fees contribute to application processing and essential logistical services for participant selection. Always check the application page for the latest details.
Conclusion
If you have a clear vision for an initiative that serves your community and aligns with the values of cooperation and sustainable development, this summit is an ideal platform to begin. Apply through the official website, prepare your travel and visa documents early, and get ready for a comprehensive intellectual, cultural, and spiritual experience in Makkah.
Important Notice: All details are subject to updates by the organizing body. Always refer to the official page before paying fees or making travel decisions.
Apply to participate in the MEYS 2026 competition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
For regular updates on scholarships and academic opportunities, follow our official platforms:
