The Emir of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah Province, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, on Wednesday evening, 29 Jumada Al-Thani, 1440 A.H., honored the winners from the institutional bodies and individuals of the first edition of the award of a 'Journey of Spirit and Body' for media distinction, short films, and photography. This activity was organized by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research at Umm Al-Qura University, on the sidelines of the activities of the 19th Scientific Meeting for Hajj and Umrah Research and the accompanying exhibition, which was held under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz (may Allah safeguard him) and in collaboration and partnership with Taibah University in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah.

His Excellency the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail, indicated that the award bears important implications, being a confirmation of the great and unprecedented efforts undertaken by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represented in the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (may Allah protect them). He added, "The award stresses the importance of the role played by the Institute of Hajj and Umrah Research at Umm Al-Qura University in developing the system of serving Hajj and Umrah in a way that goes in line with the Saudi vision 2030."

The Dean of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, Dr. Sami bin Yasin Barahmain, indicated that the award 'Journey of Spirit and Body' is one of the awards that honors the institutions and individuals who supported the Hajj and Umrah system during the Hajj season of 1439 A.H. in the field of media, and managed, through their different works, to highlight the efforts offered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to pilgrims by displaying the beautiful and spiritual elements in a media creative manner.

He indicated that choosing winners of the eight branches of the award was conducted through a specialized committee with a high level of professionalism in the media field. This committee defined technical and professional criteria related to the quality of the content, creative and indicative images, and the methodology of presentation and its effect on the society.

The winning institutions included: the Vice Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the Affairs of Visits in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah gained the best creative media works for governmental sectors for the digital tag: #We_love_You_O_Pilgrim. Moreover, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah won the best creative media work of the governmental sector for the best production of a documentary film about Hajj under the title, 'Manasik (Rituals)... 1451 A.H, corresponding to 2030 A.C.'

As for the Governmental Communication Center for Common Media Work (Ministry of Media), it won the award of the best 'Creative Media Campaign'. The number of views for its media materials during the Hajj season of 1439 A.H. was more than 32 million and 700 thousand views. They were offered in 62 languages to 100 countries.

Al-Arabia Satellite Channel won the award of the best media coverage for the Hajj season 1439 A.H., surpassing several satellite channels through its outstanding coverage and its creative televised stories.

The Initiative 'The Best Values', won the award of the best short video about Hajj for the 'Mabrur' video. This initiative was run by the Initiative Center that is part of the Muhammad bin Salman charitable institution. It aims at increasing awareness about the values of the community, which is the main motivator of behavior, affecting individuals and communities with the use of new tools and content.

As for individuals, the documentary film 'Ihsan Al-Harm' by Ahmad Al-Shuqairi won the award of the best documentary film about the Sacred Mosque. Eng. Faris Al-Turki won the award of the best platform for social communication with his program, 'Numbers: Beyond Hajj'. The award of the best photo was gained by the photographer Emad Al-Husaini. It was entitled, 'The Grand Mosque of the Prophet from the Sky'.