Middle East Youth Summit (MEYS) 2026: Youth-Driven Innovation for Inclusive Muslim Community Development

Overview

Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB) is delighted to announce the opening of applications for the 6th Edition of the Middle East Youth Summit (MEYS) 2026. This prestigious international youth summit is scheduled to take place in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, from December 7th to 19th, 2026. The core objective of MEYS 2026 is to gather aspiring Muslim youth from diverse corners of the globe, fostering an environment conducive to the exchange of innovative ideas, the enhancement of crucial leadership capabilities, and the establishment of meaningful global connections. The overarching theme for this edition is "Youth-Driven Innovation for Inclusive Muslim Community Development," emphasizing the vital role young people play in shaping a progressive future for the Muslim community. This intensive 4-day program offers a unique blend of intellectual engagement and spiritual enrichment, as participants will also be granted the profound privilege of performing Umrah in Mecca. The summit is designed to be a transformative experience, equipping attendees with new perspectives and a strengthened sense of global community.

Eligibility Criteria

The Middle East Youth Summit 2026 welcomes applications from a broad spectrum of Muslim youth worldwide. Prospective participants must meet the following essential requirements:

• Applicants must identify as Muslim youth.

• The program is open to individuals of all nationalities and from any educational background, promoting a truly diverse and inclusive cohort.

• Candidates must be between the ages of 15 and 40 years old at the time of application.

• A clean personal record is mandatory; applicants must not have any criminal history.

• Participants must not be affiliated with any radical or extremist organizations, ensuring a safe and constructive environment for all.

• Importantly, there is no requirement for TOEFL or IELTS scores, removing a common barrier for international applicants.

Please note that an application fee is required: $10 for those applying under the Funded Category and $15 for Self-Funded applicants. This fee is essential for consideration in the respective categories.

Benefits

MEYS 2026 is a Partially Funded program, offering significant support to selected participants through a reimbursement system for specific expenses. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Airport Pickup: Convenient transportation upon arrival at the designated airport.

• Accommodation: Comfortable lodging throughout the summit duration.

• Meals: Provision of daily meals to ensure participants are well-nourished.

• Summit Access: Full access to all official summit sessions, workshops, and events.

• Official Merchandise: Exclusive summit merchandise as a memento of the experience.

• Local Transportation: Coverage for transportation within Mecca for program-related activities.

• Awards: Recognition and awards for outstanding contributions, including Best Project, Best Group, and Best Participant.

It is crucial to understand that while substantial financial coverage is provided, the funding operates on a reimbursement basis. Expenses such as visa application fees, personal expenditures, and international flight tickets are not included in the program's financial coverage and must be borne by the participants. Beyond the financial aspects, the summit offers invaluable non-monetary benefits, including participation in leadership and capacity-building workshops, engaging forums on Islamic ethics and global development, intercultural and interfaith dialogues, Islamic heritage and historical learning sessions, a vibrant cultural night, and an awarding ceremony. These elements collectively provide unparalleled global networking and collaboration opportunities, fostering personal and professional growth.