Middle East Youth Summit 2027 in Saudi Arabia (Fully Funded)

The Middle East Youth Summit in Saudi Arabia is back for its seventh edition, and this time it comes with a fully funded opportunity for young Muslim leaders from around the world. Organized by Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB), the Middle East Youth Summit (MEYS) 2027 will bring participants together in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, from March 22-25, 2027, under the theme "Empowering Emerging Leader for Positive Change within the Islamic Brotherhood."

For young Muslims who want to build international networks, sharpen their leadership skills, and take part in a meaningful cultural and spiritual experience, this program is one of the most accessible fully funded opportunities available in 2026 - 2027. Unlike many international scholarships, it does not require an IELTS or TOEFL certificate, which makes it open to a much wider pool of applicants. If you're also exploring degree-based options in the same country, our guide to the 10 Best Saudi Arabia Scholarships is worth reading alongside this one.

What Is the Middle East Youth Summit (MEYS)?

MEYS is an international leadership program dedicated to connecting Muslim youth from different countries, cultures, and educational backgrounds. It is not a degree program or an academic scholarship; instead, it is a short-term, immersive summit designed to build leadership capacity, encourage cross-cultural collaboration, and give young people practical experience in solving real community problems.

Since its first edition, MEYS has operated under the guiding spirit of "Together for Ummah," a phrase that reflects the program's focus on unity, brotherhood, and shared responsibility among Muslim youth worldwide. Now entering its seventh year, the summit continues to expand its reach and its impact.

MEYS 2027: Location, Dates, and Theme

The Middle East Youth Summit in Saudi Arabia will take place in the holy city of Makkah from March 22 to March 25, 2027. Hosting the event in Saudi Arabia adds a unique dimension to the program, allowing participants to combine leadership training with a deeply meaningful spiritual experience in one of Islam's most significant cities.

This year's theme, "Empowering Emerging Leader for Positive Change within the Islamic Brotherhood," pushes participants to think beyond dialogue and toward action - designing real solutions for challenges facing their own communities.

International Symposium and SDG Social Projects

A central part of MEYS is the International Symposium and Social Project on Muslim Community Development. Here, participants are placed into multicultural teams of 5 to 7 people and asked to design a social project tied to one of four United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Focus Areas for Group Projects

1. SDG 4 - Quality Education
2. SDG 5 - Gender Equality
3. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
4. SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

Each team researches, discusses, and presents its project during the summit. Through this process, delegates strengthen skills in leadership, public speaking, cross-cultural teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving - skills that carry real value whether a participant later pursues further studies, a professional career, or community work back home.

Fully Funded Registration: How the Selection Process Works

Alongside the announcement of MEYS 2027, Youth Break the Boundaries has opened a Fully Funded track for selected candidates. Registration runs from September 1 to November 10, 2026.

The Fully Funded selection process includes the following stages:

1. Completing the application form and submitting required documents
2. Submitting a written essay
3. Essay review and assessment by the organizing committee
4. Interview for shortlisted candidates
5. Final announcement of Fully Funded delegates

The Essay Requirement

Applicants must answer the essay question: "How can young Muslim leaders turn community challenges into opportunities for sustainable development?" The essay must be written in English, kept under 800 words, and built around one chosen SDG focus area applied to a real issue in the applicant's own community. A well-structured, specific, and personal essay is typically what separates shortlisted candidates from the rest, since the selection committee is looking for genuine reflection rather than generic answers.

What Do Fully Funded Delegates Receive?

Candidates who pass the full selection process and are officially confirmed as Fully Funded delegates receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

1. 4 days, 3 nights of accommodation
2. Three meals per day
3. Airport pickup and assistance
4. Hotel booking confirmation for visa application purposes
5. An official invitation letter
6. Registration and hotel check-in support
7. A group Umrah experience
8. Access to the international conference and panel discussions
9. Participation in the SDG group project competition
10. A guided Islamic historical visit
11. International networking opportunities with delegates from multiple countries
12. A certificate of participation
13. Eligibility for international awards and recognition
14. Media and social media exposure at an international level

It's important to note that airfare, Saudi Arabia visa fees, and other personal expenses are not covered under the Fully Funded package and remain each participant's own responsibility. Budgeting for these costs in advance is strongly recommended.

Eligibility Requirements for MEYS 2027

The Middle East Youth Summit in Saudi Arabia is open to Muslim youth who meet the following conditions:

1. Aged between 15 and 40 years old
2. Open to all nationalities and educational backgrounds
3. No IELTS or TOEFL certificate required
4. No prior criminal conviction
5. No affiliation with any extremist organization
6. Willingness to complete every stage of the Fully Funded selection process
7. Willingness to comply with program rules and attend the full summit if selected

This relatively flexible eligibility criteria - particularly the absence of a language-proficiency test - makes MEYS more approachable than many other fully funded programs, which is why it consistently attracts a large number of applicants each year.

How to Apply for the Middle East Youth Summit in Saudi Arabia

Applying for MEYS 2027 generally follows these steps:

1. Read the official registration guideline carefully before starting your application, so you understand every document required.
2. Show your support through the official Twibbon campaign associated with the seventh edition of the summit.
3. Complete your registration through the official Middle East Youth Summit website, ensuring every field and uploaded document matches the guideline exactly.

Because spots for the Fully Funded track are limited and the process is competitive, applicants are encouraged to start preparing their documents and essay well ahead of the November deadline.

Official Source

1. Read the official guideline: MEYS 2027 Registration Guideline
2. Show your support through the official Twibbon: https://twb.nz/meys7th  
3. Complete your registration through the official Middle East Youth Summit website

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MEYS 2027 Fully Funded Selection Timeline

Keep these dates saved, since the mentoring period between the final announcement and the summit itself is designed to help delegates prepare their SDG projects properly.

Is MEYS a Degree Program? Additional Study Options to Consider

MEYS is not a university degree program, and it does not lead to an academic qualification. It is best understood as a short leadership and networking summit - closer in format to a youth conference than a semester or year-long course of study. For applicants who are also interested in pursuing an actual degree program on a scholarship, whether inside Saudi Arabia or elsewhere, it's worth pairing an MEYS application with a longer-term academic plan.

Students without an IELTS or TOEFL score who still want degree-level opportunities can explore programs listed in our roundup of scholarships without an application fee or IELTS certificate.  For a globally recognized, long-term fully funded master's route, the Chevening Scholarship in the UK remains one of the most competitive and well-regarded options for future applicants.

About Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB)

Youth Break the Boundaries is an international youth organization focused on developing young leaders and building cross-border networks through structured programs. Besides MEYS, YBB also runs the Japan Youth Summit, the Korea Youth Summit, World Youth Festival, Youth Academic Forum, and Youth Leader Camp. Each of these programs shares a similar goal: giving young people the tools and exposure needed to lead meaningful change in their own communities and beyond. If you're drawn to MEYS but also curious about East Asia, the Korea Youth Summit is run by the same organization and follows a similar fully funded structure.

The YBB organization has also recently opened registration for the Korea Youth Summit 2027, another fully funded program worth checking out if you're interested in expanding your options beyond MEYS.

Final Thoughts

The Middle East Youth Summit in Saudi Arabia offers a rare combination - a fully funded international leadership experience paired with a spiritually significant setting in Makkah. With flexible eligibility, no language test requirement, and a genuinely broad range of benefits, it's a program worth considering for any young Muslim leader looking to grow their network and their impact. Just remember to budget separately for flights, visa costs, and personal expenses, and to start your essay well before the November 10, 2026 deadline.