In short: The Middle East Youth Summit (MEYS) 2027 is a four-day international youth gathering in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, organized by Youth Break the Boundaries for its seventh edition. It brings together Muslim youth aged 15 to 40 from every country for leadership workshops, intercultural dialogue, and the chance to perform Umrah. Applications close on 10 November 2026, and no IELTS or TOEFL score is required.
What Is the Middle East Youth Summit?
The Middle East Youth Summit, usually shortened to MEYS, is one of the best-known youth summits in the Muslim world. The 2027 edition marks its seventh year, and it will run from 22 to 25 March 2027 in the holy city of Mecca.
Unlike a degree scholarship, MEYS is a short, immersive leadership program. Over four days, delegates take part in capacity-building workshops, panel discussions on Islamic ethics and global development, interfaith and intercultural dialogues, and sessions on Islamic heritage and history. The program closes with a cultural night and an awarding ceremony that recognizes the best projects, groups, and individual participants.
For many attendees, the spiritual dimension is just as meaningful as the professional one: Muslim delegates get the privilege of performing Umrah during their stay in Mecca, combining personal faith with global networking in a way few other summits offer.
Who Organizes MEYS 2027?
The summit is organized by Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB), a youth organization that runs international summits and exchange programs across Asia and the Middle East. YBB has built a reputation for accessible, well-run events, and MEYS has grown each year — the seventh edition is expected to draw young leaders from dozens of countries under the spirit of "Together for Ummah," the program's guiding theme of unity and shared responsibility.
Benefits and Funding
MEYS 2027 is offered as a partially funded program, and it is important to understand exactly how the funding works:
- Airport pickup: Delegates are received on arrival in Saudi Arabia.
- Accommodation: Hotel stay for the full four days is covered.
- Meals: Food is provided throughout the program.
- Summit access: Full entry to every session, workshop, and forum.
- Local transportation: Getting around Mecca during the event is arranged.
- Merchandise and seminar kit: Official summit materials are included.
- Awards: Recognition for the best project, best group, and best participant.
Please note: Funding works on a reimbursement system, and three things are not covered — your visa costs, your international flight tickets, and personal expenses. Budget for those separately.
There is also a small application fee: $10 if you are applying for the funded category, or $15 for the self-funded route.
Eligibility Criteria
The criteria are refreshingly simple, which is part of why MEYS attracts so many applicants:
- Faith: Open to Muslim youth.
- Nationality: All nationalities are welcome.
- Age: You must be between 15 and 40 years old.
- Background: Any educational background is accepted — students, graduates, and young professionals can all apply.
- Character: No criminal record, and you must not be affiliated with any radical or extremist organization.
- Language: No TOEFL or IELTS required.
How to Apply for MEYS 2027
Applying is done entirely online through the official summit website:
1. Visit the official website at middleeastyouthsummit.com and open the application form. 2. Choose your category — funded or self-funded — and pay the application fee ($10 or $15). 3. Fill in your details — personal information, background, and motivation. 4. Submit before 10 November 2026. Late applications are not considered.
Because funded places are limited, take the application seriously: a clear, honest statement of why you want to attend and what you hope to contribute goes much further than a generic one.
At a Glance
- Deadline: 10 November 2026
- Funding: Partially Funded (reimbursement basis)
- Level: Youth summit (ages 15–40)
- Country: Saudi Arabia (Mecca)
- Dates: 22–25 March 2027
- Apply Now: https://www.middleeastyouthsummit.com
- Official Website: https://www.middleeastyouthsummit.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Middle East Youth Summit 2027 fully funded?
MEYS 2027 is partially funded rather than fully funded. Accommodation, meals, airport pickup, local transport, summit access, and merchandise are covered through a reimbursement system, but international flights, visa fees, and personal spending are not included.
Do I need IELTS to apply for MEYS 2027?
No. There is no IELTS, TOEFL, or any other English test requirement, which makes the summit accessible to applicants from non-English-speaking countries.
Can non-Muslims apply for MEYS 2027?
The program is designed for Muslim youth, and one of its highlights is the opportunity to perform Umrah in Mecca. Applicants are expected to be Muslim.
What is the age limit for MEYS 2027?
Applicants must be between 15 and 40 years old at the time of application.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. The fee is $10 for the funded category and $15 for self-funded applicants, paid during the online application.
