Journey to Mecca incorporates the following cinematic milestones:

• First IMAX film on Islamic culture both historical and modern
• First dramatic documentary filmed simultaneously in English and Arabic and using actors.
• First IMAX film on one of the greatest travelers and explorers of all time, Ibn Battuta who travelled three times farther than Marco Polo. He was 21 years old when he left his law career and home in Morocco in 1325 as a pilgrim to perform his first Hajj. He would not reach Mecca for a year and a half. Risking his life, he travelled to 44 countries and did not return home for nearly 30 years. He transcribed his journeys in a famous travel book called The Rihla which is housed in the National Public Library in Paris. There is a crater on the moon named in his honour.
• First and only film granted ground and aerial access in Mecca to the Holy Mosque and Ka'bah by King Abdullah
• Over 3 million pilgrims attended the 2007 Hajj
• First IMAX film explaining the history of the Hajj and the rituals based on the trials and tribulations of Abraham, father to Christians, Jews and Muslims.
• Film crew from over 24 countries.
• First ever replication of 14th century Ka'bah.
• Longest camel and animal caravan ever assembled.
• World Premiere in Abu Dhabi on January 7th, 2009 presented on the largest outdoor film screen ever assembled (70' by 100').