Medina, Saudi Arabia

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Medina, Saudi Arabia

Region: Medina

---

Geographic Coordinates: 24.470000, 39.610000

Climate: Dry and hot climate with occasional rainfall in winter months, and sandstorms during summer.

Population: 1180770

Language: Arabic

---

Medina, Also known as Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Is a city located in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia. It is the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca and is often referred to as the City of the Prophet due to its association with Prophet Muhammad. The city has a population of around 1.3 million people and covers an area of approximately 589 square kilometers. One of the most significant sites in Medina is Masjid al-Nabawi, Or the Prophet’s Mosque. This mosque was built by Prophet Muhammad himself and serves as his final resting place.

The mosque has undergone numerous renovations throughout history and can now accommodate up to one million worshippers during peak times such as Ramadan. Aside from Masjid al-Nabawi, There are several other notable religious sites in Medina that attract pilgrims from all over the world. One such site is Mount Uhud, Which played a pivotal role in one of Islam’s most famous battles – the Battle of Uhud – between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Other important places include Quba Mosque, Which was built by Prophet Muhammad upon his arrival in Medina; Masjid al-Qiblatain, Where it is said that Muslims were commanded to change their direction of prayer towards Mecca; and Jannatul Baqi cemetery where many companions including some members from Ahlulbayt are buried. In addition to its religious significance, Medina also boasts a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries. The city has been inhabited since pre-Islamic times and has seen influences from various civilizations including Persians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans throughout history.

One popular attraction for visitors to Medina is its traditional markets or souks which sell everything from spices to textiles to jewelry. These markets have been operating for hundreds of years and are a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine. The city also has several museums that showcase its history and culture, Including the Al-Madina Museum and the Dar Al-Madinah Museum. Medina’s climate is hot and dry with temperatures often exceeding 40°C during summer months. However, Due to its location in a valley surrounded by mountains, The city experiences cooler temperatures than other parts of Saudi Arabia.

Visitors are advised to dress modestly in accordance with Islamic customs when visiting religious sites. Overall, Medina is a fascinating city that holds great significance for Muslims around the world as well as those interested in history and culture. Its religious sites, Cultural heritage and bustling markets make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Saudi Arabia.

---

---

1. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque)
2. Quba Mosque
3. Mount Uhud
4. Al-Baqi Cemetery
5. Masjid al-Qiblatain
6. Masjid al-Fath (Mosque of Victory)
7. The Seven Mosques (Al-Masajid As-Saba’a)
8. Jannatul Baqi Garden
9. The Green Dome at the Prophet’s Mosque
10. Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madain Saleh)

---

1. Hospitality: With numerous hotels and restaurants catering to pilgrims visiting Mecca, Medina boasts a thriving hospitality industry.
2. Retail: The city features several large shopping centers like Al Noor Mall and Al Rashid Mega Mall which offer both local shops and international brands.
3. Agriculture: The surrounding region of Medina is known for producing dates and olives, making agriculture a significant industry in the area.
4. Construction: Due to ongoing development projects aimed at accommodating increasing numbers of pilgrims each year, construction is also a vital industry in Medina.
5. Education: Several universities such as Taibah University provide education services not only locally but also internationally.
6. Healthcare: As one of Saudi Arabia’s largest cities with a growing population, there are many healthcare facilities established to cater for residents’ needs like King Fahd Hospital – Al Madinah which serves patients from all over Saudi Arabia.

---

1. The Hijra is a significant event in Islamic history that occurred when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
2. The Battle of Badr took place near Medina in 624 CE and was a turning point for early Islam as Muslims were victorious against non-Muslims.
3. Masjid al-Nabawi is a holy mosque built by Prophet Muhammad himself and is home to his tomb, attracting millions of pilgrims each year during Hajj and Umrah.
4. Uthman ibn Affan was the third caliph of Islam after Prophet Muhammad’s death and played an important role in expanding Muslim territories.
5. Ali ibn Abi Talib, Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was a prominent figure in early Islamic history as both a warrior and religious leader.
6. In 2016, Masjid al-Nabawi was attacked by suicide bombers during evening prayers resulting in four deaths and multiple injuries.
7. Medina’s proximity to Saudi Arabia’s largest oil fields has significantly impacted its modern economy since their discovery in the 1930s.
8. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud became king of Saudi Arabia after his half-brother died in 2015; he has implemented economic reforms aimed at diversification while also pursuing conservative social policies that have generated criticism both domestically and internationally.

---

1. Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque)
2. Quba Mosque
3. Mount Uhud
4. Jannatul Baqi Cemetery
5. Al-Baqi’ Cemetery Gate
6. Dar Al Madinah Museum
7. Medina Islamic Museum
8. Dates Market
9. Masjid al-Qiblatain (Mosque of the Two Qiblas)
10. The Seven Mosques of Medina

---

---

1. Al-Ansar FC: The football club was founded in 1953 and is one of the oldest clubs in Medina. They have won several local championships and have a strong following among the locals.
2. Al-Ittihad FC: The football club was established in 2005 and has quickly become one of the most successful clubs in Saudi Arabia. They have won several national titles and are known for their attacking style of play.
3. Al-Madinah FC: The football club was founded in 2014 as a community initiative to promote sports among young people in Medina. They compete at the local level and have already made a name for themselves with their impressive performances.
4. Medina Eagles Rugby Club: Established in 2018, the rugby team is relatively new but has already made significant progress by participating in various tournaments across Saudi Arabia.
5. Medina Cricket Club: The cricket team was formed by expats living in Medina who wanted to continue playing cricket while living abroad. They participate regularly at national-level competitions organized by the Saudi Arabian Cricket Association (SACA).

---

---

1. Prophet’s Birthday Celebration (Mawlid al-Nabi)
2. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
3. Hajj Pilgrimage
4. Taif Rose Festival
5. Souk Okaz Cultural Festival
6. Al-Madinah Dates Festival
7. Saudi National Day Celebration
8. Janadriyah Cultural and Heritage Festival
9. Al-Madinah Summer Season
10. Islamic Arts Festival

---

• Mandi – a traditional dish of rice and meat cooked in a pit underground.
• Kabsa – another traditional dish made with rice, meat, and spices.
• Shawarma – a Middle Eastern sandwich filled with grilled meats, vegetables, and sauces.
• Harees – a porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat.
• Maqluba – an upside-down rice dish with vegetables and meat or chicken.

Some popular restaurants in Medina that serve these dishes include:

1. Al Baik Restaurant
2. Al Tazaj
3. Herfy’s
4. Al-Madinah Restaurant
5. Najd Village Restaurant

---

1. Al-Madinah Park: A large public park with playgrounds, walking paths, and picnic areas.
2. Taibah Park: Another popular public park with a lake, fountains, and green spaces for relaxation.
3. King Fahd Park: This park features a zoo, botanical garden, amusement rides, and sports facilities.
4. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Stadium: A modern stadium that hosts various sports events and concerts.
5. Medina Golf Club: A golf course located in the heart of the city that offers a challenging game for golf enthusiasts.
6. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi: The second holiest site in Islam is also a popular tourist destination where visitors can pray and learn about Islamic history.
7. Wadi Al-Aqeeq Recreational Area: A beautiful natural area with hiking trails, waterfalls, and camping sites for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
8. Mount Uhud Park: This historic mountain offers scenic views of the city as well as hiking trails for visitors to explore.

---

---