Visiting Medina in 2024: A Perfect Vacation Spot In Saudi Arabia

The enlightening city of Medina, Saudi Arabia, is waiting for you to discover! If you need a place to recharge your body, then the peaceful vibes and tranquility of Medina will take this responsibility. As soon as you enter the city, you will feel a sense of calmness that is hard to put into words. Being one of the two holiest cities for Muslims, Madinah promises to offer tourists memorable experiences in numerous holy sites and other places of interest. In this article, Saudi Arabia Immigration Services will explore the fascinating history and culture of Madinah, as well as its religious significance and notable attractions.

Essential Things To Note Before Traveling To Medina

Where is Medina?

Medina City, Saudi Arabia, also known as Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, which means ‘The Enlightened City’. Medina is located in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, approximately 100 miles (160 km) inland from the Red Sea and about 275 miles from Mecca via road. As the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca, Medina holds significant religious importance. 

After he migrated from Mecca in 622 CE, Prophet Muhammad established the Muslim community (Ummah) in Medina. And the city's primary mosque is home to the Prophet's tomb, which attracts pilgrims worldwide.

Medina City, Saudi Arabia is a top attraction in the country

How far is it to Medina from Jeddah?

The flying distance between Jeddah and Medina has been calculated to be approximately 204 miles or 328 kilometers, which takes around 0.36 hours to travel. However, if you choose to travel by car, the driving distance between the two cities is around 413.11 kilometers.

How far is it from Medina to Riyadh?

The distance between Medina and Riyadh is approximately 447 miles or 719 kilometers when traveling by air. The flight time between these two cities is around 1 hour and 24 minutes.

If you prefer to travel by car, the driving distance between Medina and Riyadh is approximately 833.72 kilometers. With an average speed of 112 kilometers per hour (70 miles per hour), it takes about 7 hours and 26 minutes to cover this distance.

An in-depth look at the history of Medina, Saudi Arabia

Before Islam, the city now known as Medina was referred to as Yathrib. Its existence dates back more than 1,500 years prior to the migration of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) from Mecca. The year in which the Prophet migrated (Hijrah) from Mecca to Medina marks the beginning of the Hijri Islamic calendar.

In the early history of the City, around the 9th century BC, Jewish tribes inhabited the area. Over time, they lost their power to the Arab tribes of Aws and Khazraj. By the time of Hijrah, these two Arab tribes had been engaged in inconclusive warfare for over 120 years. When the Holy Prophet (PBUH) arrived, the tribes of Aws and Khazraj warmly welcomed the Muslims, embraced Islam, and thus ended the century-long fighting.

In its glorious history, Medina served as the focal point for the propagation of Islam for a decade. It was from Medina that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) led the conquest of Mecca, after which he returned to Medina. Throughout the tenure of the first three caliphs, Medina continued to serve as the capital of the Islamic Empire.

The weather in Medina, Saudi Arabia

Medina, Saudi Arabia, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by scorching summers and mild winters. The average temperature in Medina during the summer months (June to August) ranges from 35 to 45°C (95 to 113°F), while the winter months (December to February) are relatively cooler with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 25°C (50 to 77°F).

With its location at an altitude of approximately 620 meters above sea level, Medina is described as an oasis amid the desert. The city is surrounded by the Hejaz mountains and volcanic hills, covering fertile areas and a significant amount of groundwater. During the winter months, Medina also experiences rainfall, which flows down to the valley region and replenishes the groundwater level. These ideal conditions allow for cultivating a diverse range of fruits, date palms, vegetables, and cereals.

Medina City is described as an oasis amid the desert

A Comprehensive Travel Guide For Visitors on 2024: Top Things To Do In Medina

Al Masjid an Nabawi

Among Medina's most attractive tourist destinations, Al Masjid an Nabawi is the first name coming to the mind of travelers. Masjid An Nabawi (SAWS) is situated in the sacred city of Madinah, welcoming hundreds of thousands of Muslims from around the globe each year. The mosque was constructed by Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) following his migration to Madinah in 622 AD and ranks as the second largest mosque in the world, after Masjid al-Haram.

Being worthy of a mesmerizing sight to behold, the mosque is crafted from pure white marble and adorned with numerous towering minarets. One of its most striking features is the lush green dome, majestically positioned above the center of the mosque, encasing the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). The courtyard of the mosque is equipped with numerous giant umbrellas to shield the worshippers from the harsh weather. Especially, the floors of the mosque are paved with red stone and are adorned with thick carpets. With time, the mosque has been expanded multiple times to cater to the growing number of devoted worshippers, a testament to its unwavering significance in the hearts of Muslims around the world.

Location: Al Haram, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah 42311, Saudi Arabia

Al Masjid an Nabawi is a mesmerizing sight to behold

Masjid Quba Madina

Masjid Quba (مسجد قباء) is a tourist spot located on the outskirts of Medina. This holy mosque was built in the 7th century and is considered one of the oldest and holiest sites for Muslims worldwide, after The Two Holy Mosques. 

The mosque has undergone many renovations under the various caliphs and the Saudi government itself, resulting in a contemporary yet simple alabaster structure made from white marble. Masjid Quba is characterized by its six domes and four minarets, which add to its majestic beauty. The central courtyard of the mosque is made up of black, white, and red marble and is surrounded by a large praying hall that can accommodate over 20 thousand worshippers at a time. 

Visiting Masjid Quba is recommended as one of the top things to do in Medina, Saudi Arabia. The peaceful and serene atmosphere of Masjid Quba is a treat for visitors seeking spiritual solace. Currently, plans are underway for the mosque's extension to accommodate more worshipers. 

Location: 3493 Al Hijrah Rd, Al Khatim, Medina 42318, Saudi Arabia 

Masjid Quba is a tourist spot located on the outskirts of Medina

Dar Al Madinah Museum

The Dar Al Madinah Museum is located in the Knowledge Economic City of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. It showcases the history of The Blessed City of Madina, as well as the city's expansion from the time of our Beloved Prophet Muhammed (Peace and Blessings of God Be Upon Him) to the present day. 

A vast collection of at least 2000 artifacts is preserved in the museum, providing a vivid illustration of the vibrant Islamic heritage of the city. Visitors can explore manuscripts, carpets, woodwork, and weapons that date back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 

Medina 2024 Trip Planning: Useful Tips For A Fascinating Journey

How to reach Medina?

Medina is easily accessible via various modes of transportation. Here are some ways to reach Medina:

• By Air: Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina operates regular flights to Medina, Saudi Arabia from major cities by several international and domestic airlines. Upon arrival at the airport, visitors can quickly get a taxi or a private car to reach their destination.
• By Road: There are several bus services available for visitors who prefer to travel by road. The bus services are reliable and comfortable, with air-conditioned coaches and frequent schedules.
• By Train: Medina is also connected to other major cities in Saudi Arabia by a high-speed railway service called Haramain Express. The route connects the two sacred Muslim cities of Medina and Mecca, passing through King Abdullah Economic City and Jeddah

Restaurants in Medina, Saudi Arabia    

When having a trip to Medina, finding a restaurant is an easy task. The city has numerous excellent restaurants that offer authentic and diverse cuisines, providing both tourists and locals with a wide range of dining options. Tourists can refer to these famous restaurants in Medina Saudi Arabia, to satisfy their hunger: 

• Town Pour
• Swiss House
• Al Baik Restaurant
• Tokushi
• Jazz Lounge
• Hyderabad House

Medina in Saudi Arabia, is a dream destination for both Muslims and tourists from all regions of the world, owning to its rich culture and stunning attractions. With the introduction of the Saudi Arabia e-visa, a trip to Medina is easier than ever before. Apply for a Saudi Arabia visa today and embark on your new journey to this land! Medina promises to leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.