Medina

Medina, often called 'the Radiant City,' serves as the second holiest site in Islam and is the capital of the Madinah Province in western Saudi Arabia. Situated on a high plateau at an elevation of approximately 600 meters, its significance is rooted in the Hijra, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca in 622 CE. This event marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar and established Medina as the first capital of the Islamic caliphate. The urban landscape is dominated by the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque), which features the iconic Green Dome marking the Prophet's final resting place. Medina is renowned for its hundreds of mosques, including the Quba Mosque, the first ever built, and the Masjid al-Qiblatain, where the prayer direction was historically changed toward Mecca. Geographically, the city is surrounded by volcanic fields and the Sarawat Mountains, with Mount Uhud standing as a prominent landmark to the north. The region is famous for its date palm orchards, particularly the revered Ajwa dates, which have been cultivated here for centuries. Modern Medina is a center of Islamic scholarship, home to the Islamic University of Medina, which draws students from across the globe. The city's economy is bolstered by religious tourism and the ambitious Knowledge Economic City project, aimed at technological innovation. Medina's climate is desert-arid but notably cooler than Mecca's due to its higher altitude. The city remains a sanctuary of peace and devotion, strictly preserving its sacred heritage while integrating world-class infrastructure to support the millions of pilgrims who visit throughout the year.

Nearby cities

Yanbu

A coastal city that is significant for its refineries and the major petroleum export port on the west coast.

Umluj

Often called the 'Maldives of Saudi Arabia', Umluj boasts pristine coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Al Wajh

Al Wajh is a charming coastal town featuring a historic old quarter and access to the Red Sea's most pristine coral reefs.

History & landmarks

Tayma

A legendary oasis city in northwestern Saudi Arabia with over 3,000 years of history.

Prophet's Mosque

The second holiest site in Islam in Medina, built by the Prophet Muhammad, known for its green domes.

Quba Mosque

This brilliant white mosque in Medina is considered the first mosque built in the history of Islam.

Mount Uhud

A historic mountain north of Medina where one of the most important battles in early Islamic history took place.

Al Khaybar

Al Khaybar is an ancient oasis set amidst volcanic lava fields, known for its monumental stone structures and historic forts.

Elephant Rock

A massive red sandstone monolith near Al-Ula that has taken the striking shape of an elephant through natural erosion.

Maraya Concert Hall

This incredible building in the Ashar Valley is completely covered in mirrors that reflect the desert landscape.

More places

Yanbu Industrial City

Yanbu Industrial City on the Red Sea serves as a major export point for Saudi oil and gas to the western world.

Al-Ula Old Town

An ancient oasis town with abandoned mud-brick houses.

Quba Mosque

The first mosque ever built, founded by the Prophet Muhammad.

Uhud Battlefield

The site of the famous Battle of Uhud between early Muslims and the Quraysh.

Harrat Khaybar

A massive volcanic field in the northwest, dotted with craters, lava fields, and mysterious ancient stone structures known as 'kite gates'.

Jabal Qidr

A prominent volcanic cone in the Harrat Khaybar volcanic field, featuring pitch-black lava.

Harrat Rahat

One of the largest lava fields in the world, stretching south of the holy city of Medina and forming a black, rugged landscape.

Mahd adh Dhahab Mine

Mahd adh Dhahab Mine, also known as the 'Cradle of Gold', is the most important gold mine in Saudi Arabia.