Medina is the second holiest city in Islam, the place where the Prophet Muhammad built his community, his mosque, and his legacy. Known formally as Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah — “The Radiant City” — it was here that the Prophet migrated from Mecca in 622 CE, here that he established the first Islamic state, and here that he is buried. For the millions who visit each year on Hajj and Umrah, Medina is not a compulsory stop — unlike Mecca, no ritual obligation requires attendance — but virtually every pilgrim comes. The spiritual pull is simply too strong to resist.

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi — The Prophet’s Mosque

The Prophet’s Mosque is the second-largest mosque in the world and the second holiest site in Islam after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The Prophet Muhammad built the original structure in 622 CE upon his arrival in Medina, using palm trunks for columns and palm leaves for the roof. What began as a modest enclosure measuring roughly 30.5 by 35.6 metres has been expanded repeatedly over fourteen centuries into a complex that now accommodates up to 1.8 million worshippers.

The Green Dome

The most recognisable feature of the mosque is the Green Dome (al-Qubbah al-Khadra) in the southeast corner, beneath which lies the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, alongside his companions Abu Bakr and Umar ibn al-Khattab. The dome was originally white when first constructed in 1279 CE during the Mamluk period, and was painted green in 1837 during Ottoman rule — a colour it has retained ever since.

Visitors do not enter the burial chamber itself. The tombs are enclosed behind gold and silver-mesh screens and a series of walls. Pilgrims offer greetings (Salam) to the Prophet from the designated area adjacent to the tomb, following a specific etiquette that includes facing the tomb, lowering the voice, and avoiding any actions associated with shrine worship.

The Rawdah — A Garden of Paradise

The Rawdah (Riyad al-Jannah) is the area between the Prophet’s tomb and his pulpit (minbar), marked by distinctive green carpet that contrasts with the red and beige flooring elsewhere in the mosque. According to a hadith narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet said: “Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise.”

Praying in the Rawdah is among the most coveted spiritual experiences in Islam. Due to overwhelming demand, the Saudi authorities now require advance booking through the Nusuk app, with visitors receiving a timed QR-code entry pass.

Practical tips: Book your Rawdah slot as early as possible through the Nusuk app — slots fill quickly, especially during Umrah season and Ramadan. Keep your voice low, avoid photography, follow security guidance on movement direction, and dress modestly. Time inside the Rawdah is limited to allow as many visitors as possible.

The Mechanical Umbrellas

One of the mosque’s most distinctive modern features is the array of giant retractable umbrellas in the courtyard, each standing approximately 15 metres tall. These mechanised structures open at sunrise to shade the outdoor prayer areas and close after sunset, providing protection from temperatures that can exceed 40°C in summer. The umbrellas, manufactured by a German-Saudi joint venture, have become one of Medina’s most photographed landmarks.

Mosque Capacity and Expansion

The current mosque comprises a ground floor of 98,500 square metres (capacity: 167,000), a rooftop prayer area of 67,000 square metres (capacity: 90,000), and a surrounding esplanade of 235,000 square metres (capacity: 450,000). The ongoing eastern expansion — initiated under King Abdullah and continued under King Salman — includes new prayer halls, movable glass domes for natural lighting, electric staircases, elevators, and mechanised shaded courtyards. Once complete, total capacity will reach approximately 1.8 million worshippers.

Rua Al Madinah — The City’s Transformation

Launched in 2022 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Rua Al Madinah project is the largest urban redevelopment in Medina’s history. Covering 1.5 million square metres just one kilometre east of the Prophet’s Mosque, the project will add 47,000 hotel rooms across multiple phases — a massive increase in pilgrim accommodation capacity.

The development emphasises pedestrian-first design, with corridors up to 60 metres wide providing direct walking access to the mosque’s squares. A 5-kilometre underground vehicle tunnel will separate pedestrian and vehicular traffic, while the project will include a metro station, nine bus stops, tracks for autonomous vehicles, and extensive underground parking.

Green and open spaces will account for 63 per cent of the project area, according to the developer. The first phase is targeted for completion by 2026. The total project value is reported at approximately SAR 140 billion ($37 billion), with projections of 93,000 new jobs, aligning with Vision 2030 targets.

Historic Mosques and Landmarks

Quba Mosque — The First Mosque in Islam

Quba Mosque holds the distinction of being the first mosque ever built in Islamic history. The Prophet Muhammad laid its first stone upon arriving in Medina during the Hijra in 622 CE, and he and his companions constructed it together. The Prophet is reported to have said that performing ablution at home and then praying two rak’ahs at Quba Mosque is equivalent to performing Umrah — a statement that draws enormous numbers of visitors.

The current building dates from a 1986 reconstruction that retained Medina’s traditional architectural language: ribbed white domes, basalt cladding, and a modest exterior. The mosque spans 13,500 square metres and accommodates approximately 20,000 worshippers. It is open 24 hours a day. Fridays are busiest, as many pilgrims pray at Quba before attending Jumu’ah at the Prophet’s Mosque.

Quba Mosque is located in the southern part of Medina, approximately 3.5 kilometres from the Prophet’s Mosque — easily reachable by taxi, ride-hail, or even a 30-to-40-minute walk.

Mount Uhud and the Battlefield

Mount Uhud rises 1,077 metres above sea level, approximately four kilometres north of the Prophet’s Mosque. It is the site of the Battle of Uhud (625 CE), the second major military engagement in Islamic history, in which the Muslims suffered a painful reversal after archers abandoned their defensive positions.

The Prophet Muhammad spoke of Uhud with deep affection: “This is a mountain that loves us, and we love it.” His uncle Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib, one of Islam’s most revered early martyrs, was killed at Uhud and is buried in a cemetery at the mountain’s base alongside approximately 70 other companions who fell in the battle.

Visitors can walk among the battlefield markers, visit the Martyrs’ Cemetery, and hike portions of the mountain. The site also includes the Archers’ Hill (Jabal al-Rumah), the strategic position whose premature abandonment turned the battle. The winter months (November to March) are the best time to visit for comfortable hiking conditions.

Masjid al-Qiblatain — The Mosque of Two Qiblas

Located approximately five kilometres northwest of the Prophet’s Mosque, Masjid al-Qiblatain marks the place where, according to Islamic tradition, Muhammad received the divine command to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Mecca during the Dhuhr prayer in the 2nd year of Hijra (623 CE). This event is one of the most significant moments in early Islamic history, establishing the Kaaba as the permanent Qibla for all Muslims.

The mosque originally contained two mihrabs (prayer niches) facing opposite directions — one toward Jerusalem and one toward Mecca — hence the name “Mosque of Two Qiblas.” During a 1987 reconstruction, the Jerusalem-facing mihrab was replaced with a small marker, while the Mecca-facing mihrab was retained. In October 2025, King Salman issued a directive to keep the mosque open 24 hours a day.

The Seven Mosques (Sab’ah Masajid)

The Seven Mosques is a cluster of six small historic mosques on the western slope of Mount Sela’ (the seventh is traditionally identified as the Prophet’s Mosque itself). They commemorate the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq) of 627 CE, when the Prophet and his companions dug a defensive trench around Medina to repel a coalition of Meccan and allied forces. The mosques are named after key figures: al-Fathah, Salman al-Farsi, Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Fatimah.

While there is no specific Islamic injunction to visit these mosques, they offer a window into the early Muslim community’s struggles and the sites where companions prayed and planned during the siege. The cluster can be visited in under an hour and is best combined with a trip to Mount Uhud.

The Dates Market — Medina’s Signature Flavour

Medina is renowned throughout the Islamic world for its dates, and no visit is complete without a trip to the Dates Market (Souq al-Tamr), located near Quba Mosque. The market is the largest dates bazaar in the region, with dozens of vendors selling varieties from across Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The crown jewel is the Ajwa date — a dark, soft, slightly chewy variety that grows exclusively in Medina’s orchards. According to a hadith in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet said: “Whoever eats seven Ajwa dates in the morning will not be harmed by poison or magic that day.” This religious significance, combined with limited supply, makes genuine Ajwa dates the most expensive variety, typically costing SAR 100 to SAR 300 per kilogram depending on grade and season.

Buying tips: Vendors at the Dates Market allow tastings before purchase — try before you buy. Always check packaging labels for origin, as genuine Ajwa dates come only from Medina. Prices at the market are generally lower than in hotels or airport shops. Bargaining is expected and can yield savings of 10 to 30 per cent, particularly when buying in bulk. Vacuum-sealed packaging is available for transport.

Other Shopping in Medina

Beyond dates, Medina’s traditional markets offer a range of goods popular with pilgrims:

• Souq Al Madinah (Old Bazaar) — Located directly outside the Prophet’s Mosque, selling prayer mats, Islamic calligraphy, Zamzam water containers, and perfumes
• Al-Manakhah Market — One of Medina’s oldest souqs, blending traditional shops with modern retail
• Souq Quba — Adjacent to Quba Mosque, a lively market with textiles, spices, and souvenirs
• Al Noor Mall and Al Rashid Mall — Modern shopping centres with international brands, cinemas, and food courts for a break from historic-site touring

Where to Stay

As with Mecca, proximity to the mosque is the primary factor in choosing accommodation. Hotels within walking distance of the Prophet’s Mosque command premium rates, while properties further out offer significant savings.

Luxury (Walking Distance to the Mosque)

Mid-Range and Budget

The Millennium Al Aqeeq and Millennium Taiba hotels offer solid four-star accommodation with mosque shuttle services, starting from approximately $60 to $150 per night. Budget hotels and serviced apartments along the King Faisal Road corridor offer rates from $35 to $80, with regular shuttle transport to the mosque area.

Booking tip: Medina hotels are significantly cheaper than equivalent properties in Mecca, and availability is generally better outside of Hajj season. Many pilgrims base themselves in Medina first, then move to Mecca — a strategy that can ease budget pressure. Rates are lowest from September to November (excluding the Hajj window) and from January to February.

Non-Muslim Access

Medina’s non-Muslim access rules differ from Mecca’s total prohibition, but the distinction is important to understand clearly.

The central sacred zone (the Haram area) surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque is restricted to Muslims only. This includes the mosque itself and the immediate surrounding area, with boundaries marked by green gates and signage. Saudi authorities enforce this restriction through checkpoints on major roads leading into the central zone.

However, unlike Mecca — where the entire city is off-limits — non-Muslims can visit Medina’s outer areas. Most of the city beyond the First Ring Road is accessible, including some historically significant sites. Non-Muslim visitors have reported being able to visit Mount Uhud, the Hejaz Railway Museum, and the Dar Al Madinah Museum without restriction, though they should always check current regulations before travelling, as policies can change.

The Haramain Railway serves Medina station for all passengers regardless of faith.

Getting to Medina

By Air

Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) is Medina’s airport, located approximately 15 kilometres northeast of the city centre. It handles both domestic flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, and international services. During Hajj and Umrah seasons, additional charter flights operate. Airport-to-hotel transfers take 20 to 30 minutes by taxi or ride-hail.

By Train — The Haramain High-Speed Railway

The Haramain Railway connects Medina to Mecca (approximately 2 hours 20 minutes), Jeddah (approximately 1 hour 50 minutes), and King Abdulaziz International Airport. Trains depart every 30 to 60 minutes, with approximately 35 to 40 services daily. Economy class tickets from Medina to Mecca cost approximately SAR 150 ($40), while Business class fares are approximately SAR 250 ($67). Medina’s Haramain station is located in the Knowledge Economic City area, about 10 kilometres from the Prophet’s Mosque, with shuttle and taxi connections available.

By Road

Medina is connected by well-maintained highways to Mecca (420 km south), Jeddah (400 km southwest), and Riyadh (870 km east). Inter-city bus services operated by SAPTCO run scheduled routes. Private car hire is also available, though the Haramain train is faster and more comfortable for the Medina-Mecca corridor.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Medina has a hot desert climate similar to Mecca, though its higher elevation (approximately 620 metres above sea level, compared to Mecca’s 277 metres) brings slightly cooler winter nights and marginally lower humidity.

Best months to visit: October to March offers the most comfortable conditions, with daytime temperatures between 25°C and 35°C. January is the coolest month. Summer months (June to August) bring extreme heat exceeding 43°C, making outdoor activities like visiting Mount Uhud inadvisable during midday hours.

Rainfall is rare, averaging approximately 44 millimetres per year, mostly between November and January. Medina’s air is generally drier than Mecca’s, with humidity rarely exceeding 38 per cent.

Health and Safety

The same heat-related precautions that apply in Mecca are relevant in Medina, particularly during summer months. The Saudi Red Crescent maintains medical stations at the Prophet’s Mosque and at major visitor sites. Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city, and several modern hospitals serve the area, including King Fahd Hospital and Al-Madinah General Hospital.

Medina is one of the safest cities in Saudi Arabia, with a strong security presence around the Prophet’s Mosque and major landmarks. The standard pilgrim health recommendations apply: carry water, use sun protection, wear comfortable footwear, and ensure all vaccinations are current (meningococcal ACWY is mandatory for Hajj and Umrah visitors).

How Long to Spend in Medina

Most pilgrims spend three to five days in Medina, though the itinerary depends on your priorities:

Al-Baqi Cemetery

Adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque, Jannat al-Baqi is the oldest and most significant Islamic cemetery. It contains the graves of many of the Prophet’s family members and companions, including his wife Aisha, his daughter Fatimah (according to some accounts), his grandson Hasan, and the third caliph Uthman ibn Affan. The cemetery is open to male visitors after each of the five daily prayers. Female visitors may view the cemetery from designated areas but are generally not permitted to enter the burial grounds.

Practical Information

Medina vs. Mecca — Key Differences for Visitors

Planning Your Visit — A Summary

Medina rewards the pilgrim who slows down. Where Mecca overwhelms with scale and intensity, Medina offers intimacy — the chance to pray in the mosque the Prophet built with his own hands, to visit the battlefield where Islam nearly ended, and to buy dates from orchards that have been cultivated since the seventh century. It is a city where every street corner carries a story, and where the loudest sound, more often than not, is the call to prayer.

Ramadan in Medina

Medina during Ramadan offers a different atmosphere from Mecca’s overwhelming crowds. The Prophet’s Mosque fills for Tarawih prayers each evening, but the pace is slower, the spaces more navigable, and the communal Iftar — where tens of thousands break their fast together in the mosque’s courtyards — carries a particular intimacy. Free Iftar meals of dates, yoghurt, bread, and rice are distributed by volunteers and charities throughout the mosque grounds each evening.

Many pilgrims choose to spend the first half of Ramadan in Medina before moving to Mecca for the final ten nights and the intensified search for Laylat al-Qadr. This itinerary allows a gentler introduction to the fasting rhythm before facing Mecca’s larger crowds. Hotel rates in Medina increase during Ramadan but remain lower than Mecca equivalents — typically 30 to 80 per cent above standard pricing.

Food and Dining

Medina’s food scene reflects its role as a pilgrim city with a global Muslim population.

• Al-Baik — Saudi Arabia’s most popular fast-food chain has several Medina locations. The broasted chicken meal remains an affordable pilgrim staple at approximately SAR 16.
• Traditional restaurants — Restaurants along the King Faisal Road corridor serve Saudi, Yemeni, and South Asian cuisine. Mandi (slow-cooked lamb and rice) is a Medina specialty, typically costing SAR 40 to SAR 80 per person.
• Hotel buffets — Properties like the Hilton and Pullman offer international buffets from SAR 100 to SAR 250 per person.
• Street food — Foul medames (fava beans), tamees bread, and shawarma are widely available near the mosque for SAR 5 to SAR 20.

During Ramadan, restaurants close during daytime fasting hours and reopen at Maghrib. Late-night dining options are widely available between Iftar and Suhoor.

Getting Around Medina

Medina is easier to navigate than Mecca, with less extreme topography and generally lower crowd density outside of the mosque area.

• Walking: If your hotel is within one kilometre of the Prophet’s Mosque, walking is the best option. The area around the mosque is largely pedestrianised, with wide, shaded walkways.
• Taxis and ride-hail: Uber and Careem operate throughout Medina. Fares within the city are typically SAR 10 to SAR 40. Taxis are plentiful near the mosque gates.
• Hotel shuttles: Most three-star and above hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to the Prophet’s Mosque, running every 15 to 30 minutes.
• Rental cars: Available at the airport and major hotels. Useful for visiting Mount Uhud and outlying sites, though parking near the mosque is extremely limited.
• SAPTCO buses: Public bus routes connect the airport, train station, and major districts, though services are infrequent by Western standards.

Day Trips from Medina

Yanbu — The Red Sea Coast

Yanbu al-Bahr, approximately 230 kilometres west of Medina, is the nearest coastal city and offers a striking contrast to the desert interior. The Red Sea diving and snorkelling here is excellent, with pristine coral reefs that receive a fraction of the tourists drawn to Jeddah’s coast. The drive takes approximately two and a half hours on a well-maintained highway. Yanbu also has historical significance as one of the staging points for T. E. Lawrence’s operations during the Arab Revolt of 1916–1918.

Al-Ula

While further afield (approximately 300 kilometres north, or four hours by road), Al-Ula is one of Saudi Arabia’s most spectacular archaeological sites and a centrepiece of the kingdom’s tourism push. The ancient Nabataean tombs of Hegra (Mada’in Saleh), Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, date to the first century CE. Al-Ula can be visited as an overnight trip from Medina or combined with a broader northern Saudi itinerary.

Etiquette at the Prophet’s Mosque

• Greetings at the tomb: Approach the Prophet’s tomb calmly, face the green mesh screen, and offer a quiet greeting. Do not touch or kiss the screens. Do not raise your voice or make du’a (supplication) loudly.
• Photography: Strictly prohibited inside the mosque, particularly near the tomb and the Rawdah. Security personnel will intervene.
• Shoes: Remove before entering. Use the provided shoe bags or carry your own — shoe racks overflow during peak times.
• Modest dress: Required for all visitors. Men and women should cover shoulders and knees. Women should cover their hair inside the mosque.
• Prayer rows: Join rows in order, filling gaps from front to back. Do not step over worshippers to reach the front.
• Mobile phones: Keep on silent. Calls inside the prayer halls are considered disrespectful.

Medina’s History in Brief

Before Islam, Medina was known as Yathrib, an oasis settlement inhabited by Arab and Jewish tribes. The Prophet Muhammad’s migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad built his mosque, drafted the Constitution of Medina (one of the earliest known social contracts), formed alliances, fought defensive battles at Badr, Uhud, and the Trench, and ultimately united the Arabian Peninsula under Islam.

The Prophet died in Medina in 632 CE and was buried in his wife Aisha’s chamber, which is now enclosed within the mosque. The first four caliphs — Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali — governed the expanding Islamic empire from Medina before the capital shifted to Damascus under the Umayyads in 661 CE. Despite losing political primacy, Medina remained a centre of Islamic scholarship and pilgrimage throughout subsequent centuries under Abbasid, Mamluk, and Ottoman rule. The Al Saud dynasty took control in the early twentieth century, and successive Saudi kings have expanded the Prophet’s Mosque into the vast complex that stands today.

Connectivity and Communication

Saudi mobile networks (STC, Mobily, Zain) provide strong 4G and 5G coverage across Medina, including inside the Prophet’s Mosque. Prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport, train station, and retail outlets. Most hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi. The Nusuk app — essential for booking Rawdah visits and managing mosque access — requires mobile data. Download and configure the app before arriving in Medina.

For more Saudi travel planning, see our Saudi Arabia Travel Hub, Mecca Travel Guide, and our coverage of Hajj 2026.