Cheap Flights to Medina Jazeera Airways Tickets

Travel to Medina

Discover Medina

Madinah, known as the second holiest city of Islam, is a part of the Hajj pilgrimage. Situated in Western Saudi Arabia, it is often referred to as the ‘enlightened city’.'

At the heart of the city centre you’ll find the major pilgrimage site of Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi (the Prophet’s mosque), which houses the tomb of Prophet Mohammed. The mosque gives pilgrims astonishing views and impressive architecture, as well as a deeply spiritual experience. Many other sacred sites should also be added to itinerary when visiting Madinah, including Quba Mosque and Masjid Jummah. Just like Makkah, the city centre is closed to anyone who is not a Muslim.

The streets around the Prophet's Mosque are filled with stalls, boutiques and traders, and there are also plenty of restaurants to enjoy. Tea shops sell a huge choice of mint teas, which make a refreshing start to the day or as a pick-me-up mid-morning. Outside the city limits you'll find a dramatic desert landscape scattered with ancient ruins and holy sites that all play an important part in the culture and history of Islam.

Essential Facts

Time/Date
Time Zone
+03:00
Language
Arabic
Currency
SA Riyal
Electricity
220v/60Hz
Best Time To Visit
October

Things To Do

Historical Sites

Every visitor to Madinah will find time to visit Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi. But there are many other sites to include in your itinerary. Quba Mosque is known as the first mosque in Islam, and Mount Uhud is a historic site of the famous Uhud battle. If you’re interested in history, explore a little further out into the desert to see the ancient Madain Saleh Tombs, which are carved into the hillside.

Shopping

You’ll find modern conveniences and your favourite international brands at the choice of contemporary malls in the city. Al Noor Mall is one of the most popular and houses an extensive food court too, if you’re feeling peckish.

Travel back in time when you explore the Old Bazaar. Located close to Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi, you can browse a variety of wares, from perfumes and jewellery to dates and gifts.

Food And Drink

People visit Madinah from all around the world, so you can expect an array of cuisine that caters to every taste. Grab a quick snack on the go, or sit and enjoy fine dining at the luxury hotels and the food courts in the shopping malls. You’ll also discover roadside stalls in the markets serving up tasty dishes that are wallet friendly too.

Other local dishes to look out for include taamiyya (a type of vegetable sandwich), foul (cooked beans) with tameez (bread), and roasted whole chickens called Broasts.

Things To Know

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of all countries require a visa to visit Saudi Arabia except the citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council members -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and United Arab Emirates.
  • All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.
  • Visitors to Saudi Arabia must obtain a visa in advance unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
  • A special visa category exists for pilgrims coming to Saudi Arabia on the Hajj. Applications are encouraged to be done via licensed travel agents.
  • For more details on visa visit: http://www.saudiembassy.net/services.

Getting Around

  • Flights to Medinah land at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport, which is located approximately 15km from the city centre.
  • The most convenient way to get around the city is by taxi, as there is no other form of public transport. If the taxi you take does not have a metre, it’s advisable to agree the fare in advance.
  • The new ‘tourist bus’ is another good way to explore all the important sights in the city.