Mount Uhud, where the second battle in the history of Islam took place.
Visiting Mount Uhud is an experience full of stories embraced by this historical place. The first Muslims, led by Prophet Mohammad – Peace be upon him – stood in one of the battles on the granite rocks of the Mount. The vegetation and trees that grow between and around the stones of the Mount give a lively feel and form a captivating landscape full of memories.
Al-Madinah - The First Islamic Capital
Historically known as Yathrib, Madinah was established in the 6th century BC and is the first Islamic Capital and one of the most important places of the revelation of the Prophet (PBUH). He immigrated to Yathrib in 622 AD and built Al Masjid an Nabawi – the 2nd holiest place on earth for Muslims – where his grave lies after he lived his last days there. Madinah is rich with Islamic heritage and includes the Quba Mosque which is the 1st mosque built in Islam, and tens of other historical mosques and eternal ruins. Yathrib gained its importance a long time ago because of its geographical location, as it lies on the road for Hajj and trade, and has a unique land, with mountains, plains, oases, and gold, silver and copper mines.
Madinah receives millions of Muslims longing to visit it from all around the world, as it is an important religious destination. The Prophet’s sanctuary is restricted for Muslims only, whereas the rest of Madinah welcomes Muslims and non-Muslims to explore its historical heritage and observe its culture and museums, and enjoy its gardens and entertainment destinations.
Top Attractions
Urwah bin Al-Zubair Palace
Urwah bin Al-Zubair Palace is part of the history of Madinah and a spatial memory that testifies to the civilization of an Islamic era known for building palaces and farms. The palace was built at the end of the first century AH. It is located on the banks of Wadi Al-Aqeeq, west of Madinah, about 3.5 km away from the Prophet’s Mosque, along the road leading to Dhu al-Hulaifa Mosque.
Impressive historical building
The palace of Urwah bin al-Zubair was built with stones, some of which were coated with mud and others with plaster. The palace floors are made of compacted pebbles, topped with a layer of mud and plaster. Some floors also consist of brick tiles and trimmed sills of volcanic stone.
The palace contains three courtyards of varying sizes, two of which are overlooked by three rooms, and the third is overlooked by two rooms and a kitchen. The palace also includes two wells within its facilities, the first is inside the palace, and the second is outside it and is known as the Water Distribution Well, which was historically famous, as travelers to Makkah were supplied with water from it.
Visiting Times
Urwah bin al-Zubair Palace receives visitors from 05:00 pm until 11:00 pm, seven days a week. The palace offers many activities, as some rooms are equipped with screens that show the details and history of the place. There are also seating areas and places where food and drink are served.
Historical Quba Castle
The historical Quba Castle is located on a high hill in the Al-Duwaima neighborhood, south of Madinah, and is 1,500 meters away from Quba Mosque. It was built in 1915. It is the most famous castle in the city and was built in the past for surveillance and guarding. Its area is about 200 square meters and receives visitors daily – except for Sunday – from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm.
Ancient Castle with Solid Building
The castle building is square and consists of a ground floor with two floors above it, in addition to the roof of the building that was previously used for observation. The castle is characterized by a historical identity in the way it was built, as it was built of thick black volcanic stones, and covered with white plaster. The castle is one of the most important heritage monuments that people visit to learn about Islamic images full of stories.
Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque
Located in the area of the Seven Mosques, Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque is a destination for Madinah visitors who seek to explore Islamic cultural heritage, as is the case with all the other mosques that have a great history.
Exploring Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque
Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque was built in 706-712 AD, and it was renovated several times, the last of which was in 1990 AD, during the reign of King Fahd ibn Abd Al-Aziz Al-Saud.
The mosque is 31 meters in length, from east to west, and 22 meters in width, The rectangular structure is eight degrees from the ground and has seven domes, the largest of which is the mihrab (prayer niche) dome. It also has a minaret, located in the eastern part, corridor and yard.
It is noteworthy that the Prophet (peace be upon him) performed Eid prayer on the site, and so did Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) after the Prophet’s death.
Visiting Times
Only Muslims may visit the mosque, which is 10 meters to the south of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque and the east of Fatima Mosque.
Shopping
Al-Rashid Mega Mall
Spread over an area of 140,000 square meters, Al-Rashid Mega Mall is a well-known shopping destination in Madinah. It includes various stores distributed over four floors, allowing visitors to keep up with the latest trends in beauty and fashion, including women’s clothing suitable for modern occasions and parties, and various beauty products, in addition to men’s collectibles stores for elegant and integrated look, such as clothes, shoes, and perfumes. Some stores cater to children.
Food and Drink
The mall includes a dining hall that allows you to spend a family evening with the most delicious international and local dishes. There are also many cafes specialized in preparing fresh coffee that charge your energy for a day full of shopping fun.
Entertainment Facilities
There is a spacious playroom for children, enabling them to enjoy active and electronic games in a safe, fun and lively atmosphere. There is also a football pitch for children and cinemas with 3D screens that show local and international movies. Your enjoyment is complemented by popcorn crackers mixed with delicious caramel.
AlManar Mall in Madinah
All pioneering international and local stores come together under the roof of AlManar Mall where you can find the best fashion and men’s and women’s needs in large spaces that allow you to wander around easily for hours, enjoying yourself among the shelves of household items, modern electronic stores, and children’s stores, whether you are looking for clothes or toys.
Food and Drink
You can delve into amazing food with the ones you love, as the food court has dishes from local and international kitchens, giving you the chance to choose your favourite dish from each kitchen easily.
Recreational Facilities
The mall includes a large children’s area where they can play video games, exciting action games, play in the sand, or enjoy competitive games that raise their excitement and reinforce communication.
Aliat Mall – Kinan
Aliat Mall is a destination for lovers of the world of fashion and beauty. Women’s and men’s stores of luxury brands, discount stores, modern furniture stores, and international and oriental perfume stores spread over an area of 92,000 square meters. The mall is distinguished by its proximity to the Prophet’s Mosque.
Food and Drink
You can eat the delicacies of international and local cuisine accompanied by friends or family in a spacious food court. You can also charge your energy with a cup of fresh coffee while shopping for personal or family needs, or relax in the local and international coffee shops distributed in the mall.
Entertainment facilities and services
The center includes a games hall that allows your child to play for hours in an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment, in which he tries electronic and action games. There are also 3,000 parking spaces that allow you to park your car safely.
Opening hours
Aliat Mall is open from Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and on Friday and Saturday from 05:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Restaurants & Cafes
Asian Restaurants in Madinah
In Madinah, you can find Asian restaurants for lovers of Chinese, Indian and Chinese food, and the menus are filled with dishes of delicious foods. Here are some Asian restaurants in Madinah:
Oriental Delicacies
Taste the delicious Japanese flavours in Tokushi restaurant, where you can have sushi rolls with crunchy shrimp and other nutritious seafood such as smoked salmon with cream cheese, in addition to traditional sweets from the Japanese kitchen. In Hyderabad House, you can choose your favourite Indian dish from the menu, such as Biryani prepared with masala by professional cooks, chicken and other Indian dishes that please your taste.
A Trip to China!
Indulge in the original Chinese taste in Baytoti restaurant, where the menu is rich with dishes that take you to the alleyways of China. There are dishes of chicken made with spicy sauce and garlic served with Chinese steamed rice, and a variety of pasta dishes made with meat, chicken or prawns.
A Combination of Chinese and Indian Flavours
Awana Restaurant serves Chinese and Indian food under the same roof. It offers fried rice with shrimp, chicken biryani and Chinese Sichuan chicken cooked with soya sauce and hot pepper.
Cafes in Madinah
Medinah abounds in specialized coffee shops, where the aroma of citrusy and honeyed coffee permeates the taste of all coffee lovers. Here are some cafes that serve your unique taste:
The Pleasure of Sipping
From freshly brewed espressos to iced coffees, a list of drinks enriched with freshly ground coffee awaits you at Willi’s Café, along with a selection of delicious baked goods, such as cheese waffles, apple waffles, and sweet chocolate chip cookies. The Dose Café menu includes specialty coffees. You can choose your favorite flavor from golden caramel, soft pistachio, or liquid vanilla, and you can eat American cake, or lemon cake rich in cream, in addition to freshly baked goods.
Premium Coffee is Awaiting You
At 44X Café, you can drink hot chocolate granules with milk, Turkish coffee, French toast fingers with cinnamon, and slices of lemon cake. And at Arabia Café, you can taste cold coffee that refreshes your senses with your favorite choice of pistachio, caramel, or saffron, with elegant outdoor and indoor settings, and a varied menu of sweets that complement your day with their deliciousness.
Breakfast Restaurants in Madinah
Madinah has many restaurants which serve oriental breakfasts. Here are a few of them to begin your morning with:
GOZL
Your fruitful morning begins with GOZL restaurant where the breakfast menu provides you with enough energy and fulfilment for as long as possible. The falafel and hummus combined with tahini fulfil your senses to the highest. Delve into the deliciousness of pastries topped with cheese, labneh or meat alongside a dish of eggplant fatteh with creamy yoghurt and fried bread. You can enjoy your diverse breakfast inside or out in the open.
Zayton & Teen
Starting from pieces of grilled liver over to Hijazi beans, your morning here starts with a menu of salty and sweet foods, where you can enjoy a delightful and unique food experience with dishes such as murtabak with vegetables or meat, masoub with thick cream and honey, in addition to cold appetizers like grilled eggplants and stuffed vine leaves to awaken your senses. Wash it all down with exquisite Adeni tea.