Al-Madinah Province lies in western Saudi Arabia, in the Middle East. It is the province that contains the holy city of Medina, which Muslims regard as the second holiest site in Islam after Mecca. The Prophet Muhammad is buried in Medina, and for this reason the province draws Muslim pilgrims and visitors from across the world.
What a visit is like
For most travellers, a trip to the province is a religious and spiritual journey. The atmosphere in the city is shaped by its role as a place of prayer and devotion, so visitors are generally expected to dress modestly and behave with quiet respect, particularly near the mosque and the sites connected with the Prophet.
Because the province is a destination in its own right, it suits several kinds of visitor:
- Pilgrims who come to pray at the holy city and its sacred places.
- Visitors interested in Islamic history, since Medina is closely tied to the early years of the faith.
- Travellers exploring the wider region of western Saudi Arabia, who can combine a stay in the city with time elsewhere in the province.
Planning your trip
Before you go, it is worth checking current entry arrangements and any rules for visiting the holy sites, as these can change. The province sits in the western part of the country, so routes into it may differ depending on where you are travelling from. Allow time to move slowly through the city, since a visit here is best approached at an unhurried pace.
