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Festival

Eid-ul-Adha

This is the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ or ‘Greater Eid’ marking the day after Arafat during Haj. Domestic animals (usually goats, cows or sheep) are sacrificed as a symbol of Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion to Allah. During this time, there is none of the usual rush in the city because all visiting pilgrims perform their sacrifice in Makkah. So Madinah is usually quiet in comparison. However, the locals are very spirited during the 4 days of Eid-ul-Adha distributing meat and chanting ‘Takbir’ out loud before and after prayers.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Eid-ul-Adha

This is the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ or ‘Greater Eid’ marking the day after Arafat during Haj. Domestic animals (usually goats, cows or sheep) are sacrificed as a symbol of Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion to Allah. During this time, there is none of the usual rush in the city because all visiting pilgrims perform their sacrifice in Makkah. So Madinah is usually quiet in comparison. However, the locals are very spirited during the 4 days of Eid-ul-Adha distributing meat and chanting ‘Takbir’ out loud before and after prayers.

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Ramadan

Activity

Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar. It is the month of fasting when Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn till sunset. The purpose is to teach Muslims patience, modesty and spirituality. It’s the time to offer more prayers than usual and seek refuge in Allah. It is the dearest festivals of the Muslims that culminates to Eid-ul-Fitr at the end of the month. Ramadan in Madinah is especially marked by a huge influx of visiting Muslims from all over the world. The Masjid Al-Nabawi is jam packed during the month and entertains a very warming and welcoming environment within its walls. The locals offer free Iftar at sunset. Madinah remains a very buzzing city throughout the month.

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Eid-ul-Fitr

Activity

Eid-ul-Fitr in essence is a celebration by the Muslims to thank Allah for blessing them with the Holy Month of Ramadan. This month gives them an opportunity to get all their sins forgiven from the Almighty and get back to ground zero in terms of their bad deeds. Therefore, Eid-ul-Fitr is a time of sharing joy and happiness as gratitude for Allah’s numerous bounties. The Muslims hug each other as a show of emotion and love without the distinction of race or color. Shopping centers and malls are literally overwhelmed with people and simply put, the whole environment is very festive and refreshing.

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Saudi National Day

Activity

It is perhaps the only non-religious event that takes place in the city. The Saudi National Day signifies the day when Saudi Arabia became an independent state. It marks the unification of the country by King Abdul Aziz in 1932. It was first celebrated in the year 2005 and is a day of jubilation for the locals and celebrations are marked by a national public holiday.

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Taiba Land Resort

Attraction

Taiba Land Resort Street Al-Khalil Str POBOX 587 Telephone 48458600 Fax 48458709

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Al-Hokair Group

Attraction

Al-Hokair Group Address: Street ِAbu Baker Al-Seddig Str Telephone 48312056

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What to do with Children in Tow

Activity

There are several entertainment areas in and around Madinah that can be attractive for children. These places include King Fahd Park, Al Hamra Park, Al Nakheel Park, Central Park, Taibeh Land Tourism Village, Aliyet Al Medina Souk, Rashed Mega Mall Complex, Al Hassen Mall, Al Bu’aijan Park, Al Gadi Park, Al Hukair Luna Park, Wild Baydha Park, Agool Park, Abu Terboosh Park, Bayt Al Madina Park and Nowres Park.

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Jannatul Baqi

Cemetery

Jannat-ul-Baqi is the burial ground of some of the closest companions of the Prophet (PBUH) including some of his wives and daughters. It is right next to the Masjid Al Nabawi and Muslim men should definitely visit the site and say a prayer for the deceased. Please note that the area is forbidden for women.

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Kaaki Museum

Museum

It is a specialized museum of Madinah which unravels the early stages of Madinah’s development. The museum contains visual media and pictures of the city.

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Battleground of Trenches (i.e. Khandaq)

Hill

This is the area where the Prophet (PBUH) along with his companions dug the trenches to prevent the enemy, the non-Muslims, from entering Madinah. Although the trenches have been replaced by a metal road which may turn out to be a little disappointing we still recommend that you at least visit the location.

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Mount Uhud

Mountain

Mount Uhud, 1077 metres high, is a very famous mountain in Islamic history. The 2nd battle of Islam that took place between Muslims and infidels was fought near this mountain. The Muslims lost this battle unfortunately but they learned numerous valuables lessons from it through the verdicts of Allah in the Holy Quran. The Prophet (PBUH) often showed emotion when he discussed the Uhud Mount and said that the Uhud Mount loves Madinah and the Madinites love it back.

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Madinah Dates Company/Dates Market

Market

The Madinah Dates Company and the Dates Market offer varieties of dates from chocolate flavored and almond filled to the traditional khajji. These dates are a major attraction for foreign nationals since dates of Madinah are famous worldwide for their supreme taste and quality. The Dates Company has an on-premise factory and offers more expensive dates than the ones offered by the Dates Market.

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Old Bazaar

Market

The Old Bazaar offers a very wide variety of extremely cheap items including garments, wrist-watches, perfumes, prayer caps, kitchen wear, etc. Most items usually cost around SAR 10 and naturally it is a risky bargain so be careful of what you buy.

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Madinah Restaurant, Marmara Restaurant

Offering Oriental and International Cuisines, the Madinah Restaurant and Marmara Restaurants offer 3 and 2 meals a day respectively. You must try the Red Sea shrimp or lobster thermidore at the Madinah Hotel and definitely try the mixed grill Mediterranean-style fish at the Marmara Restaurant. Café Najd This cafe is located inside the luxurious Madinah Hilton, just a few steps away from the Holy Prophet's (PBUH) Mosque in Madinah. At the Café Najd you will come across fresh juices, pastries and light snacks. The Hiltonia Mocktail is a specialty of this Café.

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Shing Yang Restaurant

It is perhaps the best Chinese restaurant in town. It gives you the vibes of a restaurant from the Far East and yet it is located right here in the Middle East. One of the specialties of this unique eating place includes the Chicken in cashew nut sauce that would cost you about SR 20 per plate.

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Al Tazaj

Al Tazaj is barbeque chicken restaurant chain in Saudi Arabia. The chicken comes fresh from the poultry farms and is then marinated using natural ingredients. Its menu includes barbecued chicken, chicken kabab sandwiches, french fries etc. The following are its 3 outlets in Madinah:

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Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut is an international pizza chain and has outlets in Tabuk, Yanbu, Khobar, Dhahran, Dammam, Qatif, Jubail, Ras Tanurah, Buraidah, Hail, Onaizah, Riyadh (32 branches), Taif, Makkah, Madinah etc. Its branches in Madinah are on Al-Hazim Road, Qurban Street and Sultana Street.

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Pizza Inn

Pizza Inn is fast food chain with approximately 27 restaurants in the central & eastern provinces; owned by United Food Co, part of the Abdullah Abunayyan Group. It has outlets in Riyadh, Dammam, Khobar, Doha, Ahsa, Kharj, Madinah etc.

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Kudu Restaurants

Kudu is a Fast food chain, with almost 114 restaurants across Saudi Arabia. Its menu includes sandwiches ( mainly chicken, beef, combo, turkey, club), steaks, burgers etc and has outlets in Riyadh, Dhahran, Madinah, Jubail, Jeddah, Makkah, Khobar etc.

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Al Baik

The popular Saudi alternative to KFC, this restaurant specializes in selling fried chicken for outrageously low prices. They also offer shrimp, fish and burgers and fries as well. The restaurant has outlets all over Saudi Arabia (except for Riyadh )