At first glance, Medina and Jeddah may seem like worlds apart. Medina, the second holiest city in Islam, lies inland and is known for its conservative atmosphere and significance as a pilgrimage site. In contrast, Jeddah, located on the shores of the beautiful Red Sea, has a long-standing reputation as Saudi Arabia’s most “liberal” city. Its coastal location attracts a diverse population and reflects a more cosmopolitan lifestyle.
However, despite their obvious and distinct characters, Medina and Jeddah both capture the evolving spirit of Saudi Arabia’s increasing openness. Medina’s deep spiritual resonance, where ancient mosques and sacred landmarks reflect the nation’s devotion to preserving its rich Islamic history, of course, remains. However, with the city’s recently allowing non-Muslims in for the first time, those of all faiths can now get to know a city that, for over a third of the world, represents tranquillity like (almost) nowhere else.
Similarly, Jeddah represents the country’s dynamic shift towards modernization, with the city’s historical charm increasingly being tied to ambitious urban development. As a notable highlight, restoration efforts in the vibrant Al-Balad district embody Saudi Arabia’s drive to merge tradition with progress, creating a global cultural and economic hub.
The fact that Medina and Jeddah are now linked by bullet train, causing a journey of 400km to take less than two hours, further destroys the image of Saudi being a car-dependent Kingdom that is difficult to travel around. We hope that these complementing accounts of Medina and Jeddah – produced with our guide Morgan as he travelled around the Kingdom – justify these views further and will inspire you to consider a trip to Saudi soon.
First to Medina, the “Prophet’s City:”
For a company with “pioneer” in its name, we strive to be among the first to explore new frontiers. Our visit to Medina, as we neared the end of our Saudi journey, embodied this spirit in multiple ways. Not only were we part of the early wave of tourists entering Saudi Arabia since the introduction of tourist visas in 2019, but we were also among the first non-Muslims permitted to visit the holy city of Medina since the regulations changed in 2021.
We started our tour of the ancient city of Medina in the morning by heading to the gates of the Prophet’s Mosque. This is a place of profound significance for Muslims worldwide, so we were unable to head inside the mosque itself. However, the mosque’s intricate exterior and vastness are a sight to behold. The grave of the Prophet Muhammad is in the very heart of the mosque, and we learned from our local guide how countless worshippers visit it each day. Regardless of one’s personal beliefs, it was impossible not to be moved by the sight of heartfelt prayers around us.
Next up, we ventured to the Expansion Museum, where we embarked on a fascinating journey through the history of the Prophet’s Mosque. Originally a simple mud-brick structure, it has undergone numerous expansions and renovations over the centuries, which is also symbolic of Saudi’s economic fortunes over the years.
The first major expansion took place during the seventh century, alongside the reign of the second caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab. He was the first to increase the size of the mosque to accommodate the growing Muslim community, yet the most significant expansion occurred during the reign of Abbasid caliph al-Walid ibn Yazid. A century after Umar, al-Walid commissioned the construction of the iconic green dome and minaret.
After the museum, we made our way to the Quba Mosque, the first mosque ever built by the Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE. Located a short distance from the city centre, it exudes simplicity and authenticity. Unlike the Prophet’s Mosque, which is off-limits to non-Muslims, we had the chance to enter the prayer hall. The Quba Mosque was built shortly after the Prophet Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina from Mecca, which heightens its historical significance as a popular pilgrimage site for visitors to Medina.
A bullet train? In Saudi??
After our morning in Medina, it was time to head to the coast and Saudi’s vibrant second city – Jeddah!
At 2 pm, we boarded the high-speed train bound for Jeddah. The Haramain High-Speed Railway is a 449-kilometre-long line directly connecting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina (collectively known as the Haramain), via Jeddah. It has a service speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), making it the first high-speed railway on the Arabian Peninsula.
As we glided across the desert, relaxing on the train, we were able to enjoy the dusty, stark beauty of the Saudi desert. Then, after barely 90 minutes, the skyline of Jeddah came into view!
Opening in 2018, the trains were spotless and modern, exemplifying the new Saudi Arabia. As part of Mohammed bin Salman’s plan to diversify the economy, the country is striving to reduce its dependency on oil. What better represents this shift than us tourists travelling on a high-speed train — two of the nation’s newest (and largely oil-free) industries?
To Jeddah, to Jeddah!
Once off the train, we transferred to the historic Al Balad district, where we were met by our lovely guide Maram and her daughter, Laila. Al Balad is a charming neighbourhood, known for its traditional architecture and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We wandered through the narrow streets for the next hours, watching the sun at golden hour dancing off the coral-stone buildings. These were characterized by their wooden Roshan windows and quaint balconies.
In May 2019, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced a multi-billion-dollar restoration of fifty-six historical buildings in Al-Balad. Clearly, this is going well, and is being done with the aim of transforming historic Jeddah into a global tourist destination.
Then, we headed to the Nasseef House. It is now a museum and cultural centre but was finished in 1881 as a wealthy merchant’s house. Our group then popped nearby to Baeshen House, which housed generations of Jeddah’s noble society. Now, this old Coral mansion hosts a small, intimate exhibition.
Our tour also got to glimpse at the Al Shafei Mosque. Its marble pillars and cooling Al Mangabi Stones date back 1400 years, to the time of the foundation of Islam. However, its minaret is “only” 850 years old, given that the first mosques were built without minarets
As the sun began to properly set and temperatures became very pleasant, we found ourselves continuing strolling in the old town. Our guide, Maram, was so happy to meet us that she wouldn’t let us go! We ended this wonderful day at the Meez restaurant, which serves fusion Middle Eastern Food. With food once being one of the few pleasures bestowed in the Kingdom, the Saudi eating scene is incredible and very diverse!
Overall, our visit to Jeddah was a delightful contrast to our time in Riyadh, which is in the centre of the country and very much a financial, rather than cultural, capital. It became an instant highlight for many in our group – the time to see Jeddah is now!
How do I pull off my own Saudi adventure?
If you’re inspired by our travels in Medina and Jeddah, then we hope that you’ll consider joining us on our next tour to the Kingdom!
We’re adding more group tours all the time, and we have two scheduled for next year, in February and October! These are the best times to visit, considering the weather and Saudi’s cultural calendar.
If these dates don’t work for you – or if you want a more bespoke experience – then we can help you with arranging a private tour. This will allow you to explore Medina and Jeddah at your own pace and will help you understand how, together, these two cities help tell the Saudi story.
For all the information you need, check out our Saudi Arabia landing page, or send us an email with your questions!
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