Indonesian resident Ahmed Roezqin intended to work in the Kingdom for only two years, but his stay in Madinah made him change his mind. One of the reasons for this change of heart is that Ahmed works near the Prophet’s Mosque, which gives him an opportunity to pray at the site everyday, something he considers a blessing.

“I feel peace, comfort and tranquility in this city, and nostalgia for it when I travel out of Madinah. Thankfully, I performed pilgrimage, and I hope I stay and work here, where there is comfort and blessing,” he told Arab News

Ahmed also feels that Madinah is full of many historical and archaeological sites and Islamic mosques. Famous for its palm plantations, life in Madinah is different than in other cities, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, the Eids/holidays and in the Haj and Umrah season, the expat explained.

“Visitors come to Madinah throughout the year. Life is truly different in Madinah; streets are spacious, there are luxurious malls and hotels with international standards, high class districts, it is one of the modern cities,” he said.

Ahmed also praised the construction boom that the city is experiencing, with a number of projects that include a new airport, the Haramain train and the Knowledge Economic City, in addition to the project to expand the Prophet’s Mosque.