Markets in central Madinah are seeing a noticeable increase in activity as pilgrims from Iran, Turkey, and other nationalities have begun arriving to the city and visiting markets to purchase various goods. 

The increase in visitors to the city has boosted competition among shops situated near the Prophet’s Mosque and surrounding areas. 

According to Mohammed Ezzaldin, the manager of a shopping mall, shopkeepers are racing to meet the needs of customers and to obtain the highest possible sales. “Iranian visitors are the most active in the market as many buy large quantities of various items since prices are much lower than those in their home country,” he said.

Shopkeeper Mustafa Mahmoud said sales in the coming period are expected to be 30 percent greater than last year. Meanwhile, Mohammed Rashwan, head of the Chamber of Commerce and Trade in Madinah, noted that both shops and customers benefit from the trade at the markets, particularly as goods are cheaper due to the absence of taxes. 

“All service sectors, including malls, restaurants and hotels, are thriving these days due to the large influx of pilgrims and visitors,” he said, noting that more than 5 million pilgrims are expected this year.

Local hotels in Madinah, in cooperatoin with local tour operators, have also arranged city tours to historical sites for the benefit of those who come to Madinah to visit the Prophet’s Mosque.

Places of interest include Quba Mosque, the first mosque built by the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Madinah, the Qiblatain Mosque, where the Qibla was shifted from the Al-Aqsa Mosque to the Kaaba when the Prophet (pbuh) was leading the prayer, and the graveyard on the foothills of Mount Uhud, where soldiers martyred in battle during the Prophetic period are buried.

Meeqat points include Dhul-Hulayfah, which is 9 km from Madinah; Juhfah, 190 km northwest of Makkah; Qarn Al-Manazil, situated 90 km east of Makkah; Dhat Irq, 85 km toward the northeast side of Makkah; and Yalamlam, 50 km southeast of Makkah.

A senior official from the Ministry of Health said that it is advisable for Umrah pilgrims to take a flu shot before their departure to the holy cities.

He noted that the vaccination service is available free of charge for citizens, as well as residents in hospitals and public health care centers located throughout the Kingdom.