Al Madinah Province in western Saudi Arabia combines Madinah, the city of the Prophet's Mosque, with AlUla's UNESCO-listed Hegra, the Red Sea port of Yanbu, and early Islamic sites at Badr, Khaybar and Uhud. This guide covers sights, hotels, food, access rules for non-Muslims and getting around.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Quba Mosque and Quba Road
The first mosque of Islam with a landscaped plaza and date farms and cafes nearby.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Dar Al Madinah Museum
Museum with models and exhibits on the history and architecture of Madinah.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Hejaz Railway Station Museum
Restored Ottoman station with locomotives and carriages for children.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Mount Uhud viewing area
Short stop at the battlefield area and martyrs' cemetery viewpoint, best in the cool evening.
Duration: 1 hour
Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)
Famous sandstone formation in AlUla with a picnic area, best at sunset.
Duration: 1-2 hours
AlUla Oasis and Old Town
Palm-grove oasis walks and the restored mudbrick Old Town.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Yanbu Corniche
Seafront promenade with play areas and cafes.
Duration: 1-3 hours
Badr Battlefield visit
Historic site of the Battle of Badr, about 150 km south-west of Madinah; best combined with a day trip by car.
Duration: 1 hour
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel
Hotel facing the Prophet's Mosque plaza; confirm family rooms when booking.
Family features: Family rooms or connecting rooms may be available; confirm.
Dar Al Taqwa Hotel
Hotel in the Central Area close to the mosque; confirm family rooms when booking.
Family features: Family rooms or connecting rooms may be available; confirm.
Shaza Al Madina
Hotel near the mosque; confirm family rooms when booking.
Family features: Family suites may be available; confirm.
Habitas AlUla
Eco-resort in Ashar Valley, AlUla; confirm family villas when booking.
Family features: Villas may suit families; confirm.
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Al Baik is a child-friendly staple across Madinah, AlUla and Yanbu.
Mall food courts in Madinah have varied menus and play areas.
Ask for meals without spice for young children.
Dining areas fill after Maghrib and Isha prayers.
Yanbu's seafood restaurants are popular for weekend family dinners.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Bring a stroller for mall use; strollers are not suited to crowded plazas at peak prayer times.
Write hotel details on each child's wristband.
Schedule rest in the hotel during midday heat.
Book family Rawdah and Umrah slots on Nusuk; children need their own permits.
Zamzam water is free throughout Masjid an-Nabawi.
Use hotel shuttles at prayer times.
AlUla suits families from October to March; summer days are too hot for outdoor touring.