Medina, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
#145
24.471153, 39.611121
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Medina, known as Al-Madina Al-Munawwara, is one of the holiest cities in Islam. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.3 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Saudi Riyal (SAR), 1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | STC, Mobily, and Zain provide prepaid SIM cards with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks such as HSBC and local banks like Alinma Bank are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, serviced apartments, and Airbnb rentals, especially near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, but carrying cash is advisable for small vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local websites offer short-term rentals, with prices ranging from 150 SAR to 500 SAR per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses start around 100 SAR per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | DreamWorks Space is popular among digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Starbucks and local cafes in the Central area provide good ambience and wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are hosted on platforms like Meetup.com periodically. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expatriates host regular gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the preferred ride-hailing app in Medina. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are limited; however, some hotels offer rented bicycles. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach (Al-Masjid Al-Haram) is approximately a 2-hour drive to the coast of Jeddah. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Saudia is the main carrier for regional travel. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Saudia and Emirates provide international flights from Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways like Route 15 connect Medina to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Medina Train Station serves as the main transit hub for the Haramain High-Speed Railway. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public bus services are available but infrequent; taxis are commonly used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Regular buses run to Mecca and other nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al-Munawwarah Hospital is the go-to facility with modern amenities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness and yoga centers are sparse; consider nearby cities for specialized classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Fitness Time are popular chain options in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many hotels offer laundry services; local laundromats are also available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | HungerStation is a popular choice for food delivery in Medina. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kabsa, a spiced rice dish commonly served with chicken or lamb. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Baghdad Restaurant has a variety of vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al Baik serves delicious desserts alongside their famous fried chicken. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local souks offer fresh produce and snacks at affordable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Noon.com and Souq.com offer a variety of products for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tamimi Markets and Carrefour provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars are limited due to local customs; cafes remain a popular evening spot. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is prohibited; however, non-alcoholic drinks are popular. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not applicable due to local restrictions on alcohol. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi offer local snacks and sweets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | International fast-food chains are available, especially around shopping areas. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the most significant landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Medina Museum showcases Islamic heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Quba Mosque is notable for its historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Jannat al-Baqi cemetery is a revered site for pilgrims. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Hajj and Ramadan bring significant celebrations and events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Medina offers a glimpse into historical architecture and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Live performances are not common; focus is on religious gatherings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Local souks like Souk Al-Ghna are ideal for cultural immersion. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Music is largely traditional; local gatherings occasionally feature live performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is limited; focus remains on preserving Islamic architecture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are rare; home-based experiences could be arranged through local contacts. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; local crafts can be found in bazaar markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Architecture of old mosques showcases beautiful Islamic art. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is a prominent symbol of Islamic heritage and is vital for Muslim history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The mountain ranges near Medina provide great hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Uhud Mountain area offers scenic views and historical significance. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Promenade areas around Al-Masjid an-Nabawi are pedestrian-friendly. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Al-Masjid an-Nabawi rooftops provide stunning views of the surroundings. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Surrounding mountainous areas attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping sites near Uhud mountains exist for outdoor activities. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex provide parcel delivery services in Medina. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops offer phone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some recreational centers may have facilities; check local gyms. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes are offered at local community centers, especially Arabic. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are limited; study is often done in cafes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community sports centers offer various activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited availability; most gaming is done at home or mobile. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not applicable due to local laws. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,200 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 48,000 SAR). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 800 SAR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 32,000 SAR). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,600 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 96,000 SAR). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200 SAR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 72,000 SAR). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 120,000 SAR). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,000 SAR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 80,000 SAR). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% for non-resident companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% for Saudi entities. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is primarily on corporate income with no personal income tax. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, rules apply for foreign ownership. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax, but municipal fees may apply. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property purchases. |