Madinah, the second holiest city in Islam, witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism in 2023, welcoming over 14 million visitors, a 124% increase compared to 2014. This growth is fueled by the city’s religious significance, its strategic development initiatives, and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, positioning Madinah as a thriving cultural and religious hub.
Madinah, the second holiest city in Islam, witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism in 2023, attracting over 14 million visitors, a 124% increase compared to 2014. This growth underscores Madinah’s increasing significance as a religious and cultural hub in Saudi Arabia, fueled by its historic sites, ongoing infrastructure development, and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiatives.
Flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost airline, has announced a new direct flight route connecting Madinah and Bahrain, set to launch on September 10, 2024. This move strengthens the airline’s presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, offering affordable and convenient travel options for both religious tourists and business travelers. The new route will be serviced by Flynas’ modern A320neo aircraft, known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
The Madinah Region Development Authority and the Saudi Tourism Authority have launched the ‘Here is Your Eid’ campaign to encourage visitors and families to spend their Eid Al-Adha holiday in Madinah. The campaign offers special services and discounts on commercial offers from airlines, hospitality units, hotels, and car rental services. Additionally, it provides a variety of exceptional tourism and entertainment options, discounts on historical museums, rural farm visits, and tourist bus services.
An Indonesian national airline’s passenger plane made an emergency landing after one of its engines caught fire shortly after takeoff. The incident occurred on Wednesday when the Garuda Indonesia flight from Makassar to Madinah, Saudi Arabia, was en route with 468 passengers on board. All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated without any injuries. The aircraft was grounded for an investigation into the incident, while passengers were provided accommodation before boarding a replacement flight later that day. This incident marks the latest in a series of challenges for Indonesian airlines.
On Thursday, May 9, 2023, at 2:20 am, the first flight of Haj 2024 departed from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport for Madinah, carrying 285 pilgrims. The Delhi State Haj Committee Chairperson, Kausar Jahan, congratulated the pilgrims and announced that 16,500 pilgrims will embark on the Haj pilgrimage from Delhi this year.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is set to open its latest property, the Four Seasons Hotel Madinah, in late 2024. The new hotel will be located in the heart of Madinah, near the Prophet’s Mosque, one of the most important landmarks in the Islamic world. The hotel will feature 246 guest rooms and suites, several dining venues and lounges, extensive meeting facilities, a fitness center, and a luxurious spa. General Manager Waleed Sobhy will lead the preopening team tasked with bringing the new hotel to fruition.
