Car & Van Hire - Al Madina Al Munawwarah

Al Madina Al Munawwarah, also known as Medina, is known as the City of the Prophet. This is where the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, is buried. Many of the visitors to Medina come for religious reasons, but even if you are not a Muslim, there are plenty of interesting things to see and do around the city. With car hire in Al Madina Al Munawwarah, getting around couldn't be easier.

Start your visit to the city with a trip to the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque. This is the second-largest mosque in the world, originally built by Muhammad himself. It is said that he lived here for some time, and he is buried under the mosque's green dome. This is a working mosque, though it is open to visitors. Non-Muslims may not enter during prayers, and visitors should be respectful at all times. Both men and women will need to cover their shoulders and knees, and women should also cover their hair. To walk on the mosque's carpets, you'll need to take off your shoes.

Another major attraction in Medina is the Dar-Al Madinah Museum. This museum emphasizes the history of Islam, from the initial rise of Muhammad to the present day. It's a fascinating glimpse into one of the world's major religions. The museum also focuses on the role that the city of Medina played in Muhammad's life and the growth of Islam.

For a touch of nature, head out to Mount Uhud, to the north of the city. There are great hiking trails around the mountain, though the extreme temperatures mean you'll need to get up early to enjoy them. As well as providing beautiful views over the surrounding desert, Mount Uhud is a site of historical interest. It was here that Muhammad fought the Battle of Uhud, defending his small Muslim community from persecution. They ultimately lost that battle, which is recounted in the Quran.

Most tourist sites in Medina are focused on Islam, but with car or van hire in Al Madina Al Munawwarah, you can also visit pre-Islamic sites. One of the most interesting is Mada's Saleh, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a rock-carved tomb created by the ancient Nabatean civilisation. The same people also founded Petra in Jordan, and the elaborate rock carvings may remind you of that site. Seeming to rise out of the desert like a grand mirage, Mada's Saleh is definitely worth visiting.

Traffic is only a problem in Medina during one particular time of year: the Hajj. All Hajj pilgrims go to Mecca, but a large number also visit Medina as part of their holy journey. During the Hajj, you can expect significantly more traffic, limited parking, road closures and large numbers of pedestrians. Unless you are coming to Medina for reasons of pilgrimage, you are strongly advised to visit at any other time of year. The date of the Hajj changes according to the Islamic calendar, so pay attention when planning your trip.

When driving in Saudi Arabia, you will need to pay close attention to the speed limits. Unfortunately, these are written using Arabic numerals on road signs. In general, speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 70 km/h on urban freeways and 120 km/h on highways, but this can vary. Learning to recognise basic Arabic numerals is highly recommended! As you drive around Medina, you'll see a huge number of speed cameras and radars. You may also see a far larger traffic police presence than in other countries. Speeding is taken very seriously here, and the fine that you will receive is punitive, so don't break the speed limit.

Another strange feature of driving in Saudi Arabia is the number of speed bumps, which are often unmarked. Drive carefully, and keep an eye out for these unexpected obstacles. You may also experience an unusually large number of police checkpoints, which are commonly found on the outskirts of towns or on highways between cities. You will usually be asked to show your passport and driving licence. Don't panic. These checks are standard in Saudi Arabia.

Medina is a holy city, and drivers should respect this. During the call to prayer, ensure your car radio is turned off. If music can be heard outside your vehicle, you are breaking the law and will be fined.

For a unique driving experience, head to nearby Wadi Al-Jinn Valley. Here, when you park your car in neutral, it will slowly move uphill on its own, even with the engine switched off. Local legends say that this is due to genies in the valley, while scientists maintain that it is the result of magnetism in the hills. Either way, it has become something of an attraction for motorists in the area.