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Al Madinah is the capital of the Madinah Province in Saudi Arabia. It’s situated in the west of the country, near the Red Sea. Al Madinah is among the oldest of the world’s cities and one of the most revered. It is the country’s religious and cultural centre. Since the time of Prophet Muhammad, Al Madinah is renowned for influencing other Islamic cities around the world. It is famous for its astounding mosques and modern structures that stand side by side to complement each other. Some of the places that make it famous include the Prophet's Mosque, Qiblatain Mosque, Uhud Mountain and Quba Mosque.
According to the General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia, as of 2017, Al Madinah had a population of 1,183,205. It is considered to be a significant city in Saudi Arabia, housing a diverse population. As per the religious beliefs, the majority of the population in Al Madinah is Muslim. Arabic is the dominant language spoken in the city. Al Madinah is home to many significant mosques and Islamic landmarks, including the Prophet's Mosque which houses Prophet Muhammad's tomb. The city also houses Quba Mosque, the oldest mosque in the world and Qiblatain Mosque known for its unique two mihrabs. The city is surrounded by several mountains like Uhud Mountain, famous for the Battle of Uhud.
The administration of Al Madinah is under the jurisdiction of the Madinah Region. The Governor of the Madinah Region, who is appointed by the King of Saudi Arabia, has the responsibility of overseeing the administration of the city. The city also has a Mayor who is responsible for the local administration. The local government is responsible for services such as local planning, schools, social services, local roads and refuse collection.
Al Madinah's economy is primarily based on service sectors due to its religious significance. The city thrives in commerce and has a vibrant culture steeped in commerce. It has a significant contribution to Saudi Arabia's GDP. The city's economy is also boosted by the annual Hajj pilgrimage and the year-round Umrah pilgrimages which bring in millions of Muslims from around the world.
As part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the government has significant plans for the development of Al Madinah's infrastructure. The city is already well connected with an extensive road network, Al Madinah International Airport, and Haramain High-Speed Railway linking it to Makkah. The government's future plans include further improvements to transportation, digital connectivity, and public utilities to accommodate the growing population and the influx of pilgrims.