Assalamualaikum.
After Mount Uhud, we wrapped up our Madinah Ziyarat tour with a final stop at the Aryaf Taiba Date Farm.
This is the Administrative Court in the city of Al-Soura building.
Al Noor Mall.
Arrived at Aryaf Taiba Date Farm.
The Aryaf Taiba Date Farm is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists in Madinah, located approximately 5km from the Prophet's Mosque and very close to Mount Uhud.
The date farm is a serene agricultural retreat known for its premium varieties of dates, cultural heritage, and tranquil atmosphere—making it a popular stop for visitors on Ziyarat tours. It combines traditional farming with modern hospitality, offering both date products and a calming environment for reflection.
📘Key Features & Activities
🔹Location: Situated in Al 'Uyun, Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
🔹Date Shopping & Tasting: Visitors can sample and purchase a variety of authentic Madinah dates, including Ajwa, Mubroom, and Saffi. Reviews highlight that prices are often reasonable, such as Ajwa at approximately 55 SAR per kg.
🔹Dining & Café: The farm features an on-site café, such as Kalita Specialty Coffee, where you can enjoy coffee paired with dates under the date palms making the farm a place where nature, calmness, and craftsmanship meet.
🔹Family-Friendly Amenities: The farm includes a playground for children with activities like bouncy slides and bungee jumping, though some visitor reviews note that these specific activities can be relatively expensive.
🔹Atmosphere: It is frequently described as a peaceful, well-organized green space that provides a cooling break from the city heat. A blend of park-like greenery, desert breeze, and agricultural heritage, creating a peaceful environment for visitors.
The section of the Aryaf Taibah Date Farm (also referred to as Al Tumoor Date Farm) that sells the variety of dates is commonly referred to as the Date Farm Shop or the Dates and Souvenirs Shop, which is located within the farm premises.
📘Key details about this area:
🔹Direct Sales: Visitors can purchase dates directly from the source, often after touring the palm groves.
🔹Available Varieties: The farm offers a wide range of premium Medina dates, including Ajwa, Safawi, Mabroom, Anbar, and Medjool.
🔹On-site Experience: The area includes a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can taste different varieties before buying.
🔹In addition to whole dates, the shop also offers date-related products like chocolates and gift boxes.
At Aryaf Taibah Date Farm, the prices in the official shop are generally fixed, and significant haggling is not the standard practice as it is in open-air souks. However, there are specific circumstances where you can effectively lower your total cost:
🔹Bulk Purchases: If you are buying large quantities (e.g., several kilograms or bulk gift boxes), you can politely ask the staff if a special rate or discount is available.
🔹Promotional Sales: The farm frequently offers official "Sale Prices" on specific varieties, such as Ajwa, Safawi, or Mabroom. During seasons like Ramadan, they often run structured promotions with discounts of up to 20%.
🔹Direct Farm Pricing: Because you are buying directly from the producer without a middleman, the starting prices are often already more competitive than those found in hotel-based shops or high-end retail boutiques.
Shopping Tips for Aryaf Taibah
🔹Payment Method: Be sure to bring cash. Some visitors have noted that the shop may not always have active card machines, and carrying cash can sometimes facilitate a smoother "round-down" if you are a few riyals short on a large order.
Specialty Products:
🔹Ajwa Dates (considered sacred and highly prized)
Anbar, Safawi, Sugaie, Mabroom (Mariami), and Mejdool premium varieties
🔹Taibah Mix – a curated selection of Madinah’s finest dates
Shopping Tips for Aryaf Taibah
🔹Sample Before You Buy: The staff is known for being hospitable; you are encouraged to taste the different varieties—such as the crisp Sugaie or soft Safawi—to ensure the quality meets your expectations before committing to a purchase.
In addition to fresh dates, the Aryaf Taibah Date Farm shop and its brand branches offer a variety of Middle Eastern food products and souvenir items.
📘Food & Health Products
🔹Irresistible Chocolates: Often made with premium dates or nuts, these are popular as gifts.
🔹Honey & Black Seed Oil: Natural health essentials frequently sold alongside their date varieties.
🔹Pistachio Chocolate: A premium treat available in their product lineup.
🔹Date-Related Specialties: Items like Date Paste and Date Honey are often found in the Aryaf Taibah online shop or at the farm.
📘Souvenirs & Gifts
🔹Perfume Madinah: Fragrances like Perfume Ros are available in gift sets or individually.
Sajada (Prayer Mats): The farm offers high-quality Sajada Madinah as part of exclusive gift combos.
🔹Apparel & Bags: You can find branded items like Pouch Bag Madinah.
🔹Keepsakes: Small items like Keychains and Subha Madinah (prayer beads).
The outdoor section of the Aryaf Taibah Date Farm that features date palms, seating, and a small pond is officially referred to by the farm as the Aryaf Taibah Park (or simply "the Park"). Visitors also commonly call this tranquil area the Dates Garden.
📘This relaxation area is designed to offer a "peaceful pause" and includes several specific features:
🔹Kalita Specialty Coffee: A specialty café located directly under the canopy of towering date palms, serving freshly brewed coffee and lattes.
🔹Seating & Atmosphere: The section is known for its traditional cushioned long benches (often arranged as floor-seating or "Jalsah" style) and wooden tables, providing a comfortable spot to enjoy the cool evening breeze.
🔹Mini Palm Garden: A well-maintained garden area located behind the main shop, featuring a small pond and rows of organic date trees.
🔹Dining: In addition to coffee, the park area is a popular spot for trying local dishes like Bakso Unta (camel meatball soup) while surrounded by nature.
From the slopes of Mount Uhud, our journey descended into gentler terrain, where rows of palms swayed in the desert breeze. The Aryaf Taiba Date Farm awaited us—our final stop, a sanctuary where heritage and hospitality intertwined.
The air carried the fragrance of ripening dates, earthy and sweet, mingling with the warmth of freshly brewed Kalita coffee. Each step between the palms felt like walking through a living tapestry: the rustle of fronds overhead, the crunch of soil beneath, and the golden light filtering through the leaves.
Here we learned that the farm is lovingly managed by Malaysian entrepreneur Don Hezry Tamyas and his wife, Liana Muriati Mohammad Ghazali. Their vision transformed this oasis into a bridge between Madinah and Malaysia, where pilgrims could taste Ajwa, Anbar, and Mabroom dates not only as fruit but as symbols of continuity and devotion.
There is another section of the Aryaf Taiba Date Farm that visitors can enjoy. It is located behind the barasti (dried date palm fronds used to make traditional fences) as in below photo.
In the context of Arabian heritage and farms like Aryaf Taibah, the barasti is essential for creating authentic, rustic enclosures and shaded areas.
🔹Barasti: This term refers specifically to the fencing panels or structures made from woven palm fronds. These fences are valued for being sturdy enough to withstand harsh desert winds while remaining breathable to allow breezes to pass through.
At Aryaf Taibah Date Farm, these materials are prominently used in the Park section (Dates Garden) to create a traditional atmosphere, providing the backdrop for the cushioned seating areas and specialty coffee shop.
The following images capture the peaceful, sun-dappled essence of the Aryaf Taibah Park, where the dense canopy of towering date palms creates a natural sanctuary from the desert heat. The atmosphere is one of relaxed hospitality, blending traditional Saudi culture with a modern "garden cafe" feel.
In the open areas, the presence of small kiosks and communal tables suggests a bustling yet gentle hospitality. Whether it's the smell of fresh dates or the brewing of specialty coffee at the nearby Kalita stand, the space feels alive with the shared experience of visitors enjoying the farm’s bounty.
A Natural Canopy
The most striking feature is the ceiling of overlapping green palm fronds. This provides a soft, filtered light that dances across the gravel ground, creating a cool, intimate environment even during the brightest part of the day. The rhythmic spacing of the rugged palm trunks adds a sense of order and structural beauty to the landscape.
Inviting Seating & Warmth
The "secluded" feel is anchored by the traditional Majlis-style seating:
🔹Vibrant Red Cushions: The long benches are outfitted with deep red, patterned upholstery that provides a warm pop of color against the neutral tones of the trunks and gravel.
🔹Arrangement for Conversation: The benches are arranged in a communal square format, which naturally encourages visitors to linger over coffee or tea with friends and family.
🔹Rustic Accents: Hanging lanterns and simple wooden tables enhance the rustic, "farmhouse" charm, signaling a place where time slows down.
The combination of the rustling leaves above, the soft gravel below, and the comfortable, shaded benches creates a truly welcoming retreat that feels miles away from the city's hustle.
We paused to savor the sweetness—Ajwa melting softly on the tongue, its flavor carrying centuries of reverence. Around us, visitors rested in shaded alcoves, sharing stories and laughter, while the palms stood as silent witnesses to faith and heritage.
The Guardian of the Garden
Beneath the shade of ancient palms,
Where pilgrims find their rest,
A little cat of snowy white
Starts out upon her quest.
With ginger spots upon her ears,
She leans across the stone,
To sip the water, cool and clear,
A kingdom all her own.
The world moves on with gentle hum,
The pilgrims come and go,
But she is right where she belongs,
Where love and kindness flow.
She doesn't mind the busy crowd,
Or many a passing hand,
For every pet and soft hello
Is hers to command.
A thirsty pause, a gentle purr,
In Taibah’s golden light,
The luckiest cat in all the farm,
A small and peaceful sight.
Inside the Date Farm Shop, the air hums with energy — pilgrims exchanging smiles as they sample the sweetness of Ajwa and Anbar, their hands filled with boxes that carry the essence of Madinah’s soil. The shop glows with warmth and laughter, a celebration of flavor and heritage.
Yet just beyond its doors, the rhythm softens. The Date Garden awaits — a sanctuary where the same fruits ripen under the whisper of palm leaves. Here, the thrill of purchase gives way to quiet gratitude. Beneath the cool shade, pilgrims rest, feeling the breeze weave through the fronds, realizing that what they tasted moments ago was born from this very earth.
From the thrill of the shop to the peace of the garden, Aryaf Taibah offers both the taste and the origin — a journey from delight to reflection, from the sweetness of commerce to the serenity of creation.
As the Madinah Ziyarat Tour drew to its close, Aryaf Taiba offered more than refreshment. It gave us a gentle reminder: journeys end best when they return us to gratitude, to the soil that nourishes, and to the hands that cultivate with love across lands.
The Path of Remembrance & Renewal
Our journey through the Madinah Ziyarat was more than a tour; it was a passage through the heart of Islamic history. From the sincere foundations of Masjid Quba to the echoing lessons of valor at Mount Uhud, each stop offered a moment of deep introspection. Standing before the Shuhada’ Uhud, we felt the weight of devotion, only to find a gentle, living conclusion at Aryaf Taibah Date Farm. Here, amidst the rustling palms, the stories of the past transitioned into the peaceful rhythms of the present, leaving our hearts full and our spirits renewed.
From Sacred Stones to Shaded Palms
This Ziyarat tour offered a beautiful tapestry of the Prophet’s city—blending the solemnity of sacrifice with the sweetness of Madinah’s soil. We walked the hallowed plains of Uhud and offered salutations to its Shuhada’, feeling the profound legacy of those who came before us. After the spiritual focus of Masjid Quba, the shaded gardens of Aryaf Taibah provided the perfect sanctuary to reflect. In the shift from historic battlefields to the serene canopy of date palms, we found the true essence of Madinah: a city that honors its history while nurturing the soul in peace.
Masjid Quba, the first mosque built upon the Prophet’s arrival, radiates a purity that transcends centuries. Its walls remind us that sincerity is the cornerstone of worship, and every prayer offered here carries the fragrance of beginnings rooted in faith.
A threshold of grace where every footstep feels lighter. To pray here is to touch the very beginning of the Prophet’s journey in Madinah, a place built not just of stone, but of pure sincerity.
In the quiet courtyards of Quba, one feels the humility of the earliest believers. The mosque stands as a living testament that true devotion begins not with grandeur, but with hearts aligned to the Divine.
The morning sun hits the white minarets, a reminder that the simplest acts of devotion—a prayer in this sacred space—carry the weight of an entire pilgrimage.
Mount Uhud rises with solemn dignity, a silent witness to sacrifice and loyalty. Its rugged slopes echo the valor of companions who stood firm, teaching us that resilience is born not in ease, but in trials embraced with trust in God.
The mountain’s presence is more than stone—it is memory carved into the landscape. Uhud whispers lessons of courage and steadfastness, reminding pilgrims that love for the Prophet is a bond stronger than time.
Mount Uhud stands as a silent, crimson witness to a day that tested the hearts of the faithful. Looking at its jagged peaks, one feels the immense weight of history and the unwavering strength of the companions.
More than just a mountain, Uhud is a teacher. It looms over the plains, reminding every traveler that victory and trial are both part of the path, and that steadfastness is the ultimate mountain.
Here, beneath the soil of Uhud, rest the martyrs whose devotion was sealed in blood and faith. Their graves are silent, yet they speak of courage that endures beyond mortality, inspiring hearts to honor sacrifice with gratitude.
The cemetery is not merely a resting place—it is a sanctuary of remembrance. Each grave whispers of lives given for truth, reminding us that martyrdom is not loss, but eternal victory in the sight of God.
A profound silence rests over this hallowed ground. Here, the air feels thick with a devotion that was sealed in sacrifice, a quiet garden where the heroes of history find their eternal rest.
To stand before these simple markers is to feel a humbling sense of gratitude. Their legacy is not found in grand monuments, but in the enduring spirit of the faith they protected.
Among the shade of palms, sweetness ripens into gratitude. The farm’s serenity softens the weight of history, offering pilgrims a taste of hospitality where faith is nourished in the rhythms of daily life.
Here, heritage and simplicity meet in harmony. The date harvest becomes more than sustenance—it is a reminder that blessings are found in the earth, in laughter shared, and in the gentle embrace of community.
From the energetic bustle of the date shop to the cool, rustling shadows of the palms, the farm is where the city’s heritage becomes a living, breathing experience you can taste.
Resting on traditional red cushions with a cup of coffee, the world slows down. Under the "Barasti" shade, you realize that the sweetness of the date is only matched by the peace of the garden that grew it.
From the humble walls of Masjid Quba, the first mosque built upon the foundations of sincerity, to the solemn slopes of Mount Uhud, where valor and sacrifice carved their eternal mark, each step felt like a continuation of the story begun at Badr. At Mount Ainin, the Mount of the Archers, the lessons of vigilance and trust echoed across the stones, while the Shuhada’ Uhud Cemetery whispered of devotion sealed in martyrdom.
And then, as if to soften the gravity of history, the path led to a date farm, where the sweetness of fruit reminded us that faith is not only tested in battle, but nourished in the rhythms of daily life. The fragrance of palms, the taste of harvest, and the laughter of companions became a gentle hymn of gratitude — a reminder that journeys of the spirit are woven from both solemn remembrance and simple joy.
Alhamdulillah.
Heading back to the hotel.
Nothing beats a cup of Karak tea to unwind after a long morning touring Madinah.
Lunch time.
I shared here photos my wife captured at the women's prayer section just before Maghrib time. There were boxes labelled "وجبة إفطار صائم" which translates to "Iftar meal for a fasting person". These boxes contain packs of iftar meals intended for those breaking their fast. They are part of initiatives to provide meals to pilgrims and visitors at Al Masjid an Nabawi in Madina. They are commonly used for organizing and distributing meals efficiently to large crowds during the holy month.
The Iftar Meal Pack typically contain dates, water and yogurt.
Gate 28 is part of the eastern section (specifically gates 23 to 31) commonly designated for women entering Masjid an-Nabawi to access the women's prayer areas. The northeastern and northwestern sections generally provide access to these sections, with specific gates like 21, 25, 29, and 32 often highlighted, along with those in the high-20s.
I noticed many pilgrims pray on the courtyards of the Masjid an-Nabawi instead of inside the mosque itself. Why?
🔹The courtyards are considered part of the holy mosque, meaning the immense reward for prayer in the mosque still applies. Islamic scholars generally state that as long as the prayer rows are connected to the main congregation and the Imam, worshippers in the courtyard receive the same multiplied reward—believed to be 1,000 times greater than prayers elsewhere.
🔹It is often easier for families or groups to find space and stay together in the expansive outdoor areas compared to the packed indoor prayer halls.
🔹The courtyards are often the first accessible spots when arriving from the outer gates during high-traffic times.
🔹Worshippers in the courtyard have direct access to nearby ablution (wudu) areas, restrooms, and Zamzam water stations.
🔹Many pilgrims find the open-air courtyards to be deeply peaceful and reflective, offering a unique spiritual ambiance under the sky, especially during night prayers.
Dinner time.
Just like on our past Umrah trips, we picked up several medium tubs of dates again this time.
We bought the dates at Al-Rawdah Al-Mubarakah Dates shop.
Stepping inside, one is immediately greeted by rows of shelves stacked high with colorful boxes and tins, each carefully arranged to showcase the rich variety of dates and confections. The shop radiates abundance — a marketplace of sweetness where heritage and hospitality meet.
At the forefront, large bowls and trays display dates in pyramid-like arrangements, their glossy skins catching the light and emphasizing their freshness. Neatly packed containers of dates and nuts line the counters, offering both traditional and modern packaging styles that appeal to pilgrims and visitors alike.
Behind the counter, attendants assist customers with warm efficiency, while others browse the offerings, holding containers filled with prized varieties. The air carries a subtle fragrance of dried fruits and roasted nuts, mingling with the lively hum of conversation and the rustle of packaging.
🔹Massive Displays of Dates: The most prominent feature is the conical mounds of various date types, such as Ajwa, Mabroom, and Kalmi, arranged in large bowls on a central counter.
🔹Diverse Product Selection: Beyond loose dates, the shop offers:
- Bottled Goods: Jars of honey, date syrups, and possibly tahini or specialty oils.
- Packaged Sweets: Gift-ready boxes of dates stuffed with nuts or dipped in chocolate.
- Nuts and Seeds: Various assortments of dry-roasted nuts are visible in both bulk and packaged forms.
The overall impression is one of vibrant richness and cultural pride — a shop that not only sells dates but celebrates their role in Madinah’s heritage. It feels both festive and welcoming, a place where pilgrims can take home a taste of the city’s soil and tradition.
Before calling it a night, we took a quick stroll to check out the area around the hotel.
My wife posed on the lane with the Global Food Village as the backdrop.
Posing for a photo with the "I Love Madinah" frame and a scenic backdrop of the mosque's minarets.
We took a walk down the Global Food Village.
This is the Global Food Village (also known as the Madinah Street Food Market), a popular outdoor dining area situated on King Fahd Road, in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It was created to offer a diverse, international, and accessible dining experience for visitors just outside Al Masjid An Nabawi.
📘Key Reasons for Its Creation
🔹Cultural Diversity: It was designed to bring global flavors to one central location, allowing visitors to experience cuisines from around the world without leaving the city.
🔹Support for Small Businesses: The market specifically highlights and supports women-owned small businesses and local entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to reach a high-traffic international audience.
🔹Strategic Tourism Alignment: The project aligns with broader goals to boost Madinah’s tourism and entertainment sectors by creating modern, accessible, and "Instagram-worthy" social spaces for both locals and tourists.
📘Location and Features
🔹Proximity to Haram: The food street is located just outside Gate 333 of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque).
🔹Kiosk Style: It features a row of modern, illuminated kiosks with green arched windows, often set against the backdrop of luxury hotels like the Peninsula Worth Hotel.
🔹Multicultural Cuisine: The market offers a wide variety of international dishes which represents the global Muslim community, including Turkish bagels, Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, and Malaysian food, as well as local favorites like Ajwa dates ice cream and kunafa.
📘Visitor Experience
🔹Atmosphere: It is a vibrant spot for pilgrims and tourists to gather, especially at night or in the early morning hours (e.g., 3:00 AM) for post-prayer snacks or desserts.
🔹Outdoor Culinary Experience: It offers an open-air food court atmosphere on King Fahd Road, enhancing the dining experience near the haram.
🔹Nearby Landmarks: It is within a short walking distance (roughly 200–250 meters) of other major entrances like King Fahd Gate No. 21.
The Global Food Village in Madinah was widely considered a successful venture in terms of cultural impact and popularity, though it faced criticism regarding operational quality and pricing.
📘Successes and Positive Impact
🔹High Popularity and Footfall: The village became a viral attraction for pilgrims and tourists. During its operation, it consistently drew large crowds, with popular stalls often having wait times of 20 to 25 minutes.
🔹Cultural Hub: It successfully served as a "melting pot of cultures," allowing pilgrims to experience global cuisines from over 20 different countries in a single location.
🔹Viral Success: It was a major destination for content creators, frequently appearing in viral travel "must-do" lists for Madinah. Signature items like Ajwa Ice Cream were highly rated by food bloggers.
📘Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its popularity, the venture faced several hurdles that likely influenced its eventual removal in April 2026:
🔹Mixed Quality: While some items (like pizza and ice cream) were hits, other stalls received poor reviews for portion sizes and quality.
🔹High Costs: Some visitors found the prices "overpriced" or "ridiculous" for street food, noting that items were more expensive than those in local malls.
🔹Operational Concerns: In the months leading up to its closure, visitors reported growing concerns about cleanliness and maintenance.
🔹Congestion: Its location near Gate 21/Gate 333 created significant logistical challenges for crowd management during high-traffic religious seasons like Ramadan and Hajj.
Ultimately, while the Global Food Village was a hit for social media and cultural exchange, its status as a temporary structure and its location in a critical pilgrim-movement corridor made it less sustainable as a permanent fixture.
The kiosks at the Global Food Village (Madinah’s international food street) were removed in mid-April 2026 to facilitate preparations for the Hajj 2026 season.
📘Why were they removed?
🔹Hajj Logistics: The area near Gate 21 (King Fahd Gate) is a high-traffic corridor for millions of pilgrims. Removing the kiosks clears essential walking paths to prevent bottlenecks and ensure smooth crowd movement as Hajj arrivals officially began around April 18, 2026.
🔹Maintenance & Cleanliness: Before the peak season, authorities often clear temporary structures for deep cleaning and redevelopment of the Haram's courtyards.
🔹Operational Upgrades: Saudi authorities have been implementing a "no queues exceeding 35 minutes" policy for 2026, which involves removing visual clutter and reorganizing spaces to maximize prayer and movement areas.
📘Will they return?
There is no official confirmation from Madinah authorities or Haramain management regarding whether these specific kiosks will return in their original form.
🔹Possible Relocation: Historically, such areas are sometimes relocated to nearby commercial districts or replaced with more permanent, structured facilities to meet stricter hospitality regulations.
🔹Post-Hajj Reopening: While Umrah services are expected to resume around June 11, 2026, any return of outdoor food markets typically depends on post-season municipal planning and the start of the next cooler season.
To be continued.
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
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