Assalamualaikum.
During our time in Madinah, we tried a new way to get around: riding the electric buggies from the Prophet's Mosque to Quba' Mosque. While most people suggest catching them near Ghamamah Mosque, we found a more convenient spot if you’re staying on the northern side. Since we were at Hotel Ritz Al Madina, we used the buggy station at Buddaah Square, which was right on our doorstep.
The Jawlah Trip electric golf cart station at Buddaah Square (also known as Al-Bada' Square) serves as a primary hub for visitors traveling between the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) and Masjid Quba.
📘Location & Logistics
🔹The station at Baddaah Square is strategically located near major hotels like the Madinah Hilton and historical sites such as Masjid Al-Ghamama. Visitors can purchase tickets directly at the designated white kiosks—like the one shown in below image—which are managed by local tour operators like Jawlah Tours.
🔹This kiosk serves as a ticket station for Jawlah Trip, a shuttle service operating electric carts to facilitate travel between locations in Medina, such as the Prophet's Mosque and Quba Avenue.
📘Key Service Details
🔹Service Function: It provides shuttle services for visitors and pilgrims to easily navigate between major landmarks in Medina.
🔹Route: The most popular route is a scenic shuttle trip from the northern or western sides of the Prophet's Mosque courtyard directly to Masjid Quba via the historic Quba Walkway.
🔹Pricing: Tickets generally range from 10 to 20 SAR per person for a one-way trip. Some providers offer child rates (approximately 10 SAR).
🔹Availability: These carts are a popular choice for the elderly, families with children, or those looking to avoid the 45–60 minute walk in the heat.
🔹Operating Style: The shuttles typically operate on a "fill and go" basis, meaning they depart once all seats (usually 6 to 10 per cart) are occupied.
The Quba Walkway, also known as the Path of the Prophet, is a prominent 3 to 3.6-kilometer pedestrian corridor in Madinah that connects Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque) to Masjid Quba.
It follows the historic route that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) traditionally took every Saturday to visit and pray at the first mosque in Islamic history.
As a key component of the city’s development, it serves as a scenic, pedestrian-friendly, and culturally rich route often visited by pilgrims and locals, particularly on Saturdays to follow the Sunnah.
📘Walking Experience & Significance
🔹Historical & Spiritual Value: Known as the "Path of the Prophet," walking this path allows pilgrims to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet, who would visit Masjid to offer prayers Quba either on foot or riding.
🔹Cultural Experience: The walkway provides a direct connection to the early, formative history of Islam, allowing visitors to experience the journey between the two, significant mosques.
🔹Distance & Time: The walk typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes at a relaxed pace. Designed for residents and tourists alike, it serves as an urban, pedestrian-friendly space.
🔹Amiable Environment: The trail is a wide, 200-meter boulevard featuring safe pedestrian paths, palm trees for shade, and ambient lighting for evening strolls.
🔹Infrastructure: As part of the "humanization of cities" program, the path is well-paved and includes comfortable benches, water fountains, and information boards.
📘Activities & Amenities
The walkway has transformed from an old market into a vibrant tourist and social hub:
🔹Quba Walkway Souq: A traditional market where visitors can buy souvenirs, prayer beads, perfumes, abayas, and high-quality dates.
🔹Dining: The path is lined with numerous cafés and restaurants, including popular chains like Al Baik, Kudu, and Hardee’s, as well as traditional Madinah food stalls.
🔹Family Facilities: There are dedicated shaded play areas for children and green spaces like the Quba Walkway Park for picnics.
🔹Active Leisure: Visitors can rent bicycles or electric scooters to travel along the path.
📘Practical Information
🔹Buggy Service: For those who prefer not to walk the entire distance, electric buggies (golf carts) are available for approximately 10 SAR per person.
🔹Best Time to Visit: The early morning (after Fajr) or evening are recommended to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the well-lit atmosphere.
🔹Starting Point: Most visitors begin near the southern side of Masjid an-Nabawi, specifically around Gate 309 or Masjid Ghamama.
A small crowd had gathered at the Jawlah Trip electric cart station. It was clear that, like us, many visitors preferred making the journey to Masjid Quba under the cover of night to take advantage of the more comfortable temperatures over the daytime heat.
The buggy only departs once all seats are filled. Luckily, a group of Malaysian pilgrims and their mutawwif arrived just as we did. My wife and I joined them to fill the remaining spots, making for a quick departure. The fare from Buddaah Square to Masjid Quba is SAR 20 per person.
At first, our buggy glided toward the Prophet’s Mosque. Because it’s electric, the ride was nearly silent, and many pedestrians didn't even notice us approaching. Since the buggy isn't equipped with a horn, our driver would occasionally give a gentle called out to clear a path through the crowd.
Electric buggies operating near Masjid an-Nabawi (and Masjid al-Haram) are forbidden from using horns to maintain a peaceful, solemn, and respectful atmosphere for worshippers. The restriction ensures safety, reduces noise pollution, and prevents disruption to prayers and contemplation in the holy area.
📘Key reasons for the strict prohibition include:
🔹Respect for the Holy Site: The area around the Prophet's Mosque requires calm, and loud noises are seen as inappropriate for the sanctity of the location.
🔹Safety and Order: The pedestrian areas are crowded with pilgrims. Operators, often managed by supervisors, are trained to navigate safely without relying on auditory warnings, using controlled speed instead.
🔹Preventing Panic: Sudden, loud noises in highly congested areas can cause panic or accidents among the elderly and pilgrims.
One interesting—and somewhat concerning—observation is that the buggies operate directly on the pedestrian walkways. While these paths were clearly designed for pilgrims on foot or in wheelchairs, they are now being navigated by vehicles large enough to carry 10 passengers. Although some sections are wide enough for two buggies to pass, other parts of the path feel quite narrow and cramped.
Occasionally, our buggy would cross the street to reach the pedestrian paths winding through the adjacent buildings.
Our buggy also passed the Concorde Dar Al Khair Hotel, where we stayed during our previous Umrah trip.
Along the way, we encountered another buggy heading toward us from the Masjid Ghamamah area, just south of the Prophet's Mosque.
Masjid an-Nabawi.
Passed by Soqaifah Bani Saedah.
At one point, our buggy had to merge into the main traffic. It was a suspenseful experience watching our driver maneuver—quite expertly, I might add—among the cars, taxis, and massive buses. While his driving felt aggressive at first, we soon realized that a bit of 'assertiveness' was necessary to navigate the busy Madinah roads safely.
In the future, we hope to see dedicated lanes for the buggy route between Masjid an-Nabawi and Masjid Quba. Separate lanes would make the journey far less stressful for both pilgrims and drivers, while also significantly shortening the travel time.
It was a relief to be back on the walkway and out of the main traffic. The further we traveled from the city center, the more the crowds thinned out, making for a much calmer ride. The congestion of the city center soon faded behind us, and the walkway became noticeably more spacious.
This is Al Salam Endowment Hospital.
The Al-Salam Endowment Hospital in Madinah is a newly opened (August 2024), 14-floor, state-of-the-art facility near the Prophet’s Mosque, specifically designed to serve pilgrims and visitors. As the first digital endowment hospital in the Kingdom, it handles over 4,000 emergency cases weekly.
As seen in photo below, the hotels in Madinah are built in uniform rows of similar sizes, separated by wide pedestrian walkways and dual-carriageway roads with landscaped medians (mini gardens). What is this specific style of urban planning called?
The city design particularly in the central area surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, is known as a Humanized City or Human-Centred Urbanism.
This modern development, heavily promoted under Saudi Vision 2030, is characterized by large-scale redevelopment projects that prioritize pedestrians, green spaces, and spirituality over vehicles.
This approach is sometimes also referred to as Smart, Sustainable, and Livable urban design within the broader Madinah Region Development Authority (MDA) initiatives.
📘Key Features of this Design
🔹Humanization of Roads: Transforming roads that were once dominated by cars into walkable, safe, and green pedestrian boulevards.
🔹Linear Gardens/Green Corridors: Incorporating gardens in the middle of roads and along walkways to improve the aesthetic and comfort.
🔹Integrated Row Hotels (Rua Al Madinah): The hotels and buildings, especially within the central area, are built in organized rows, often designed to appear in similar sizes and in a unified, modern Islamic architectural style, following specific guidelines to align with the sanctity of the Prophet's Mosque.
🔹Radial & Ring Structure: The city structure often uses a system of ring roads (such as the 1st Ring Road) and radial arteries to manage traffic and disperse pilgrims.
🔹"Quba Road" Walkability: An example of this is the transformation of the walkway linking the Prophet's Mosque and Quba Mosque into a pleasant, walkable, and landscaped corridor.
We noticed that the buggy service isn’t strictly for travel between the two mosques. The buggy service appears to operate as a versatile transport option rather than a fixed-point shuttle. A few passengers hailed the buggy and hopped on or off at specific spots along the route, functioning almost like a shuttle. This is incredibly helpful for pilgrims staying in hotels further away, as well as for the elderly or those with mobility issues who need a bit of help getting around.
Dual-carriageway roads with landscaped medians (mini gardens).
"The Mosque of Our Master Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, is located at one of the sites of Eid prayers during the prophetic era. It was rebuilt in 1254 AH and was renovated during the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may Allah preserve him. It is known as the Mosque of Our Master Umar bin Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, because he performed the Eid prayer at its location during his caliphate."
Passed under the First Ring Road - King Faisal.
Along the way our buggy stopped a several checkpoints.
Based on the provided information, the Jawlah Trip electric buggy checkpoints (specifically for routes like Haram to Masjid Al-Quba in Madinah) primarily serve as designated payment points.Here is what these checkpoints do:
🔹Fare Collection: The golf carts operate by driving a set distance to a specific checkpoint where passengers pay their fare, rather than at the start of the journey.
🔹Restricted Stops: The carts do not stop at shops or for drop-offs along the way. The only exception mentioned is stopping for payment under the bridge, particularly for trips between Haram and Masjid Al-Quba.
🔹Operational Management: They assist in managing the flow of passenger transport in busy areas.
This is a sign for Al Meghislah Old Souq, a traditional market located in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
🔹Location: It is situated on Quba Street (also known as Darb al-Sunna), a historical avenue that connects the Prophet's Mosque and Quba Mosque.
🔹Cultural Experience: The souq is designed to evoke a traditional market atmosphere from the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
🔹Offerings: Visitors can find local shops, cafes serving Arabic coffee, and various culinary delights.
🔹Attractions: The area features architectural elements reminiscent of historic markets and offers activities like camel or horse riding for children and adults.
This square with floor fountains located along the pedestrian walkway between Masjid an-Nabawi and Masjid Quba is commonly known as Ayatul Kursi Square.
📘Key Details About the Location:
🔹Location: It is a tranquil spot along the Quba Walkway (Masar Quba).
🔹Features: The square is known for its serene, interactive floor fountains, often referred to as a "serene fountain" or "water feature" that acts as a gathering spot for pilgrims.
🔹Significance: It serves as a popular resting point for pilgrims, especially during the evening, allowing for reflection.
When taking a buggy (golf cart) ride along the Quba Walkway (Masar Quba), you will pass a variety of commercial hubs that blend traditional heritage with modern convenience.
Types of Shops Along the Route
🔹Traditional Markets & Souks: You will pass areas like the Quba Walkway Souq and the Al-mughaisalah "old market," which offer traditional goods such as:
- Fashion: A wide variety of abayas, scarves, and traditional menswear.
- Gifts & Souvenirs: Prayer beads (tasbih), perfumes (attar), incense (oud), and high-quality dates.
- Accessories: Jewelry, watches, and handbags.
🔹Modern Shopping Centers: The route also features established complexes such as Quba Mall, Al-Qimmah Mall, and the Taybah Complex for a more standard retail experience.
🔹Food and Beverages:
- Fast Food: Popular chains like Al Baik, Kudu, and Hardee's have outlets along or near the walkway.
- Cafes: Numerous cozy coffee shops serve traditional Arabic coffee and local delicacies like shawarma.
- Street Kiosks: Many stalls sell fresh juices, quick snacks, and local sweets like Kunafa.
🔹Viewing vs. Stopping: The buggies typically drive through the walkway to provide scenic views of the shops and historic sites, but they generally do not stop for passengers to disembark and shop mid-route.
Cruising along Quba Avenue, we caught our first glimpse of the majestic Masjid Quba.
AlMustadal Garden.
About Bustan AlMustadal.
Ares Well (Al-khatim).
Details on Ares Well.
The date trees planted near Masjid Quba as part of the recent "King Salman Project to Expand Quba Mosque" serve to honor the site's rich prophetic history and revive the area's original landscape. [1, 2, 3]
The specific reasons for their inclusion in the beautification efforts include:
🔹Restoration of Prophetic Landmarks: The project aims to develop and revive 57 historical sites, including ancient wells, farms, and orchards that were part of the landscape during the Prophet’s ﷺ time.
🔹Symbol of Historical Significance: The area is famously home to the Garden of Salman al-Farsi, where the Prophet ﷺ personally helped plant 300 date palms to secure his companion's freedom from slavery.
🔹Natural Shading and Comfort: As part of the expansion, wide walkways and green open areas are replacing old buildings to provide pilgrims with shaded spaces to rest, reflect, and walk peacefully.
🔹Connection to "The Oasis": Modern landscaping, particularly along the Quba Boulevard, is designed to recall the lush oasis environment upon which Madinah was originally founded.
Info-board about Masjid Quba.
The once location of the noble companion Kulthum bin Al-Hedm's house.
House of the companion Saad bin Khaythamah.
The outdoor area beside Masjid Quba is generally referred to as the Masjid Quba Courtyard or Sahn (Courtyard) of Masjid Quba. This area is designed for overflow, features large, modern retractable umbrellas for shade, and is carpeted to allow for prayer.
🔹Design: These are part of recent expansions designed to accommodate the growing number of visitors to the first mosque built in Islam.
🔹Umbrellas: Similar to the massive, automated sunshades at Masjid An-Nabawi, the umbrellas at Quba protect worshipers from intense sun and heat.
🔹Function: The area allows for comfortable outdoor prayer, especially during busy times such as Hajj and Umrah seasons.
This is Al-Rihba Square.
Al-Rihba Square (also known as Quba Square) is the large, modern pedestrian plaza located directly next to Masjid Quba. It serves as a vital community and visitor hub in Medina, bridging the gap between the historical mosque and the city's modern amenities.
📘Key Features of Al-Rihba Square
🔹The Umbrellas & Prayer Area: The square features large, signature retractable umbrellas that provide shade from the intense Medina sun. The area is carpeted during prayer times to accommodate the overflow of worshippers from Masjid Quba.
🔹Quba Walkway Terminal: It is the southern endpoint of the 3-kilometer Quba Walking Trail (Darb al-Sunnah), which connects the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) to Masjid Quba.
🔹Amenities & Services:
- Dining: The square is lined with numerous cafes and restaurants, including popular spots for traditional Karak Chai.
- Shopping: Visitors can find over 50 diverse stores, boutique shops, and traditional souks selling gifts, perfumes, and local goods.
- Transportation: It features dedicated stations for buggies and taxis that transport visitors along the walkway to the central Haram area.
🔹Cultural Hub: As part of the Madinah Humanization Program, the square hosts daily entertainment programs and seasonal cultural events.
📘Historical & Strategic Importance
The square overlooks several significant historical sites, including the mosques of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography. It was recognized as a top tourist attraction in 2018 for its blend of traditional Madinah heritage and modern accessibility.
After exploring Masjid Quba, we headed back to the Masjid Quba's buggy station. We had been advised earlier to ask the driver for the Syamaliah (North) area, as it was much closer to our hotel. Without specifying this, the buggies typically drop passengers off at Ghamamah Mosque on the south side, which would have been a very long walk for us to our hotel. The fare was the same as our trip out—SAR 20 per person.
This is Top Center Madinah (also known as Al-Qima Mall Top Center), a well-known, large commercial complex in Medina that caters to family needs with a focus on affordable shopping.
This is Quba Fort (قلعة قباء), constructed between 1915 and 1918 by order of Fakhri Pasha as a strategic military outpost designed to monitor and protect Medina’s southern borders. Located approximately 1,500 meters from Masjid Quba, this compact stronghold covers roughly 206 square meters and rises across four levels. Its defensive design is highlighted by its numerous vantage points, featuring 7 to 11 windows on every side of each floor. The castle is currently undergoing rehabilitation as part of a larger project to develop historical sites in Medina and prepare them for visitors.
A quick thumbs-up with our friendly buggy driver! This ride saved us a long walk and made the trip between Masjid Quba and the Haram so much easier.
As usual, I ended the day by 'washing away' the fatigue with a warm, frothy cup of aromatic Teh Tarik. It was the perfect quiet moment to look back through my photos with a deep sense of fondness and gratitude.
To be continued.
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
No photograph or videos may be reproduced, downloaded, copied, stored, manipulated, or used whole or in part of a derivative work, without written permission from Syed Amran. All rights reserved.
