ABU DHABI- Etihad Airways (EY) has resumed direct flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Medina (MED), reinforcing its network in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and expanding travel options for religious, business, and leisure passengers.
The new route connects the UAE’s capital with one of Islam’s most revered cities, supporting growing demand from global travellers heading to the Kingdom’s sacred destinations throughout the year.
Etihad Resumes Flights to Medina
Medina (MED) is the latest addition to Etihad’s operations in Saudi Arabia, solidifying the UAE’s national carrier as a leading facilitator of travel to and from the Kingdom.
With this launch, Etihad now operates 93 flights per week across five Saudi cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al Qassim, and Medina. The airline operates four daily flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, and three weekly services to Al Qassim.
According to Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, the introduction of Medina reflects Etihad’s dedication to expanding connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia — one of its most vital markets.
He highlighted that Medina’s deep cultural and spiritual heritage makes it a significant destination for millions of travellers each year.
The launch of Medina reflects our commitment to strengthening connectivity from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia, one of our most important markets. Medina carries profound cultural and spiritual significance for millions of people, and we are honoured to provide convenient travel through Abu Dhabi to this culturally and spiritually important city. With this new route, we look forward to supporting religious travel and providing guests with greater access, choice and convenience through our home in Abu Dhabi.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways
Etihad will initially operate five weekly flights to Medina using its Airbus A321 aircraft, with frequency increasing to six flights later this year. The service offers passengers a smooth travel experience, featuring Etihad’s signature hospitality across Business and Economy cabins.
Flight Schedule
| Flight No. | Departure | Time | Arrival | Time | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EY631 | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 08:55 | Medina (MED) | 10:50 | Tue, Thu, Sat | A321 |
| EY632 | Medina (MED) | 15:40 | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 18:55 | Tue, Thu, Sat | A321 |
| EY633 | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 14:30 | Medina (MED) | 16:25 | Wed, Fri | A321 |
| EY634 | Medina (MED) | 20:25 | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 00:10 | Wed, Fri | A321 |
Enhancing Religious and Cultural Travel
Medina welcomes millions of visitors annually for religious and cultural experiences. The city’s historic mosques, traditional souks, and tranquil atmosphere attract both pilgrims and cultural tourists. With direct flights from Abu Dhabi, visitors gain easier access to these spiritually significant landmarks.
Passengers connecting through Etihad’s global network can also benefit from the airline’s complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover program, offering two free nights at select hotels.
Abu Dhabi (AUH) provides a unique mix of modern attractions and rich heritage, from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi to Yas Island’s entertainment hubs and Saadiyat Island’s pristine beaches.
The strategic positioning of Abu Dhabi enables seamless onward connections from Medina to destinations across Asia, Australia, and Europe, enhancing Etihad’s role as a global connector for religious and leisure travel.
The Medina service forms part of Etihad’s broader expansion plan, which includes 31 new destinations in a single year. Recent network additions include Medan (Sumatra), Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Tunis.
This growth highlights Etihad’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and offering more travel options across key markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Medina Travel Guide
Known as Islam’s second holiest city after Mecca, Medina has recently become accessible to those eager to learn about Islamic culture and history firsthand.
With modern transport links and growing tourism infrastructure, reaching Medina from cities like Jeddah (JED) or Riyadh (RUH) is easy. This guide covers how to get there, what to expect, and the best places to explore while respecting the city’s cultural and religious traditions.
Exploring Medina Beyond Pilgrimage
Medina, home to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque), remains a deeply spiritual city. While the mosque itself is still closed to non-Muslims, the rest of Medina offers much to discover. The city’s opening to international visitors has allowed travelers to experience a living center of faith, tradition, and hospitality.
Getting around is straightforward. The Haramain High-Speed Train connects Jeddah (JED) and Medina (MED) in about two hours, while frequent flights from Riyadh (RUH) take just one hour. Local mobility is easy with Uber, Careem, and an efficient city bus system linking key attractions, the airport, and the train station.
For accommodation, visitors can find a wide range of hotels, from budget stays to mid-range options. Staying a little farther from the mosque area can be more economical without compromising comfort.
Visiting Rules and Cultural Etiquette
Although Medina now welcomes non-Muslim visitors, access restrictions remain in place for certain sites. The Prophet’s Mosque and Quba Mosque are reserved for Muslims only. Visitors can still appreciate these landmarks from outside, observing their grandeur and the reverence they inspire.
Officials may check visas to confirm whether a visitor’s purpose is religious or touristic. However, the city maintains a welcoming environment, and respectful curiosity is met with kindness. When in doubt about entry permissions, it’s best to ask police officers rather than locals, as many residents may not be fully informed of the new tourism policies.
Dress modestly. Men can wear jeans or traditional Saudi thobes, while women should wear an abaya. Covering the head is not strictly enforced for tourists, but is recommended for cultural sensitivity.
Best Things to Do in Medina
Despite the restricted access to certain religious areas, Medina offers several sites worth exploring:
- Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque): Non-Muslims cannot enter, but viewing it from the surrounding streets at sunset is unforgettable.
- Quba Mosque: The first mosque in Islam, significant in Islamic history. While entry is limited, it’s an essential stop for understanding the city’s roots.
- Jannat al-Baqi: A historical cemetery home to many companions and family members of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Quba Road: A pedestrian-friendly area connecting the Prophet’s Mosque to Quba Mosque, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants.
- Quba Castle and Historic Oasis Farm: Ideal for short visits and scenic photos.
- Mount Uhud: Offers panoramic views and historical significance as the site of the Battle of Uhud.
For an organized experience, the Medina Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is a practical way to explore key attractions for around €20 a day.
Medina offers cultural depth and hospitality, but is not a leisure destination. It’s a city best appreciated for its religious significance and unique atmosphere. A short visit of one or two days is ideal for understanding its spirit without overstaying in a place centered on worship.
Saudi Arabia continues to open up, and future projects include Islamic museums that will give non-Muslims more opportunities to learn about the region’s faith and history.
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