Madina: The Enlightened City review – a fact-filled tour of Islam's second holiest city
There is an antiquated, mildly academic feel to the voiceover, like a BBC documentary from the 1970s. It begins with a brief overview of the prophet's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622AD, marking the start of the Islamic calendar. In the present day, the faces of pilgrims are a window into the significance of this spiritual journey for those with faith – but none are actually interviewed.
The main focus of the film is a tour of the city's landmarks: mostly mosques, but also a gleaming state-of-the-art Qur'an printing facility that produces 8m copies a year. Breathtaking aerial footage shows off the wonders of the sites, including the Prophet's Mosque, which has 250 incredible giant umbrellas that open to create a translucent roof over the courtyard when the temperature goes above 30C.
There is an overly informational quality to some of the film, with the narrator listing details about the car-parking facilities of one mosque and opening times of the reading room in another. But some of these facts are admittedly astounding: it takes a staff of 6,000 to keep the Prophet's Mosque spotless.
Madina: The Enlightened City is at Cardiff Odeon on 4 July, then tours
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Time Out Dubai
12 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
18 visa-on-arrival and visa-free countries that UAE residents can travel to
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Visa-on-arrival destinations for all UAE residents Azerbaijan Candy Cane Mountains Azerbaijan (Credit: Canva) Azerbaijan, straddling Europe and Asia, is like a crazy combo of modern and ancient vibes. Baku, the capital, is all about futuristic buildings next to ancient spots like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Sheki's got some mind-blowing palaces, and the mud volcanoes in Gobustan? Pretty incredible. Plus, the food – plov and kebabs that'll make your taste buds party. Note: You can get a month-long tourist visa-on-arrival at the airport with a UAE residency visa. Georgia You can visit Tbilisi for up to 90 days with a visa-on-arrival for UAE residents (Credit: Canva) Georgia is where the old meets the new, and it's like a mix of beautiful landscapes and warm welcomes. Tbilisi's got those cobblestone streets and an arts scene that's off the charts. Check out Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe for a taste of ancient vibes. Oh, and Georgian grape– it's a must-try. 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One day, you're wandering through Jakarta's towering skyline, the next, you're trekking up a smoking volcano or spotting wild orangutans in the jungle. From serene rice terraces to hidden hilltop villages serving up steaming plates of gado gado (trust us, you'll want seconds), Indonesia is all about contrasts—and that's what makes it unforgettable. Note: Visa-on-arrival with a validity of 30 days is available for the majority of nationalities, but you'll need to check here before you book. Jordan The historic city of Petra in Jordan is just one of the visa-on-arrival you can get to from the UAE (Credit: Canva) From ancient wonders to underwater adventures, Jordan is a land of contrasts that never fails to impress. Petra's legendary ruins? Absolutely breathtaking. The starry skies over Wadi Rum? Pure magic. And let's not forget the Red Sea—Aqaba's coral reefs are a dream for divers. Oh, and if you've ever wanted to float effortlessly in the Dead Sea, this is your chance. 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BBC News
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Newshour Newshour August 12, 2025 3 minutes Available for over a year Amid the devastation in Gaza, remarkable stories of hope and resilience do emerge. Sixteen-year-old Sama Nijm, a gifted violinist from Gaza, is using music to bring comfort and healing to the youngest victims of the conflict. Some of the children have lost their parents, and in some cases, their limbs or arms. BBC Newsday's Charlene Rodrigues spoke to Sama, and began by asking her what inspired her to become a violin teacher in the midst of war.
BBC News
16 hours ago
- BBC News
Madonna urges Pope to visit Gaza 'before it's too late'
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