Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali): the Miqat for Madinah Pilgrims
ميقات ذو الحليفة (آبار علي) لأهل المدينة
If you travel from Madinah to Makkah for Umrah, you enter Ihram at Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali). Here is where it is, what to do, and how a taxi can stop there.
Pilgrims travelling from Madinah to Makkah for Umrah enter Ihram at Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali), about 11 km from Masjid an-Nabawi. A taxi to Makkah can stop there so you change into Ihram and pray before continuing.
- Miqat
- Dhul Hulaifah
- Also called
- Abyar Ali
- From Madinah
- ~11 km
- To Makkah
- ~430 km
Key Insights
- 1
What it is: Dhul Hulaifah, also known as Abyar Ali, is the Miqat for people travelling from Madinah towards Makkah. It is the furthest Miqat from Makkah.
- 2
Where it is: about 11 km south of Masjid an-Nabawi, on the road towards Makkah — a short drive from the central Madinah hotels.
- 3
What to do there: there is a large mosque at the Miqat with facilities to change and pray. Make your intention (niyyah) for Umrah and enter Ihram before you continue past the Miqat.
- 4
By taxi: on a Madinah to Makkah transfer, tell your driver in advance and they will stop at Dhul Hulaifah so you can prepare Ihram and pray two rak'ahs before the long drive to Makkah.
- 5
Ihram essentials: wear the two white seamless garments (men), avoid perfume and cutting hair or nails once in Ihram, and keep a clean backup set.
- 6
After the Miqat: continue to Makkah (~430 km, ~4–5 hours) with prayer and rest stops, then proceed to Masjid al-Haram for Tawaf and Sa'i.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do pilgrims from Madinah enter Ihram?
At Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali), about 11 km from Masjid an-Nabawi on the road to Makkah. It is the designated Miqat for those travelling from Madinah.
Can a taxi stop at Dhul Hulaifah on the way to Makkah?
Yes. On a Madinah to Makkah transfer, tell your driver in advance and they will stop at the Miqat mosque so you can change into Ihram and pray before continuing.
How far is Dhul Hulaifah from Madinah?
Dhul Hulaifah (Abyar Ali) is about 11 km from Masjid an-Nabawi — a short drive on the route towards Makkah.
Ready to plan your journey?
Book your fixed-price, premium transfer with Taxi Saudi Arabia and enjoy a stress-free travel experience across the Kingdom.
Book a Transfer