🚗 The Rush to the Start
I decided to join at the last moment. My colleague and frequent travel partner, Dr. Ijas, drove, and we were joined by another coworker, Pramod. We started at 2:00 PM, already knowing little about the destination other than that it was a green area outside Jeddah.
We arrived at the starting point 45 minutes late, only to find that the other vehicles had already departed. We
immediately set off, following the group's live location. We soon realized we were on a road I had traveled once
before when returning from Usfan. The drive was scenic, with views of camel herds, small farms, and picturesque hills.
Our road eventually narrowed into a two-way track, winding through hills with climbs and bends. It was then that we spotted the name MADRAKAH written on a hillside. We passed through Madrakah Market and finally reached the waiting spot, having traveled about 140 kilometers . Over ten cars and a large crowd were waiting.
⛲ Dhee Ayn: The Spring of Madrakah
Once everyone arrived, the convoy proceeded in single file. We took a small service road, driving past date palm groves until we reached a large parking area where we stopped.
A short walk led us to a set of steps (and a wheelchair ramp) descending into a date palm oasis. At the bottom, we found a beautifully maintained area featuring a small well and a tiny stream flowing from it.
Further on, the landscape opened up into a spectacular rectangular space bordered by a date plantation on one side and a large pool/canal with a mountain backdrop on the other.
We walked into the canal. The sight was reminiscent of home: lush green grass, water, and even frogs.
The History Revealed
As everyone settled down with carpets and snacks, the organizers addressed the group. Mustafa Mash , who led the event, explained the historical significance of the location:
The small well we saw was believed to be the one dug by a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) upon his command, causing the water spring to burst forth. This water was the source that first enabled cultivation in the area. Furthermore, Madrakah holds the distinction of having the first municipality in modern Saudi Arabia where women were granted the right to vote, and a woman became its head.
New members introduced themselves, and the large group, including many families, posed for a grand photo. The atmosphere was lightened by a rousing performance of Mappila songs ( Muttupattu ).
🚶 Through the Palm Groves
The next activity was a walk through the date palm groves. The journey involved crossing small streams by carefully stepping on date palm trunks laid across them—a fun and adventurous trek.
We emerged at another section of the large canal we had seen earlier. The abundance of grass, greenery, rocks, and flowing water transported us to another world. A few adventurous members even climbed to the very top of the nearby hill.
As the sun began to set and the light faded, we walked back through the grove to our starting point.
🌙 A Memorable Farewell
Upon returning, tea and snacks were ready. We enjoyed the final moments, sharing our experiences and leaving with a collection of fresh memories.
The return journey in the dark felt long, but we were filled with the joy of the day. We arrived back at our accommodation around 9:00 PM, thankful for the chance to discover this unique green escape outside the dry landscape of Jeddah.
Ikbal Valiyathodi is the founder of Ishabil.com, a travel blog sharing budget-friendly travel stories, stopover hacks, and real experiences from around the world. He believes travel should be simple, honest, and possible for everyone.
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